Nigerian Newsday

By Danmusa Mohammed

In recognition of their invaluable contributions to the overall development of Keana chiefdom in Nasarawa State and the entire community, six prominent sons of the area were conferred with traditional chieftaincy titles by the Osana of Keana, Senator Emmanuel Onyatikpo Elayo, penultimate week.

The Osana performed the traditional rites and turbaned the recipients at a well attended ceremony in his palace.

He said that the occasion was another milestone in the task of preserving the Keana people’s culture and tradition, as well as enhance the development of the community.

According to the royal father, the task of developing the community was a collective responsibility of all the citizens and therefore challenged the new title holders to redouble their efforts towards achieving peace, unity and development of the community.

He assured that his leadership would continue to identify and recognize all efforts geared towards the progress of the community and its people.

He urged the new title holders to work tirelessly towards the continued peace, unity and progress of the entire people of the area, particularly the youth and women.

Among those turbaned with traditional Alago chieftaincy regalia included the son of Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma, Umaru Aliyu Doma as Ajinyan Keana, Abdulkarim Abiti Sabo as Baraden Keana, Dr. Otaki Osana Alanana Agbo 1 as Tafidan Keana and Alhaji Safiyanu Ari Agbo as Bunun Keana.

Others include Alose Ozapashi and Umaru Atose as new kingmakers, while Otaki Oyigbenu was conferred with the traditional title of Ubangarin Keana to be turbaned at a date not yet confirmed, as at the time of going to press.

The event, which drew personalities from within and outside the country to the ancient salt city of Keana, turned out to be a cultural carnival of sorts, as well wishers and families of the celebrants thrilled the people with drums and victory songs, as they moved majestically through the streets of Keana to their family houses amidst cheers from admirers.