Bayero, father of modern Nigeria – Sambo

Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has said that the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, is one of the pillars of Nigerian Nationhood.
Sambo stated this on Saturday in Kano, at the Durbar to mark the 50th Annniversary of the Emir on the throne, which held at the Kofar Kudu (Emirs Palace), Kano.
Sambo extended the felicitations of President Goodluck Jonathan and the good people of Nigeria to the Royal Father, praying Almighty Allah for long life, good health and prosperity for the Emir.
He acknowledged the role the Emir of Kano had been playing in the development and modernization of not only the emirate but also the state and the country as a whole.
He said: “Alhaji Ado Bayero is one of the most respected oases in Nigeria, a nation builder and one of the pillars of Nigerian Nationhood.
“In the most difficult and turbulent moment of our history, he has always served as stabilizing force, always offering words of hope and wisdom.
“He is, without doubt, one of the greatest patriots of our time; with an unquestionable commitment to unity and stability of Nigeria.”
Sambo described Kano under the reign of Alhaji Ado Bayero as prosperous and as one of the greatest cities of African, whose prosperity has continued to soar, in the areas of commerce and Islamic and western education.
Sambo said the Durbar was a historic and a colorful display of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage which shows the respect the emirate attaches to “our customs and our noble traditional values.”
“The event we are witnessing today is indeed historic and calls for celebration and expressions of gratitude to Almighty Allah for the long life granted our great monarch under whose leadership Kano emirate has undergone rapid socio-economic transformations,” he added.
Vice President Sambo seized the opportunity to call on all Nigerians to be their brothers keeper and respect the rule of law, reiterating that without an atmosphere of peace and tranquility meaningful development could not be archived.
In his remarks the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the monarch long life and good health.
Kwankwaso also lauded the leadership qualities of the emir and called on the people of Kano and beyond to continue to offer prayers for peace and harmony in Nigeria.
He appreciated the invaluable advice and wise counsel of the Emir.
Speaking, the 83-year-old celebrant thanked Almighty Allah for his life and prayed Almighty Allah for continued support, guidance, peace and harmony.
He used the occasion to call on the people to be supportive of their leaders and live in harmony with each other.
He charged those holding the affairs of government in trust of the people to be selfless in their service.
Highlights of the event was presentation to the Emir by Vice President Sambo a congratulatory letter from President Goodluck Jonathan.
The. occasion also witnessed procession by colorful horsemen in their rich regalia from all the districts that made the Emirate.
Alhaji Ado Bayero is the 13th Fulani ruler of the Emirate.
He ascended the throne on June 15, 1963.
The event was graced by several notable personalities, including former heads of state, serving governors, royal fathers and others both within and outside Nigeria.