Bauchi Stands Still as VP Shettima, Dignitaries Grace Wedding, Turbaning Ceremony
By Abdulwahab Muhammad,Bauchi
Bauchi town was aglow with celebration and cultural pageantry as it played host to a grand event that brought together top dignitaries from across the country. The occasion was twofold: the wedding Fatiha of Khadijatu Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, daughter of former Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, and the turbaning of the former governor as the First Makama Babba of the Bauchi Emirate.
The event, held at the palace of the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Dr. Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu, was presided over by the Chief Imam of Bauchi, Alhaji Bala Ahmad. It drew high-profile attendees including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Coordinating Minister of Health Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, Governors of Bauchi and Gombe States, as well as several other prominent personalities from across the nation.
At the wedding Fatiha, Vice President Shettima represented the bride, while Yusuf Yakubu Wanka, the Chigarin Bauchi, stood in for the groom, Sadiq Mohammed Wanka. The groom fulfilled the traditional requirement by paying a dowry of N300,000.
Immediately following the wedding rites, the Emir of Bauchi conferred the traditional title of First Makama Babba on the former governor. He was adorned in a symbolic black Alkyabba and turbaned in accordance with royal customs. The former governor later mounted a beautifully decorated horse and paraded through the streets of Bauchi metropolis, receiving warm cheers from the people.
Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima landed at Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, where he was received by Bauchi State Deputy Governor Senator Bala Mohammed and Gombe State Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya.
The Emir's palace was filled to capacity as more dignitaries arrived, including former Bauchi Governor Ahmadu Mu’azu, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, other ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from all walks of life.
In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed expressed deep appreciation to all the dignitaries who graced the twin ceremonies. He congratulated the former governor on his new traditional title, describing it as a well-earned recognition for his contributions to the growth and development of Bauchi State.
The event was a blend of tradition, celebration, and unity, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Bauchi and the respect accorded to its leaders and institutions.
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