Amanze Chinonye
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, conferred the traditional title of Sardaunan Zazzau on former Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo during a grand ceremony at the Emir’s Palace in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The title one of the most revered in the Zazzau Emirate was bestowed in recognition of Sambo’s decades-long service, integrity, and dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
The event attracted an array of dignitaries from across the country, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, among others.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn his message, former President Jonathan praised the former vice president for his lifelong commitment to public service and national development:
“Pleased to have joined my dear brother, H.E. Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and other well-wishers at his turbanning as the Sardaunan Zazzau by HRH Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, at the Emir’s Palace in the historic city of Zaria.
May this new role further deepen your bond with your people and your steadfast dedication to the peace, progress, and development of our country.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also congratulated Sambo, describing the honour as a fitting tribute to a life of service and integrity.
“I join family and friends and the multitudes of well-wishers in Zaria, across Kaduna State, and throughout Nigeria in warmly congratulating my brother and compatriot, former Vice President of Nigeria, H.E. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, on his investiture as Sardaunan Zazzau by His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau.
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This distinguished title, steeped in centuries of tradition and leadership, is a fitting recognition of his lifetime of service, integrity, and commitment to the welfare of his people and the nation.
I pray that Almighty Allah grants him strength, clarity, and perseverance to discharge his responsibilities with justice and compassion.”
Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who attended the ceremony, described it as a historic moment for the emirate and the nation:
“Today, I had the honour of witnessing a remarkable moment in our cultural history as His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, turbaned our respected elder statesman and former Vice President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, GCON, as the Sardaunan Zazzau.”
President Tinubu had earlier extended his congratulations through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noting that the title reflected the Emirate’s confidence in Sambo’s “wisdom, integrity, and commitment to society’s progress.”
Tinubu also commended the Emir for “upholding the noble tradition of honouring citizens whose character and leadership reflect the values of unity, service, and integrity,” while urging the former vice president to continue inspiring younger generations and working with community leaders to promote peace and development across Nigeria.
Namadi Sambo, born in Zaria, served as Vice President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan, following his tenure as Governor of Kaduna State (2007–2010). A trained architect and respected elder statesman, Sambo has remained a prominent voice in both the political and traditional leadership spheres of northern Nigeria.
The Sardauna title, deeply rooted in the history of Zazzau Emirate, signifies leadership, wisdom, and guardianship values that continue to shape the emirate’s cultural identity.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
