Recognition of a Leader in Community Engagement
Dr. Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement for the North Central region, has been honored with a prestigious chieftaincy title by the Nku Chiefdom in the Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. This recognition is a testament to her significant contributions in addressing critical issues such as kidnapping and banditry within the community.
The title of “Pioneer Tauraruwa (The Star) of Nku Chiefdom” was conferred upon her during a vibrant ceremony held on Friday. The event was presided over by the Chim Nku (1), His Royal Highness, Amb Habila Adamu Aboki. This honor acknowledges Dr. Essiet’s dedication to national development and her impactful work in fostering community engagement.
At the ceremony, HRH Aboki highlighted Dr. Essiet’s unwavering commitment to peace and inclusivity, along with her numerous empowerment initiatives. He emphasized that her efforts have brought renewed hope to communities across the North Central region. Through her interventions, military checkpoints were established within the chiefdom, significantly strengthening the local security network. This has led to a drastic decline in incidents of kidnapping and other criminal activities, restoring peace and stability in the area.
HRH Aboki shared personal experiences of insecurity that had plagued the community for years. He recounted how his mother was attacked while on her sickbed, and his father, a village head, was kidnapped. However, since the establishment of the military checkpoint, the people of the chiefdom have felt safe enough to sleep with their two eyes closed.
The traditional ruler also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Dr. Essiet to his administration, noting her positive impact on the lives of many in the North Central region. He praised the federal government for establishing the North Central Development Commission with its headquarters in Lafia, highlighting it as a bold step towards accelerating development in the region.
In addition, HRH Aboki expressed gratitude to Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for his cooperation with security agencies. This collaboration has contributed to strengthening the country’s security architecture and reducing crimes across the 13 local government areas of the state. He acknowledged the governor’s efforts in various projects, including road rehabilitation, the construction of a modern state secretariat, and the development of underpasses and flyovers in key urban centers.
Dr. Essiet, upon accepting the title of Tauraruwa (The Star) of Nku Chiefdom, expressed her gratitude to HRH Amb. Habila Adamu Aboki, the people of the community, Mada nation, Akwanga LGA, and Nasarawa State at large. She pledged to continue working closely with stakeholders and communities across the North Central region to bring about necessary changes and the dividends of democracy aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
She emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda reflects a clear vision of inclusive growth, national unity, and sustainable progress. It underscores the president’s commitment to ensuring that no community or citizen is left behind in Nigeria’s journey towards prosperity. Since assuming office, the president has implemented several social and economic interventions aimed at empowering citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
These initiatives include the establishment of consumer credit cooperation, skill-up assistance programs, students’ financial support, and NELFUND, among others. Dr. Essiet also expressed her commitment to upholding the values and traditions of the noble chiefdom.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, commended the Nku Chiefdom for conferring the chieftaincy title on Dr. Essiet. He acknowledged her contributions to the growth and development of the North Central region, emphasizing that she is now a shining star of the chiefdom, Nasarawa State, and the North Central.
The chieftaincy conferral ceremony attracted a host of dignitaries, including Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, the Executive Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Council and ALGON Chairman, Nasarawa State. Several top government officials, traditional leaders, and business tycoons were present, celebrating the achievements of a woman whose work has positively impacted countless lives in the North Central region and Nigeria at large.
The event showcased the vibrant culture of the Nku Chiefdom, with traditional music and dance adding to the festive atmosphere. Attendees included the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), an ex-governor of the state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, and former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu. Additionally, the paramount ruler of the Mada ethnic group (Chun Mada), HRH Samson Gamu Yare II, graced the occasion, among many others.