By Olukayode Babalola/Salisu Sani-Idris
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Wednesday commended the Keffi Emirate Council for the preservation and projection of its rich cultural heritage through publication.
Abubakar, who is the President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made the commendation at a Book Launch on the History of Keffi and the 7th Anniversary of the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo-Yamusa III held in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa State.
The traditional leader, who described Keffi as an emirate council with a very rich culture, applauded the emirate for preserving it rich culture through the writing and publication of a book titled “History of Keffi Emirate from 1708 to the present.”
According to Sultan, the book carefully details the history of the emirate council since it’s inception till date.
“We must know our history. We must know our history before we know who we are and plan who we want to be. So publishing this book is pivotal to preserving the history and culture of Keffi emirate council.
” It is a very important book and something we need to appreciate the Emir of Keffi for finding time to see that this book comes to light,” he said.
The Sultan also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for reintroducing history into the curriculum of Nigerian schools and also introducing the use of local languages to tutor Nigerian pupils in the language they will understand.
Also, Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State described Keffi as a town with a very rich culture and history which has also produced some eminent Nigerians whom, according to him, have contributed to the development of the town and country.
“I am not old enough to witness much but I have read so much about Keffi. So for the Emir of Keffi and his Emirate council to make available a more detailed book about the history of Keffi is a welcome development.
“I will launch a couple of copies and I will make sure that all of the state owned high institutions in Kogi state have copies so that we can know about our history,” he said.
In a remark, the National Chairman, All Progressives Congress ( APC), Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, said the launching of the book detailing the history of Keffi was a landmark achievement that aims to present facts about Keffi Emirate council.
Adamu who is also the ‘Turakin Keffi’ explained further that the book would helps readers to explore the relationship between Keffi Emirate council and other emirates in the northern region.
“We have in the past relied on oral history from generation to generation. The big difference with this book launch is that it is authoritative and there are very important references to other publications. You will find it very enriching,” he said.
In his address, Dr Shehu Chindo-Yamusa III, Emir of Keffi expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the content and publication of the book.
He added that the book which was launched to mark his 7th year anniversary, aimed to put out to the public detailed historical facts about Keffi Emirate council.
Chindo-Yamusa III revealed that the book was written by 21 Doctorate degree holders and professors and edited by three other professors who carefully carried out a detailed research and put to print detailed account of the true history of Keffi Emirate council.
In an interview, Alhaji Ahmed Wadada, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Yakin Keffi, also eulogised Keffi Emirate council for the publication of the book, saying that nothing was more important than history.
Wadada, who is the Social Democratic Party Senatorial Candidate for Nasarawa West said any people that do not know their history have lost their identity, adding that history was key.
” If you don’t know your history, you wouldn’t know where you are coming from and where you are going to. So that’s the significance and importance of the book,” he said.
” In addition to the book launch, the Keffi Polo Ranch decided to organised a special tournament to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the reign of the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo-Yamusa III.
“I feel Polo should be part of the commemoration because Keffi is now synonymous with Polo. Keffi is on the map of Polo nationally and internationally.
” And so for everything that brings joy and fulfilment to the people of Keffi, Polo has to be part of it,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the end of the special Polo tournament, Team Maloney scored five goals to beat Team Zanga who recorded four goals.
NAN also reports that several other dignitaries including the deputy governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (Rtd) among others attended the book launch and the Polo tournament. (NAN)