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Tag: Emir of Borgu

  • Family of late Emir of Borgu renews calls for justice over use of family land

    Family of late Emir of Borgu renews calls for justice over use of family land

    The family of the late Haliru Dantoro, Emir of Borgu, has renewed their appeal to the federal government to intervene in what they describe as a prolonged case of land exploitation by Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited.

    The family of the Late Haliru Dantoro, Emir of Borgu, is calling on relevant government agencies, security authorities, and concerned individuals to urgently intervene in addressing the maltreatment and lack of regard for human rights exhibited by Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited.

    The disputed land, located in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, has been used as a quarry site for a federal road rehabilitation project since 2019 without the family’s consent, according to the statement issued by the family.

    The road project, a 79-kilometre stretch between New Bussa and Kaiama, was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. However, the family claims that Gilmor Engineering began quarrying and extracting minerals on their property without any prior consultation or agreement, thereby ignoring their rights as landowners.

    Repeated efforts to engage Gilmor Engineering in dialogue over the years, the family states, have reportedly been met with silence as the family alleges that the company has shown “blatant disregard for due process, lawful conduct, and the rights of our family,” causing them significant emotional and economic distress.

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    The family also highlighted the economic impact of the situation, noting that the unauthorized occupation of the land has prevented them from pursuing other lucrative business opportunities. Potential investors interested in using the land have reportedly been deterred by Gilmor’s continued presence, resulting in substantial financial losses for the family.

    In their appeal, the family called on the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ministry of Lands, the Niger State Government, and security agencies to intervene in the matter. They also appealed to the friends and associates of the late Emir to support their quest for justice and fairness.

    Efforts to reach Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

  • Family of late Emir of Borgu appeals for government intervention in land dispute

    Family of late Emir of Borgu appeals for government intervention in land dispute

    The family of the late Haliru Dantoro, Emir of Borgu, has renewed their call for federal government intervention in what they describe as a prolonged case of land exploitation by Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited.

    The family is urging relevant government agencies, security authorities, and concerned individuals to take immediate action to address the mistreatment and violation of human rights by the company.

    The disputed land, located in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, has been used as a quarry site for a federal road rehabilitation project since 2019, without the family’s consent, according to a statement issued by the family.

    The road project, a 79-kilometre stretch between New Bussa and Kaiama, was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. 

    However, the family claims that Gilmor Engineering began quarrying and extracting minerals on their property without any prior consultation or agreement, thereby ignoring their rights as landowners.

    Repeated efforts to engage Gilmor Engineering in dialogue over the years, the family states, have reportedly been met with silence as the family alleges that the company has shown “blatant disregard for due process, lawful conduct, and the rights of our family,” causing them significant emotional and economic distress.

    “The unjust and unauthorized exploitation has caused us significant distress, and we believe no organization should act as though they are above the laws of Nigeria,” the family stated in their appeal.

    The family also highlighted the economic impact of the situation, noting that the unauthorized occupation of the land has prevented them from pursuing other lucrative business opportunities. 

    Potential investors interested in using the land have reportedly been deterred by Gilmor’s continued presence, resulting in substantial financial losses for the family.

    In their appeal, the family called on the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ministry of Lands, the Niger State government, and security agencies to intervene in the matter. 

    They also appealed to the friends and associates of the late Emir to support their quest for justice and fairness.

    “This troubling situation must be addressed swiftly to uphold the principles of law and equity,” they said.

    It would be recalled that some months ago, a member of the family had raised concerns over the exploitation and use of the family land for quarrying and mineral extraction by Gilmore Engineering. 

    The family said that they were dismayed over the poor response the call had received, which prompted them to issue the statement.

    Efforts to reach Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

  • New Emir of Borgu pledges to reclaim town’s lost glories

    New Emir of Borgu pledges to reclaim town’s lost glories

    •Weeps at coronation

    The 17th Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro IV, has pledged his commitment towards reclaiming, refining and rebranding the glories of the historical past and cultural riches of the Borgu Kingdom.

    He also pledged to make Borgu Kingdom a hub of mining and world class tourism in the nation.

    The newly coronated Emir wept profusely, while reminiscing on the last moments of his late father, as he made his speech after he was presented with his Staff of office by the Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.

    At the coronation held at Sabuke Square in New Bussa, Dantoro stressed his determination to uphold a just and peaceful society and resolved to empower the people to take up their manifest role side by side other Nigerians in propelling the country to the greatest heights.

    “This is a journey to communal progress, placing high premium on unity, self sacrifice, consensus and resoluteness. Every coronation is essentially a relay that heralds a new leadership to whom the keys to the past and present are entrusted with a view to leading the collective struggle to a desired future.”

    Dantoro commended all the princes who contested the throne with him for rallying around him upon his selection by the kingmakers.

