By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief, North-Central, in Minna)
The Emir of Kontagora in Niger state, Alhaji Saidu Namaska (Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora) is dead. The late First Class Emir died on Thursday at the age of 84. He spent 47 years on the throne.
Late Saidu Namaska who until his death at an Abuja Hospital after a protracted illness was the Vice-Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers had ascended Kontagora throne in 1974 as the 6th Sarkin Sudan, Kontagora.
Meanwhile, Niger state government, in a condolence message, has expressed grief over the demise of the Monarch, describing the deceased as ‘one of the longest serving Emir during his life time’.
A statement from the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, has expressed grief and sadness over the death, describing the deceased as a peace maker and bridge builder amongst the diverse ethnic nationalities in the state.
“The death of Sarkin Sudan is not a loss to Niger state alone but to Nigeria. The state has indeed lost one of its longest-reigning Monarchs whose contributions to the peaceful co-existence of his subjects and unity among Nigerians cannot be forgotten in years to come.
“Late Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora was a bridge-builder who reached across ethnic, cultural, and religious divides to promote peaceful co-existence and unity not only in his domain but the entire state”, the statement signed by, Lawal Tanko (Information Officer) SSG’s office.
According to the statement, “Late Namaska contributed to the development of Kontagora Emirate and the entire state. His life on earth was very eventful and his achievements in all spheres of life left indelible marks on the people of his domain, Nigerlites and Nigerians”.
While praying that the Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive the deceased his shortcomings, remember his good works, grant his soul eternal rest, the statement pray that Allah gives his immediate family and the people of Kontagora emirate the strength to bear the loss.
Alhaji Saidu Namaska was born in Kontagora on December 31, 1937. He began his educational carrier at Kontagora Elementary School between 1945 and 1950 and in 1950, entered the famous Bida middle school which he completed successfully in 1953.
Upon completion of his secondary education, the young prince began his working carrier with the then Native Authority in 1954 as a Forest Guard.
In 1957, late Alhaji Saidu Namaska was promoted to the post of District Scribe and later appointed as an area Court President in 1968 and posted to Salka and in 1971 was transferred to Mahuta, in Zuru District, in the present day Kebbi state. NNL.
