RismadarVoice Reporters
June 22, 2026
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the importance of traditional institutions in promoting national cohesion, peace and development, describing the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, as a model of exemplary leadership and service.
Shettima stated this on Monday during the 70th Birthday and Valedictory Celebration of the 16th Emir of Lafia in Nasarawa State, where he praised the monarch’s contributions to justice, peacebuilding and community development.
The Vice President said Nigeria’s quest for sustainable peace and progress depends largely on leaders who prioritise justice, unity and public service above personal interests.
According to him, the Emir’s transition from the nation’s judiciary to the traditional institution demonstrates the value of principled and people-oriented leadership.
“Long before the people of Lafia welcomed him to the throne of his ancestors, this remarkable son of the soil had already inscribed his name into the records of our national life,” Shettima said.
He noted that the Emir distinguished himself as a respected jurist at the Supreme Court before ascending the throne and has continued to demonstrate fairness, wisdom and integrity in the discharge of his traditional responsibilities.
The Vice President particularly commended the monarch’s role as Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, saying his leadership has strengthened harmony among diverse ethnic and religious groups across the state.
He described traditional rulers as vital partners in nation-building, noting that their influence remains crucial in promoting peaceful coexistence and national stability.
“He has shown that traditional authority, when exercised with wisdom, remains among the most powerful instruments of national cohesion that we possess,” the Vice President stated.
Shettima further stressed that Nigeria’s future would be brighter if communities across the country were blessed with leaders committed to service, peace and development.
He also emphasised that the administration of President Bola Tinubu recognises the strategic role of traditional institutions in governance and national renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the visit, the Vice President commissioned the Maimatasa-Gemeri-Federal University Road in Lafia and another five-kilometre road named Kashim Shettima Road, which leads to the Emir’s palace.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State said the newly commissioned roads would improve security, facilitate economic activities and enhance access to the Federal University, Lafia.
The Governor described the Emir as a humble and contented leader whose reign has brought peace and progress to the emirate.
Also speaking, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, congratulated the Emir on his milestone birthday and prayed for continued good health and wisdom for the royal father.
In his remarks, the Emir of Lafia explained that a hall named after Vice President Shettima was established in recognition of the longstanding historical relationship between the Lafia Emirate and the Borno Empire.