    In his address, the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello congratulated the people of the emirate for the selection of Alhaji Dantoro as the 17th Emir of the Kingdom.

    He urged the Emir to keep the existing peace of the nation and explore all avenues to bring the desired change to the emirate, especially in revitalising the abandoned tourism and mineral resources.”

    The governor called on traditional rulers to give maximum support to the government at all levels.

    President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Minister of FCT, Mohammed Musa Bello, and the Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Abubakar Bawa Bwari, while the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was represented by Senator Buhari from Oyo state.

    100 traditional rulers across the country including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Kano, HRH Mohammed Sanusi, Emir of Dadare, Emir of Bornu, as well as governors of Sokoto, Kebbi, Kwara and Oyo states were present at the occasion.

  • Saraki, Mark mourn Emir of Borgu

    Saraki, Mark mourn Emir of Borgu

    •Ahmed, Aregbesola commiserate with monarch’s family

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday expressed grief at the death of the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III.

    He described the late emir as a people-oriented monarch, who fought for the interest of his people.

    In a statement by his media office in Abuja, Saraki said the late emir was a “quintessential traditional ruler,” who lived for the benefit of his people and the development of the country.

    Saraki said: “It saddens me that such a vibrant and devoted leader could be snatched from us so suddenly. We are, however, consoled that he lived a worthy, progressive and eventful life.

    “His death is a great loss, not only to the traditional institution, the people of Borgu and Niger State, but to Nigeria.”

    Former Senate President David Mark expressed shock and sadness at the demise of the emir.

    In a condolence message to the government and people of Niger State, Mark said the death of the emir was a personal loss.

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed commiserated with the Borgu Emirate Council and the government and people of Niger State on the death of the emir.

    In a condolence message, the governor described the late monarch as a consummate politician, a statesman of note, a technocrat par excellence and a monarch with a Midas Touch, who impacted on lives far beyond his immediate domain.

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola condoled with the family of the late emir.

    The governor described the late monarch as a detribalised Nigerian, who served the nation and his kingdom meritoriously.

    A statement by the Director of Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, quoted the governor as describing the death of the emir and one-time senator and minister of the Nigeria as a monumental loss to the country.

     

  • Buhari, Tinubu arrive Emir of Borgu’s palace

    President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu arrived the late Emir of Borgu’s palace on Sunday at 2:12 p.m.

    The late Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III (Mai Borgu), who was a former Minister and ex-senator died on Friday in a German hospital at the age of 77.

    Tinubu, who is the Jagaban of Borgu, joined other well-meaning Nigerians to bid the late Emir farewell.

  • Tinubu mourns Emir of Borgu

    Tinubu mourns Emir of Borgu

    Former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the Emir of Borgu in Niger State,Alhaji Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III [Mai Borgu ), who died on Friday.

    In a statement by his Media Office, Tinubu said he received news of the death of the Emir with shock, disbelief and great sadness.

    ” It is a bit upsetting that the Emir passed away less than 48 hours after I visited him and witnessed how close he was to full recovery. He was full of life, jovial and eager to return to Nigeria over the weekend .

    “I feel a profound sense of personal loss on the sudden passing away of my royal father, a friend, brother and above all a confidant and supporter,” Tinubu stated.

    He said Alhaji Kitoro’s death is most painful coming at such a critical time when Nigeria was in dire need of his forthrightness and wisdom.

    ” He was a man who loved Nigeria truly. His patriotism was never in question. His loyalty was never in doubt. Nigeria for him was a nation of promise with diverse people bound together in one fate. He did not just dream of a totally united nation in word and deed, he worked tirelessly,day and night to seek to build bridges where there was none and to unite friends and foes.

    “He was a people’s person and everywhere in Nigeria for him was home.He was highly progressive in his orientation and practice.”

    The statement reads:

    “I received with shock, disbelief and great sadness the death of the Emir of Borgu in Niger State, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III [Mai Borgu]. It is a upsetting that the Emir passed away less than 48 hours after I visited him and witnessed how close he was to full recovery. He was full of life, jovial and eager to return to Nigeria this weekend. I feel a profound sense of personal loss on the sudden passing away of my royal father, a friend, brother and above all a confidant and supporter.

    “His death is most painful coming at such a critical time when Nigeria was in dire need of his forthrightness and wisdom. He was a man who loved Nigeria truly. His patriotism was never in question. His loyalty was never in doubt. Nigeria for him was a nation of promise with diverse people bound together in one fate. He did not just dream of a totally united nation in word and deed; he worked tirelessly, day and night to seek to build bridges where there were none and to unite friends and foes. He was a people’s person and everywhere in Nigeria for him was home. He was highly progressive in his orientation and practice.

