By; FUNMI OROYE ADERINTO, Kaduna
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday said Kaduna city is a pride which has nurtured the growth of Sir Ahmadu Bello a great leader in the northern Nigeria which other states emulate.
The President was represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Honourable Musa Bello at the centenary celebration of Kaduna held at Murtala Square, in Kaduna.
He congratulated the Governor of the state, Malam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai and the entire people on the significance of 100 years Durbar celebration which took place in the state.
He commended the state government who laid good legacy for the young generation to continue the celebration in the nearest future.
Meanwhile, Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai of Kaduna State said “we celebrate Kaduna @ 100 not because there are no flaws, we celebrate because the people of Kaduna are resilient and there is a future in the state. We celebrate because the promise of Kaduna endures and we celebrate because we know we can be better “ .
The Governor said, the significance of Kaduna city in the political, cultural, social and economic landscapes of Nigerian nation cannot be over emphasised, hence the need to celebrate the uniqueness of the ancient city at 100.
He said, Kaduna remains the guiding city supported by the traditional rulers, it is a city that is occupied by different ethnic group as well as friends and neighbours living peacefuul.
He explained that, Kaduna city has a rich history of commercial and business activities and it has remained one of Nigeria’s major business hubs.
According to him, the state government has planned a law to guide and protect the property and lives of its citizens and also to manage the expansion of the state.
He stated that, the centenary celebration of Kaduna is the biggest Durbar in Nigeria and Kaduna city is making history in Nigeria because we expected to see nothing less than 7,000 horses to celebrate the 2017 Durbar celebration and the royal guards are set and horses are all pumped up and ready.
He disclosed that, the Emir of Zazzau, Dr. Shehu Idris is the only Emir present here, who led a Durbar in 1977 and to also lead the 2017 Durbar Celebration.
He commended the Chairman Northern Governors Forum, Governor Kashim Shettima and traditional rulers who have made the day colourful.
In a remark, Chairman Northern Governors Forum, Governor Kashim Shettima said the event is once in a life time, and should be celebrated in a colourful way.
He commended the northern Governors and traditional rulers from other parts of the country for their prayers and development of the country and also making the occasion a huge success.