The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai-El-Kanemi, has announced plans to confer the traditional title of Zannan Borno on Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to development.
The disclosure was made when the monarch received members of the Kebbi State Governor’s Media Team at his palace.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Zuru, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
According to Zuru, the Shehu said the decision to honour Idris followed his assessment of the governor’s performance and his relationship with traditional and religious institutions since assuming office.
The monarch, who is also Deputy National Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Traditional Rulers’ Council, said the planned turbaning would be organised as a major national event, with the date to be announced later.
He said the ceremony was expected to attract political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, technocrats, labour leaders and other prominent personalities from within and outside the country.
The Shehu praised Idris for what he described as a broad-based approach to governance, particularly in the areas of socio-economic development, infrastructure, security and engagement with traditional institutions.
He also commended the governor for maintaining cordial relations with religious leaders and public officials across different levels of government.
According to the monarch, the governor’s style of leadership has helped to strengthen cooperation between government institutions, traditional authorities and other stakeholders.
He further noted that the Kebbi administration had recorded progress in improving the welfare of residents and addressing security challenges in the state.
“It is on the basis of the governor’s exceptional leadership and the successful execution of impactful developmental projects, policies and programmes that we resolved to confer on him the prestigious traditional title of Zannan Borno,” the Shehu said.
The monarch also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers in Kebbi State, including the Emir of Gwandu, Muhammadu Ilyasu-Bashar; Emir of Argungu, Samaila Muhammad-Mera; Emir of Yauri, Dr Zayyanu Abdullahi; and Emir of Zuru, Muhammad Sanusi.
He said their support for the governor and involvement in the activities of the Northern Nigeria Traditional Rulers’ Council had contributed to stronger cooperation between government and traditional institutions.
Earlier, Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, who led the delegation, said the visit was aimed at paying homage to the Shehu and seeking his blessings.
Ahmed-BK said the delegation was also on a nationwide engagement with major media organisations and key stakeholders to highlight the achievements of the Idris administration over the past three years.
He added that the team would continue to use the advocacy tour to present the state government’s programmes and development initiatives to a wider national audience.