    “Whenever the history of this epoch is written, he will be reserved several pages for his sacrifice for Nigeria, his love for country and its people and his unmatchable contribution to building a better and just society. Through his career as a public servant, a Senator and later a prominent royal father, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro, Kittoro III made sacrifices and contributed immensely to nation building. He will not be forgotten because his likes are rare.

    “I came to know him very personally before he turbaned me the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom. But thereafter, we became brothers, just like family. He never left me alone and I never left him alone either. We shared a common bond. A common patriotic desire to see Nigeria rise up to her full potentials. We were fired up in our belief that though the journey to nation hood may be long and tortuous , Nigeria had what it takes to attain greatness.  We both shared the responsibility of contributing our time, resources and intellect to these onerous task.

    “He was a major team player in the struggle for the new political dispensation we now enjoy in Nigeria today. He died a fulfilled man even though he went away early. I condole with President Muhammadu Buhari, who has also lost a friend and brother and the people of Nigeria.  Also my condolences to his fellow Emirs and Obas.

    “ Above all, I condole with his family and relatives. Also with his friends across the length and breadth of this country. May Allah grant his soul eternal peace.”

  • Emir of Borgu Dies at 77 

    Emir of Borgu Dies at 77 

    The Emir of Borgu, Senator Haliru Dantoro Kitoro 111 died on Friday in a German hospital after a brief illness.
    The Emir died at 77 years old.
    News of his death got to the state yesterday evening. His body is expected back to Nigeria tomorrow.
    Kitoro who was the third in hierarchy in the Niger state Council of Traditional Rulers was a former Senator in 1992 on the platform of National Republican Convention (NRC).
    He became the Kitoro 111 of Borgu Kingdom on February 3, 2000, after the demise of Alhaji Musa Mohammadu.

  • When Emir of Borgu became ATBOWATON’s life patron

    When Emir of Borgu became ATBOWATON’s life patron

    The two jet skis bopped on the water as if rocking to an unseen music. The breeze coming from the water was strong, but not enough to cool the heat from the mid day sun in New Bussa. The much bigger speed boat beside the jet skis also swerved to the breeze.

    Two operators wadded through the shallow water at the bank of the river to the jet skis. They mounted, squeezed the throttle and the huge engine sprouted to life with a boom.

    They manoeuvred them through the water and speeded towards the Kainji Dam, about one kilometres away. The first one did a sharp U-turn and headed back to the bank. Its driver approached the bank and did a swerve, splashing water on the onlookers by the river bank. They shouted in appreciation, praising the dexterity of the jets ski driver.

    It was becoming exciting in New Bussa after the long one-hour drive from Mokwa to the town which is the headquarters of the Borgu Emirate was smooth.  New Bussa is   home to Nigeria’s foremost dam, the Kainji Dam and Yankari National Park.

    The town is also blessed with abundant water. For residents of Borgu, it is a blessing having these natural and man-made  prime  assets in their domain. They have in turn attracted federal presence.

    The New Bussa is an off-shot of the historical Bussa town where the legendary British explorer Mungo Park died. Bussa had to relocate to the present location after the construction of the Kainji Dam which has become a major source of hydro thermal power supply for Nigeria.

    The people, in addition to this prime asset, have the Borgu River dam site that overlooks the Kainji Dam.  The river has become a sauce of livelihood for many and also spot for relaxation. It is the presence of water and the nearby River Niger that made boat operators from all over the country under the aegis of Association of Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) to converge on the town, in honour of the traditional ruler of Borgu kingdom, the Emir of Borgu,   His Royal Highness Alhaji Haliru Dantoro, the Kitoro111, for his immense contribution to the development of water transportation  and Nigerian tourism in general.

    It was also an opportunity for a re-launch of the emir’s biography.

    Speaking on the event, the President of ATBOWATON, Mr. Tarzan Balogun praised Emir of Borgu for his immense contribution to the socio-political development of Nigeria and most especially water transportation.

    He said his organization would continue to reach out to eminent individuals in the society in an effort to improve tourism and commercial water transportation in the country. Tarzan called on ATBOWATON members to always adhere to safety rule while on the water to ensure the safety of passengers.

    Tarzan used the opportunity to draw the attention of the government to the plight of water transportation and called on the government to pay greater attention to activities on water.

    The emir commended the President of ATBOWATON for the honour.

    The event attracted top dignitaries from all over the country. Among them were the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sanni -Bello., traditional rulers and many other dignitaries.

    After the investiture, the event moved to the River facing the Kainji Dam. It was a day of celebration and water display.

    There were also local entertainers to give the guests a taste of the culture of the Borgu people.

    Top among the performers were the emir’s personal musicians with their long, traditional trumpets, Kakaaki. The played to the admiration and appreciation of the guests..