By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO—Gwadabawa, Sokoto State: In a ceremony highlighting the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s security architecture, the Sarkin Gobir Gwadabawa, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Lawal Zayyana, has turbaned the Special Adviser to the Governor of Sokoto State on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), as the Sadaukin Gwadabawa.

The turbaning ceremony, held at the palace of the Sarkin Gobir Gwadabawa over the weekend, attracted a wide array of dignitaries from across the country. Attendees included traditional rulers, serving and retired senior military officers, heads of security agencies, lawmakers, political appointees and community leaders, underscoring the national significance of the occasion.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Interior, Hon. Isa Muhammad Tambagarka, expressed gratitude to the people of Gwadabawa District for honouring what he described as one of their illustrious sons. He explained that the Governor was unavoidably absent due to pressing official engagements.

The Governor urged the newly installed title holder and others honoured at the event to regard the recognition as a call to higher service, stressing the importance of sustained commitment to peace, unity and development at the grassroots, state and national levels.

In his address, the Sarkin Gobir Gwadabawa said the conferment of the traditional title was based on merit, integrity, proven leadership capacity and a record of selfless service to society. He described Colonel Usman as a worthy ambassador of the district.

The monarch advised the new Sadauki to remain consultative, fair and people-oriented in his conduct, noting that traditional titles carry moral authority and responsibility beyond personal honour.

The Chairman of Gwadabawa Local Government Council lauded Colonel Usman as a grassroots-focused leader who has consistently supported community development initiatives, particularly in youth and women empowerment, while responding proactively to security concerns in the area.

Speaking on behalf of Special Advisers in the state, the Chairman of the SAs Forum, Hon. Sanusi Tukur Faru, noted that the title of Sadauki is traditionally reserved for individuals known for courage, loyalty and service, adding that the honour reflected Colonel Usman’s long-standing dedication to public duty.

The Majority Leader of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Bello Idris Gwadabawa, described the honouree as disciplined, resilient and deeply committed to responsibility—qualities he said are indispensable in Nigeria’s current security landscape.

Similarly, the Emir of Kaura Namoda, Dr. Sanusi Mohammad, recalled his professional association with Colonel Usman in the Nigerian Army, where he said the officer distinguished himself through hard work and discipline, and prayed for divine guidance in his new role.

In his acceptance speech, Colonel Ahmed Usman expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah, the Sarkin Gobir Gwadabawa and the people of the district for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to uphold the values of the title through renewed commitment to service.

He assured that he would continue to work for the peace, progress and development of Gwadabawa District, Sokoto State and Nigeria at large, while soliciting prayers, counsel and support to enable him to discharge the responsibility effectively.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included representatives of the APC leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Chiso Dattijo; serving and retired senior military officers; district heads from Kware and Isa; members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly; and other prominent personalities from within and outside the state.