On Sunday, February 9, 2025, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State officially presented the Staff of Office to the new Shehu of Dikwa, Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim Al-Amin Elkanemi, marking his ascension as the 13th Shehu of Dikwa.
The ceremony was held at the Shehu’s palace in Dikwa and was attended by prominent traditional rulers, government officials, and dignitaries from Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon.
The new Shehu succeeds the late Shehu Alhaji Mohammed Ibn Shehu Masta II, who passed away, leaving a leadership gap in the emirate.
“Ours is a state that has been bedevilled by years of insecurity, and the process of recovery is a collective responsibility for all. You have a greater responsibility of changing the people towards entrenching peace and development in the emirate,” Zulum said.
During the ceremony, Governor Zulum urged the new Shehu of Dikwa to play an active role in addressing the security challenges faced by the region, especially the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency.
He stressed the need for the traditional institution to collaborate with security agencies and local community leaders to ensure that the progress made in counter-insurgency efforts is sustained.
The governor also highlighted Dikwa’s strategic location near Chad and Cameroon, which could support agricultural growth.
He encouraged the new Shehu to focus on youth empowerment, especially through farming. Zulum reassured the people of Dikwa that the state government would continue to invest in infrastructure, including the speedy reconnection of Dikwa to the national electricity grid to enhance local economic activities.
In his acceptance speech, the Shehu of Dikwa thanked Governor Zulum for his unwavering support of traditional institutions and his dedication to development in Borno State.
“I will uphold the values of our forefathers and work towards uniting our people while promoting peace and security,” the Shehu pledged.
He praised the ongoing road infrastructure projects in the state and appealed for the extension of road repairs from Maiduguri to the Gamboru Ngala border towns.
Before the coronation ceremony, Governor Zulum also launched two significant projects in Dikwa:
- ICT Centre: A new facility aimed at equipping the youth with digital skills to improve their job prospects.
- Government Lodge: A modern building designed to accommodate visiting officials and dignitaries, ensuring that Dikwa can host important guests comfortably.
The ceremony was attended by various notable figures, including:
- Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III
- Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi
- Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli
- Emir of Lafiya, Justice Sidi Bage
- Ambassador Babagana Kingibe
- Former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff
- Senators representing Borno South, North, and Central
- Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly
This event not only marked the new Shehu’s official coronation but also demonstrated Borno State’s commitment to maintaining a strong traditional institution while fostering development in the region.
The combination of security efforts, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development promises a brighter future for Dikwa and its people.
