Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, has presented staff of office and official vehicles to 19 emirs in the state, comprising 11 first-class and eight second-class traditional rulers.
The presentation took place during a coronation ceremony at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, the state capital, on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The ceremony was attended by prominent traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; the Etsu Nupe; and the Emir of Gwandu.
Following their oaths of office, the 19 emirs received their respective staffs of office, while each was provided with three vehicles: a GAC ULTRA SUV (2025/2026 model), a MIKANO ZNA HILUX vehicle and an EV ANTIQUE MODEL car (DDP).
According to the state government, the vehicles are intended to facilitate the traditional rulers’ movements across their respective emirates, strengthen their engagement with communities and improve coordination with government institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Lawal said the presentation reflected his administration’s recognition of the traditional institution as an enduring pillar of society and an important partner in promoting peace, stability and development.
He said the ceremony also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to giving traditional rulers the recognition and institutional support required to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“The staff of office being presented today signifies the authority entrusted to you by the state,” the governor said.
“It also represents a responsibility to govern your respective domains with fairness, wisdom, integrity, and compassion.”
Lawal urged the emirs to discharge their responsibilities without discrimination, uphold justice and ensure that traditional institutions remained accessible to all members of their communities.
“Our people must find guidance, fairness, and reassurance in their traditional rulers,” he said.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the remaining royal palaces, describing the initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and improve the conditions under which rulers perform their duties.
On the provision of official vehicles, Lawal said the gesture was designed to enable the emirs to travel more easily within their domains, maintain closer contact with residents and improve collaboration with government agencies.
He urged the traditional rulers to ensure that the vehicles were properly maintained and used responsibly in the discharge of their official duties.
The governor further called on the emirs to build a productive partnership between their respective emirates and the state government, stressing the importance of cooperation in advancing peace and development.
Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, urged the newly coronated emirs to remain loyal to the constituted authority and uphold the dignity of the traditional institution.
He encouraged them to discharge their responsibilities in a manner that would preserve the institution’s standing and enable them to serve their communities effectively.
