His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, presented the official Staff of Office to His Royal Highness, Sani Ahmadu Ribadu, as the new Emir of Fufore.
The ceremony took place on the 5th of February 2025 at the Atiku Abubakar Stadium in Fufore Local Government Area.
Governor Fintiri, in his speech, highlighted the importance of the event, emphasizing that the creation of the Fufore Emirate and the appointment of the new Emir are steps towards fostering unity and bringing governance closer to the people.
He noted that the move to create more Emirates and Chiefdoms reflects the government’s commitment to reinforcing the traditional institution.
“We are embarking on a journey that would foster unity, bind our people together, and create the right reach for governance in areas where it has been seemingly difficult to reach,” Governor Fintiri stated. He also underscored the role of traditional institutions in resolving conflicts and bringing justice closer to the people.
Fintiri further emphasized the reforms introduced under the Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law 2024, designed to modernize and dignify traditional institutions while ensuring a smooth, peaceful ascension process to the throne. “This law is intended to reposition our traditional institution for maximum performance as an integral part of governance structure in the 21st century,” he said.
He also addressed the importance of ensuring that leaders are chosen from the areas they serve, stating, “The era of home districts, when District Heads are posted to districts where they are more or less strangers to rule, is over.”
The Governor extended his congratulations to the people of Fufore for their new Emirate, urging them to support their new Emir and work together to build the Emirate. “The government has done its bit by yielding positively to your demand for the creation of this Emirate. The onus is on you to build it,” Fintiri emphasized.
Addressing the newly-installed Emir, Fintiri congratulated His Royal Highness and called on him to lead with justice, fairness, and wisdom in line with the state’s development goals. “You must be a unifying force and lead in strengthening social cohesion among your people,” Fintiri advised.
The Governor concluded the ceremony by formally presenting the Royal Staff of Office to His Royal Highness Alhaji Sani Ribadu, marking the official start of his reign as the Emir of Fufore Emirate.
In his closing remarks, Fintiri assured the people of Adamawa State that his government had fulfilled its campaign promises, positioning the state on a path to development that would benefit future generations.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Adamawa state, I have the honour and privilege under God Almighty to formally present a Royal Staff of Office to His Royal Highness Alhaji Sani Ribadu,” he said. “This is a symbol and mandate of authority for him to reign henceforth as the Emir of Fufore Emirate in Adamawa State.”