Former head of state, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Friday joined top dignitaries at the conferment of traditional titles on two prominent sons of Kano.

The two hourarees are former Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Umar Dikko retired,  and former National President of Nigerian Bar Association NBA, and Senior Advocate Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud.

The colourful ceremony, held at the Emir’s palace in Kano, attracted an array of political leaders, traditional rulers, legal luminaries and other distinguished guests.

Retired Air Marshal Dikko was conferred with the title of Sarkin Fulanin Ja’idanawa Kano while the legal luminary AB Mahmoud was decorated with the traditional title of Garkuwa Kano.

Earlier, Emir of Kano, Khalifah Mohammad Sanusi II reminded the new Ja’idanawa Kano that he was considered for the prestigious traditional title owning to his distinguished service in the Nigerian Air Force, where he (Dikko) rose through the ranks to become the Chief of the Air Staff.

Emir Sanusi who further traced the historical background of the title revealed that the title was passed down to Dikko through his late father.

“We recognize your immense contributions to Kano State, particularly your role in upgrading the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kano and in establishing the Nigerian Air Force Secondary School in Kwa, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area.

“We have equally considered your wealth of knowledge and experience in security, leadership, and national service, as well as your contributions toward the development of the Nigerian Air Force.

“As you know, your late father, Alhaji Umaru Babura, the former Sarkin Fulanin Ja’idanawa, served both the Kano Emirate and Nigeria with distinction, beginning from his tenure as a Minister during the First Republic.

“History also bears witness to the close relationship he enjoyed with the late Emir of Kano Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi I. We pray that Allah grants us the privilege of continuing to honour the friends of the Khalifa and their descendants throughout our lifetime”. Sanusi added.

The emir therefore charge AVM to uphold the noble legacy of service established by his father for the benefit of the people and the Dambazawa family of Kano.

He urged to continue using his knowledge, experience, and leadership for the advancement of this Emirate and Kano State as a whole.

Also speaking, Emir Sanusi asserted that the new Garkuwa Kano was conferred with the traditional title in recognition of AB Mahmoud’s outstanding contributions to the legal profession. The Emir added that the unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights, and support to those in need on numerous occasions attracted his selection for the title.

“We have taken into account your distinguished service to Kano State as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, your leadership as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and your standing as one of Northern Nigeria’s most accomplished legal professionals who has brought honour and distinction to Kano.

“We also commend your invaluable support in defending the interests of this Emirate at various critical moments. As the title itself implies, Garkuwa, signifies protection-the defence of the dignity, lives, and property of the people.

“We have seen these noble qualities reflected in your steadfast commitment to justice, truth, and fairness throughout your legal career. Whenever this Emirate faced injustice or oppression, you were always among the first to stand firmly in defence of our rights and dignity. This is a service we shall never forget”. The emir praised.

Sanusi urged the new Garkuwa to remain steadfast in defending truth and justice while continuing to make meaningful contributions that will further enhance the reputation and progress of Kano and its people.