The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has commended the Keffi Emirate Council for preserving and projecting its rich cultural heritage through publications.
The Sultan, who is the President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made the commendation on Wednesday at the launch of a book titled “History of Keffi Emirate from 1708 to the present”.
The book, which chronicles the history of Keffi, was launched in commemoration of the 7th anniversary of the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo-Yamusa III, in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The traditional leader applauded the Emirate Council for preserving its rich culture through the writing and publication of a book.
According to him, the book carefully details the history of the Emirate Council from its inception to date.
Abubakar said: “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 we need to appreciate the Emir of Keffi for finding time to see that this book comes to light.”
He also lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for reintroducing history into the curriculum of Nigerian schools and the use of local languages at the basic education level.
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi described Keffi as a town which had also produced some eminent Nigerians who, according to him, had contributed immensely to the development of the town and the country at large.
“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, it’s a welcome development.
“I will launch a couple of copies and I will make sure that all of the state-owned higher institutions in Kogi have copies so that we can know about our history,” Bello said.
In his remarks, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Abdullahi Adamu said the book would help readers to explore the relationship between the Council and other Emirates in the Northern region.
Adamu, who is also the ‘Turakin Keffi’, described the book as a landmark achievement that would present facts about Keffi Emirate Council.
“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,” Adamu said.
In his address, Chindo-Yamusa III, expressed gratitude to all those who invaluably contributed to the content and publication of the book.
According to him, the book, launched to mark his 7th year anniversary, aims to put in the public domain, detailed historical facts about Keffi Emirate Council.
He said the book was written by 21 Doctorate degree holders and professors and edited by three other professors.
“They carefully carried out a detailed research and put to print a detailed account of the true history of Keffi Emirate Council,” Chindo-Yamusa III said.
In an interview,. Alhaji Ahmed Wadada, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Yakin Keffi, also eulogised Keffi Emirate Council for the epoch publication.
Wadada, who is the Social Democratic Party Senatorial Candidate for Nasarawa West, said, ” any people who do not know their history have lost their identity.
“If you don’t know your history, you wouldn’t know where you are coming from and where you are going; so that’s the significance and importance of the book.
“In addition to the book launch, the Keffi Polo Ranch decided to organise 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.
“So, for everything that brings joy and fulfilment to the people of Keffi, Polo has to be part of it.”
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 which recorded four goals.
The News Agency of Nigera (NAN) reports that other dignitaries, including the deputy governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe; Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamalli and Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (Rtd), among others, attended the book launch and Polo tournament.
