By Bomba Dauda
(Kaduna , North West Nigeria) The governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has elevated His Royal Highness (HRH), Sa Gnagyi, Dr. Danjuma Barde to a first-class chief.
In a press statement signed and issued to the press by the Spoke Person to the governor, Samaila Aruwan, Gov. El-rufai, said: “HRH Dr. Barde deserves this exceptional recognition for his role in promoting peace.”
Adding that, “The decision to upgrade the Chikun Chiefdom to first-class status follows a recommendation to that effect by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs. The ministry, in a proposal signed by the commissioner Prof. Kabir Mato, noted HRH Dr. Barde’s contribution to peace and his active role as a bridge-builder among the ethnic groups in the chiefdom, a fact the government recently acknowledged in a letter of commendation to the chief.
“Prof. Mato also drew attention to the fact that much of HRH Dr. Barde’s chiefdom is within Kaduna metropolis, noting that the chief has been able to promote integration among the diverse population of the chiefdom, which covers the entire Chikun local government area of the state. The ministry therefore recommended that he be elevated, to recognise his efforts, and to encourage people who make peace and harmony a priority.
“The name of the chiefdom was recently changed from Gbagyi to Chikun chiefdom to reflect government policy that anchors the authority of traditional leaders on territory, not tribe. This is to ensure that the traditional rulers include and command the allegiance of every group within the territory, rather than just the people with whom the ruler shares a common ethnicity.
“HRH Dr. Barde holds a degree in Education and has worked as a teacher and chief education officer. He is also a former member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.”
