Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
In a ceremony filled with pomp, cultural splendour, and royal dignity, the Sarkin Sudan of Wurno, Kabiru Chigari Alhassan, on Saturday, turbaned retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Abubakar (Habu) Ahmad Sani and eight distinguished indigenes for their outstanding contributions to the nation, Sokoto State, and Wurno District.
The event, held at the palace of the Sarkin Sudan, attracted dignitaries from across Sokoto State, traditional rulers, senior government officials, security chiefs, religious leaders, and thousands of well wishers who thronged the ancient district to witness history being made.
Speaking during the turbaning, Sarkin Sudan Wurno, Alhaji Kabiru Chigari Alhassan, described the honourees as worthy sons of the district whose service to the nation and community deserved recognition and celebration.
He said the honour was not only for their individual achievements but also for the values of discipline, patriotism, and sacrifice they embodied.
Retired DIG Abubakar Sani, the foremost recipient, was decorated with traditional insignia of Tafidan Wurno symbolizing honour, authority, and respect.
The monarch hailed him as a rare patriot who dedicated his life to safeguarding lives and property across the country during his meritorious service in the Nigeria Police Force.
Others honoured alongside the retired DIG include respected professionals, community leaders, and philanthropists whose contributions to education, public service, and grassroots development have greatly impacted Wurno District and beyond.
Born on the 7th of April 1964 into Karhi (Hakimi) Gidan Bango familyof Wurno local government area, Sokoto state.
After his mandatory elementary and college education he moved to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto and graduated in the year 1990 with a Bachelor of Science (Education) degree in Geography.
He enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of police and his training at the Nigeria Police Academy Annex Kaduna, from 18th May 1992 to 3rd December 1993.
The former DIG served and occupied various positions in the Nigeria Police force and has served post within and outside Nigeria.
He served as Commisioner of Police in Bauchi state Command May 2019- November 2019, Commisioner of Police Kano state Command November 2019- February 2021, AIG force intelligence Bureau (FIB) force headquarters, force Secretary force headquarters (FHQ) and Deputy Inspector General of police force Intelligence Department (FID) and retired after 32 meritorious service years particularly the Intelligence led policing.
Turbaned along side the former DIG Abubakar Ahmad Sani are Dr. Lawal Muhammad Umar as Wakilin Wurno, Engr.Dr. Yakub Usman as Tafarkin Wurno, Engr. Dr. Buhari Abubakar as Sarkin Kudu and Alhaji Sidi Hamza as Sarkin Shariffan Wurno.
Others are Alhaji Sidi Mu’azu as Dan Dangaladima Sarkin Shariffai, Alhaji Tahir Aliyu Shariff as Sarkin Larabawan Wurno and Alhaji Musa Marnona as Zannan Wurno.
The Sarkin Sudan noted that the turbaning was not a mere ceremonial decoration but a call to further service. He urged the recipients to continue to serve as role models, bridge-builders, and defenders of peace, unity, and progress in their communities and the nation at large.
In his response, DIG Abubakar Sani (rtd) expressed gratitude to the Sarkin Sudan and the people of Wurno for the rare honour bestowed on him.
He dedicated the turbaning to the entire district, pledging to continue to work for peace, youth empowerment, and community development.
He further urged the younger generation to embrace discipline, education, and hard work as pathways to success, assuring them that Wurno would continue to produce men and women of integrity who will serve the nation with honour.
The ceremony was marked by colourful cultural displays, traditional music, and royal blessings, symbolizing the deep respect and pride of Wurno in honouring its illustrious sons.
Community leaders and clerics in attendance described the turbaning as timely, coming at a period when the nation needs moral icons and mentors to inspire hope and confidence among the people.
They praised Sarkin Sudan Kabiru Chigari Alhassan for sustaining the noble tradition of honouring worthy individuals, noting that such recognition fosters unity, strengthens values, and motivates others to contribute selflessly to society.
The grand turbaning procession through the streets of Wurno was met with jubilation, chants of solidarity, and prayers for peace and prosperity of the district and Sokoto State.
The event concluded with special prayers for national peace, the progress of Sokoto State, and the continued stability of Wurno District.
The turbaning of DIG Abubakar Sani and four others stands as a testament to Wurno’s enduring culture of celebrating service, sacrifice, and integrity, values that remain essential in building a stronger and more united Nigeria.
