By Iliyasu Musa, Lafia

Saturday October 11th, 2008 will forever remain fresh in the minds of the Shugaba Bage’s family as one of their illustruos sons, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage was honoured for his appointment as a judge of court of Appeal.

Justice Bage was described by so many people as a hardworking and honest person.

The occasion which was celebrated in grand style was attended by many prominent persons from within and outside the country.

The civic reception was organized by the Lafia Progressive Association (LAPA).

Highlights of the occasion included the presentation of Holy Qura’n as a gift to the celebrant, lectures on the way forward for youths in Lafia and its environs and the roles of the elders and youths among other issues.

Speaking earlier, in his speech, the president, Lafia Progressive Association, Pharmacist Dauda Musa Bage said the accommodating nature and concern of the celebrant towards Lafia community members particularly youths stood him out as a role model which every body wished to proudly emulate.

According to him, "the Lafia progressive Association after carefully assessing the contributions of justice Bage towards the development of Lafia community and his credible performance in the development of legal profession in the country, deems it necessary to proudly appreciate these qualities and say a big well-done to a cherisheable performer who needed to be emulated by all".

In his own speech, the father of the occasion, Group Captain Mansour Lamino Mukhtar (Rtd) commended and congratulated the members of Lafia Progressive Association for the great initiative of bringing Lafia community members together.

This he said was indeed a sign of unity exhibited by the youths which he said has given hope for an improved society.

Also speaking during the occasion, a House of Assembly member from Anambra State, Hon. Obinna Chidoka described Justice Bage as a humble, honest and reliable person.

In his remarks the celebrant, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage thanked the Lafia Progressive Association for honouring him and assured them of his continous assistance.

Dignitaries present at the occasion included the state commissioner of Health, Alhaji Abubakar Sarki Dahiru, House of Representative member representing Lafia-Obi Federal constituency, Hon. Muhammed Almakura, Former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Musa Bage Abdulkadir, Alhaji Dauda Abdullahi Bage. The Mayanan Lafia, Alhaji Hassan Abubakar Jalingo, chairman Al-Husmi Group of companies and Justice Badamasi Maina.

In another development, the Lafia Progressive Association has donated some exercise books, chairs and other school materials to six schools in the community.