A momentous occasion unfolded today as Professor Bulus Luka Gadiga was officially installed and presented with the Staff of Office as the Mbege Ka Michika. The ceremony marked a significant turning point for the Kamwe (Higgi) people, symbolising not just the crowning of a new leader but a renewed commitment to their rich heritage, traditions, and unity.
Addressing the assembled crowds, the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri expressed immense joy at the historic event. "This day marks not just the crowning of a leader, but a renewal of our commitment to the values, traditions, and unity that define us as people with a common heritage," he declared.
The Governor highlighted the Kamwe people's rich history, tracing their presence in the region back to the 15th century. He spoke of their resilience, cultural wealth, and active participation in pre-colonial trans-Saharan trade. He also noted their historical connections with neighbouring communities like the Sukur, Marghi, and Fali, and how these interactions shaped their distinct identity. "In my close interactions with them," the Governor added, "I have found the Michika people to be highly industrious and resourceful. They have variously excelled in the academics, civil service, armed forces, entertainment, commerce and eventually all fields of human endeavour. They are also highly mobile and have settled in practically all towns and cities especially in Northern Nigeria."
The creation of the Michika Chiefdom, the Governor explained, was a direct response to the community's wishes and a strategic move to unlock the area's considerable human and natural resources. He congratulated the people on achieving this milestone of traditional autonomy. "I urge you to unite and make the Chiefdom a model of unity, peace, progress and development," he implored. "I call on all Michika sons and daughters to jettison the individualistic republican mind-set and imbibe the culture of unity, solidarity and community spirit." He emphasised the importance of harnessing the community's wealth of experience, education, and talent for the betterment of the Chiefdom.
Governor Fintiri stressed the critical role of unity, collaboration, and peace-building in achieving sustainable national development.
The Governor reiterated his administration's commitment to the socio-economic development of Michika and Adamawa State as a whole. He outlined plans for investment in key infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture, viewing these as crucial investments in the future.
The Governor acknowledged the presence and contributions of other traditional rulers, highlighting the cultural richness they brought to the event. He then offered his heartfelt congratulations to Professor Gadiga.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri call for collective effort in building a brighter future for Michika, Adamawa State, and Nigeria. He urged everyone to work together, hand in hand, fostering unity, promoting collaboration, and upholding the values of fairness and equity.
In his acceptance speech, HRM Professor Bulus Luka Gadiga Mbege Ka Michika, a renowned professor of biogeography, the second professor to ascend to such a leadership role in Northern Nigeria and the fifth in Nigeria, a seasoned administrator and scholar born on 20 April 1973, said history had been made in the creation of Michika Chiefdom, and that he accepted the kingship with all sense of responsibility.
He thanked Governor Fintiri for approving their request for the creation of the Michika Chiefdom, for which they had waited several years. The Mbege Ka Michika praised Governor Fintiri for the projects executed in the state, despite unnecessary criticism.
HRM Professor Bulus Luka Gadiga solicited the support of the Michika Chiefdom, especially the elders, for their positive advice, calling them people with vast experience and knowledge who would promote development in the Chiefdom. He encouraged the youth to use social media with decorum and desist from anything that would bring disunity among them.
The royal father called on all the sons and daughters of the Michika Chiefdom to contribute to its growth, expressing optimism that factors hindering Michika's development would be overcome with the creation of the Chiefdom.
The Mbege Ka Michika assured that his reign would be transparent and just to all, to the best of his ability, and committed himself to uniting everyone in the Chiefdom.
He announced the conferment on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri the title of Dluka Ka Michika, translated as the shield of Michika, for bringing succour to Michika.
The Senator representing the Northern Zone, Senator Amos Yohanna, who delivered a goodwill message, described the coronation as a history of hope and liberation. He said God had raised Governor Fintiri to actualise the dream of the people. While congratulating the people of the Michika Chiefdom, he prayed that the Chiefdom would be great.
Speaking on behalf of the elders of Michika, Honourable Sylvester Wada, while thanking Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for the creation of chiefdoms in Adamawa State to enable them to rule themselves according to their established cultures and ethics, said Governor Fintiri had given them a king who would promote social justice. He reiterated that the Mbege Ka Michika would rule with equity and justice, irrespective of clan or religion.
He assured the Mbege Ka Michika of the elders of Michika's allegiance and that they would give their best advice. He called on all the people of the Michika Chiefdom to rally support for the Mbege Ka Michika for the progress of the Chiefdom.
The Lamido Adamawa and Chairman of the Adamawa State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, HRH Alhaji Dr Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, represented by the Wali Adamawa, Alhaji Abdulkadri Mbamba, said that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri's intention in creating chiefdoms and emirates was to bring governance to the doorstep of the people, emphasising that, as royal fathers, they understood the Governor's intention, which was for the betterment of the state.
The royal father said that they would ensure peace reigned in Adamawa State. He enjoined all the emirates and chiefdoms to be just to their people to justify their demands for creation of Chiefdoms and Emurates.
He stressed that the royal fathers would not be used to disrupt the peace of the people of Adamawa State. He lamented the misinformation spread on social media that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri had relieved all title holders and district heads of their positions in the state. He said the information was incorrect, stating that the Governor had made no such statements, as all the royal fathers were at the venue of the coronation in Gulak. He called on the mischief-makers to desist from spreading such misinformation.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Coronation of the Mbege Ka Michika, Major General Bitrus Kwaji (retired), said Governor Fintiri was a beacon of hope to the people of Adamawa State for championing peace, progress, and bestowing dignity upon the people of Adamawa, and stated that the long-awaited opportunity was now a reality. He charged the people to uphold the tenets for the creation of the Chiefdom.
The oath of office and allegiance was administered to the Mbege Ka Michika, HRM Professor Bulus Luka Gadiga, by the Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Honourable Justice Hapsat Abdulrahaman.