The Machina Emirate in Yobe State has announced plans to hold a historic Royal Turbanning Ceremony on Saturday, 31 January 2026, during which Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima and other distinguished sons of the Emirate will be conferred with traditional titles in recognition of their contributions to development and public service.
The ceremony, to be held under the leadership of His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama, the Emir of Machina, will see a development expert and Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima, turbaned as the Zanna Yuroma of the Machina Emirate.
According to the Emirate, the honour is in recognition of Dr. Shettima’s outstanding contributions to the people of Machina in the areas of education, healthcare, religious development, and the welfare of orphans.
A childhood friend of the Emir, Dr. Shettima, has maintained a long-standing commitment to the progress and well-being of the Emirate.
Also to be honoured at the ceremony is Engr. Mohammed Kati Machina, Senior Liaison Officer on Commerce and Industry to the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Chairman of the Machina Emirate Development Association (MEDA), and a retired Permanent Secretary.
He will be turbaned as the Marafa of Machina in recognition of his significant role in advancing socio-economic and infrastructural development within the Emirate through MEDA and other initiatives.
Engr. Kati Machina is also a childhood friend of the Emir.
In addition, Prof. Abubakar Kagu, an Associate Professor at Yobe State University and Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Scholarship Board, will be turbaned as the Matawalle of Machina.
A blood relation of the Emir, Prof. Kagu has been credited with notable contributions to education and justice in the state, reflecting the Emirate’s core values of scholarship, integrity, and service.
The Machina Emirate described the forthcoming ceremony as a landmark event that celebrates excellence, dedication, and enduring service to the community, while reaffirming the Emirate’s commitment to recognising individuals who contribute meaningfully to its growth and development.
