All roads lead to Shabu the cradle of history and gate way to Lafia the Nasarawa State capital as the paramount Ruler of the Area HRH Alh Mahmood Umar Bako Bwallah II celebrate his 20th anniversary on the throne on Saturday 21st December 2024.
As his subjects and we'll wishers roll out the drum to mark this milestone, we always remember one of His Royal Highness's timely statement,
"Our world can be happier, healthier and more peaceful, and that we can create that better society through our service".
Indeed, we will be marking 20 years of selfless service to the good people of Shabu chiefdom, Nasarawa state and indeed, entire humanity.
As part of activities marking the celebration, series of programmes have begun with special prayers in Masjids and churches, followed by traditional royal tours, cultural dances and quiz competition to spice up the historic event, while the grand finale is billed for Saturday 21st December 2024 at Sangarin Shabu palace.
HRH Alh Mahmood Umar Bako Bwallah II ascended the throne of his ancestors as the 20th Sangarin Shabu on 4th December 2004. He succeeded his late father the 19th Sangari of Shabu, Alh Umar Bako Bwallah who ruled for 38 years from 1965 to 2003.
Born in to the Royal family of the 19th Sangarin Shabu, late Alh Umar Bako Bwallah and Hajiya Ngasatu, daughter of the late 9th Makongijin Lafia Mamu, son of Bawo a royalist and warrior from Shabu who migrated to Lafia in the early part of the 18th century, HRH Alh Mahmood Umar Bako Bwallah II, no doubt upon his ascension to the throne for two decades now , has shown great leadership qualities worthy of emulation.
His commitment to the people of Shabu is a testament to his character and dedication.
Sangari Mahmuda as fondly, called has consistently demonstrated a strong willingness to listen, to learn and to adapt as a leader who wants to succeed. These qualities have earned him the respect and admiration of his people and his peers.
As a leader, he is not afraid to take bold action to change the narrative and to push for positive change for the socioeconomic development of Shabu chiefdom.
His reign has unarguably brought peace, harmony and remarkable developments to the chiefdom.
His dogged commitment to peace, growth and development of Shabu earned him the appelation, Architect of Modern Shabu. He has shown an uncanny commitmentto upholding and preserving the rich cultural values and traditions of his people to blend perfectly with modernization.
Reflectively, Shabu was founded in 1502 AD by Abu Abaji a descendant of Abagayawa in Gaya- Kano state. The people of the town are predominantly Gwandara and are known to be peaceful, hardworking and hospitable. These virtues were further strengthened by Sangari Mahmud.
Today, Shabu is no longer home for Gwandara people alone as it has attracted people from the proverbial far and near, making the community and indeed the chiefdom, a mini Nigeria. It has continued to serve as an abode for other tribes such as Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Bare-bari, Alago, Idoma , Egbira, Eggon , Rindre, Koro, Tiv and Nupe, among others.
For two decades Sangari Mahmuda has proven himself to be a full royal blood with humility, calmness and focus on delivering exceptional leadership to his people. He has brought his expertise as a seasoned Banker, to bear in reactivating the spirit of community participation and development amongst the people which gave birth to the resuscitation of Shabu Development Association (SDA), Shabu Youth Movement, Shabu Student Association as as well the formation of Shabu workers Forum, Elders Forum and other Political/Pressure Groups.
All of these groups strive ceaselessly to provide programs and policies that will foster development peace , unity, security and progress of Shabu chiefdom, bearing in mind that united we stand and divided we fall.
The 20th Sangari's reign has also brought tremendous achievements in education particularly girl child education, youth development, health, agriculture and infrastructure development. It has also led to improved active participation in politics by Shabu youth which transform the status of Shabu from semi urban to urban centre with all the necessary social amenities such as electricity, pipe born water,ultra modern primary health care centres, primary, secondary schools and tertiary institutions, good network of roads with streets naming and solar lights, recreational centers, Court , Security outfits and tourists side.
All these were achieved through intense lobbying and effective collaboration with government at all levels and other development partners.
As an exemplary leader, Sangarin Shabu often led his people to observe monthly sanitation to ensure cleanliness and a healthy environment, embarking on communal activities such as repairs and maintenance of roads , bridges and culverts as a way of complementing government development efforts.
Undoubtedly the name Shabu has become so prominent due to the outstanding and an all inclusive leadership qualities of HRH, Bwallah II who demonstrated great passion and resilience for development. He was able to navigate between culture and civilization thereby promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Gwandara people of Shabu chiefdom which glamorously manifested in the architectural design of his palace which depicts tradition and modernity.
Knowing the importance of peace and security as necessary ingredients for achieving meaningful development of any society, the first class traditional ruler introduced peace and security meeting held weakly, monthly and quarterly. This has no doubt gone along way to attracting accelerated development to Shabu.
Unfortunately these developments have come with their own challenges as the peace of Shabu is under threat occasioned by the recent activities of kidnappers with a record of 21 victims in 2024.
Nevertheless as a leader, Sangarin Shabu has not left any stone unturned by taking bold steps in collaboration with relevant authorities including night patrol by Sangari Mahmuda , Shabu youth and vegilante, to nib the menace in the bud.
These efforts have yielded positive results as the situation is gradually coming to an end not withstanding more hands must be on deck in order to address the deadly act amicably.
Also worthy of note are the Sangarin Shabu's immense contributions to peace and development of Nasarawa State and the nation at large as the active member of Nasarawa State council of Chiefs and a recipient of many peace Ambassador Awards from different Associations nation wide.
As the Sangarin Shabu Alh Bwallah II celebrates his 20th anniversary on the throne, his courage, charisma and conviction will continue to be an inspiration to his people and the younger generations.
Long live the king and may your shadow never be less.
--Shu'aibu Madaki is a Broadcaster with Nasarawa State Broadcasting Service NBS and Head of Media unit Liaison Office Abuja.
