ZAIRA: All roads lead to Zaria, Kaduna State, today as former Vice President Namadi Sambo is officially turbaned as the Sardaunan Zazzau by the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
The grand ceremony, holding at the Emir’s Palace in Zaria, is expected to draw dignitaries from across Nigeria, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and prominent sons and daughters of the North, as the former Vice President receives one of the most prestigious traditional titles in the Zazzau Emirate.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already extended warm felicitations to the former Vice President ahead of today’s ceremony, describing the honour as well-deserved and deeply symbolic of Sambo’s decades of selfless service to Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that the title of Sardaunan Zazzau reflects the Emirate’s confidence in Sambo’s integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to humanity and public service.
The title of Sardaunan Zazzau, a position of great cultural and historical significance in Northern Nigeria, reflects the Emirate’s confidence in the former Vice President’s wisdom, integrity, and commitment to the progress of society, President Tinubu said.
He lauded Sambo’s record of humility and statesmanship, describing the recognition as “a testament to his distinguished leadership and dedication to national unity and development.
President Tinubu also commended the Emir of Zazzau for sustaining the noble tradition of honouring individuals whose lives exemplify patriotism, moral strength, and community service.
I urge the new Sardaunan Zazzau to continue inspiring the younger generation and to work closely with traditional and community leaders in advancing peace, unity, and progress in our country, he added.
A highly respected architect and politician, Arc. Namadi Sambo served as Vice President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Before then, he was the Governor of Kaduna State, where he was known for his focus on education, infrastructure, and social development.
The Sardauna title, which historically signifies leadership, wisdom, and guardianship, is one of the most revered honours in the Zazzau Emirate. It symbolizes responsibility and moral authority values that Sambo has embodied throughout his public career.
Today’s ceremony is expected to be a colourful display of Northern tradition and unity, as friends, family, and political associates converge on Zaria to celebrate a man many describe as a bridge-builder and a symbol of humility in leadership.
