By Marcus Ikechukwu
The Emir of Daura in Katsina State, Alhaji Umar Faruq has written off critics over the conferment of Dan Amana Daura title, meaning (the trusted son of Daura) on the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.
According to Alhaji Faruq, who performed the turbaning on the Minister, on Saturday, the Kano-Daura-Katsina rail line which would terminate at Maradi, in The Niger Republic; and the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, both of which have direct impact in the state, earned Amaechi the recognition by the Daura Emirate.
While speaking further at the well attended event which had the likes of Governor Aminu Masari, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi: and a former Chief of Army Staff, who is also Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt.General Tukur Buratai (retd.), and the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, gracing it, Faruq said the emirate does not confer titles on individuals for financial reasons but based on merit and services rendered by such persons to the Daura Emirate and Nigerians in general.
“The Kano-Daura-Katsina rail line which will terminate at Maradi (The Niger Republic) and the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, would bring us benefits in the education of our youths, create employment for our teeming youths and socio-economic development of our community and that of Nigeria.It is because of all these that we are honouring him with the title,” the monarch stated.
Recall that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had while outlining some of the achievements of the Buhari administration in 2021 noted that the Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of the $1.959bn Kano-Maradi standard gauge line with the Portugues firm, Mota-Engil Group.
He had explained that the project was part of the government’s ongoing initiative to provide inter-modal means of transportation across the country and enhance trade between Nigeria and some African countries.
Mohammed had equally stated that upon completion, the standard gauge line would promote the import and export of goods from Niger Republic and other countries in the sub-region through Nigerian ports.
In a related development, Amaechi had also confirmed that the Federal Government was in the process of finalising negotiations with Standard Chartered Bank for a loan to fund rail projects in Nigeria.
“Daura Emirate does not confer titles on people because of money. The emirate considers the services rendered to humanity by whoever he wants to honour,” he emphasised.
He, however, urged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for the President, Muhammadu Buhari, whom he said deserved the support and prayers of every Nigerian.
The royal father who spoke in Hausa added, “My speech is not complete without showing gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari.”
“I call on all Nigerians to continue their support and prayers for the President as he navigates our great country through numerous challenges. We pray for Allah’s guidance and protection for him as he pilots our country towards economic revitalisation, progress and development.”