Agbaja Traditional Council Confers Traditional Maadaki Title on Kogi Assembly Speaker
– Speaker Promises to work with NASS members to improve rural infrastructure, especially road
15th December, 2023
The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Aliyu Umar Yusuf has been conferred with the Chieftaincy title of the Maadaki of Agbaja Kingdom, by the Area’s Traditional Council.
This is contained in a press statement signed and made available to journalists by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Yabagi Mohammed, said the conferment took place on Friday, 15th December, 2023.
Speaking on why he accepted the title, the speaker said as a harbinger of the cultural heritage of his place of origin, he understands the significance of taking one, noting that it would also serve as a motivator, even though he does not need anything to remind him of the needs of his people and his desire to do his best to ensure they enjoy dividends of democracy.
He noted that as a forebear of notable individuals with traditional titles and honours, he is happy with the conferment and pledged to justify it by redoubling his efforts towards attracting development across Lokoja Local Government and the state in general.
The speaker promised to work more closely with the members of the National Assembly from Kogi State, especially his colleague at the Federal House of Representatives for Lokoja/Kogi (Kotonkarfe) Constituency, Hon Danladi Suleiman Aguye and the senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi and others in both state National Executives to ensure the road project for Agbaja Land and other parts of the area were constructed.
To him, improved rural infrastructure was capable of improving the economy of the state and the country at large, noting that the desire of both Kogi State government and the administration of President Bola Tinubu was to see development reach the grassroots.
Earlier while performing the conferment on Friday at his palace, the Maasi of Agbaja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Isah Alugbere said it was meant to inspire the speaker to continue with his humane, people-centered and development – oriented posture that has attracted many to him.
He said the traditional title, which was borne by a former speaker of the Assembly who also demonstrated passion for the development of the area did not come as a surprise because Rt Hon Umar has shown that he is in politics for the people and to address the development challenges being faced by rural dwellers.
Incidentally, the member representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency at the House Representatives, Hon Danladi Aguye was also honored with the Chieftaincy title of the Maaji of Agbaja in recognition of his leadership ability.
The ceremony was graced by important dignitaries, including political, business and traditional personalities from within and outside Kogi State.