Past, current Principals of GSS, Mallam Idris Bin, Mrs Rita Musa, 26 others receive traditional titles in Gegu - Egba Kingdom

The traditional Kingdom of Gegu – Egba in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State, has, in what can be described as the reward of teachers and other public spirited individuals on earth, conferred traditional titles on some eminent persons who have diligently and selflessly served the area in various capacities.

Among the recipients is the immediate past Principal of the only government secondary school in the area, the UBE Science Secondary School and his successor and only female recipient of the titles, Mrs Rita Musu.

Turbanning the new traditional title holders, the traditional ruler and Nyiwo of Gegu – Egba, Mallam Adamu Yakubu said the recipients were carefully selected in view of their track record of contributing positively to development in the community.

His address which was read by Coach Abdullahi Shuaibu added that there was need for people to live peacefully with one another, stressing that the community was known for its peaceful disposition, noting that no development can take place without unity of purpose and direction.

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon Ibrahim Danladi Usman expressed confidence in the ability of the title recipients to justify their nomination and confirmation by continuously working round the clock for the development of the area.

He charged them to have the fear of God in their hearts, saying that leadership was about trust which means a responsibility they must bear proudly but with the fear of the Almighty God.

While Mallam Hassan Bin Idris was conferred with the title of Magatakarda (record keeper or secretary), Mrs Ruth Musu bagged the title of the Jakadiya (Ambassador or representative).

Reacting to the title, the state Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr Abubakar Bashir Muhammed congratulated the recipients and enjoined them to see it as a call to rededicate themselves to the service of the area.

He called on them to use their positions to foster peace among the people, saying that the administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello cherishes unity and cohesion among its citizens.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Water Resources, Hon Shehu Bin Ebaiya Tijani also lauded the recipients, adding that it was well deserved.

Other speakers also applauded the decision to confer the titles on the recipients, adding that it was a call service and that the new chieftaincy holders would justify the positions.

Highlights of the occasion include formal turbanning of the traditional rulers, musical entertainment from some local artists, the mandatory payment of traditional homage by the ruling houses in the area.

The event was attended by the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Engr Abubakar Bashir Muhammed; the Senior Special Assistants to the State Governor on Water Resources and Security, Hon Shehu Bin Ebaiya Tijani and Hon Abdulkarim Isah (Ecomog); and the Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Prof Shaibu Ibrahim.