By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has congratulated the African Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima, on his turbaning as Zannah Yuroma of the Machina Emirate in Yobe State.
Dr. Shettima was honoured during a historic royal ceremony held on Saturday, January 31, under the revered leadership of His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama, OON, L’ONN, the Emir of Machina.
The prestigious title recognises Dr. Shettima’s decades of exceptional service and contributions to the development of the Emirate, particularly in education, healthcare, religious advancement, and the welfare of orphans and other vulnerable groups.
In a congratulatory message by his Director Media and Communications Mr Lanre Oloyede, Hon. Abba Isa described Dr. Shettima as a distinguished development expert whose impact has been felt across Nigeria and beyond, especially in advancing inclusive development.
He praised the MacArthur Foundation, under Dr. Shettima’s leadership, for its sustained interventions and support for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations.
The presidential aide commended Dr. Shettima’s selfless humanitarian service, noting that his work aligns strongly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the Tinubu administration recognises and values such contributions that promote equity, inclusion, and social justice for persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
Hon. Abba Isa further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to continued partnership with the MacArthur Foundation through the Office of the SSA to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities.
He said the collaboration will be strengthened to expand inclusive development initiatives across the country and ensure that no one is left behind, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The SSA also extended congratulations to two other eminent sons of the Machina Emirate who were honoured at the ceremony.
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, was turbaned as the Marafa of Machina. Abba Isa lauded Engr. Machina—also a childhood friend of the Emir—for his significant contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the Emirate through MEDA and other initiatives.
Similarly, Prof. Abubakar Kagu, an Associate Professor at Yobe State University and Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Scholarship Board, was turbaned as the Matawalle of Machina. Describing Prof. Kagu as a close blood relation of the Emir, Abba Isa praised his instrumental role in advancing education, justice, and scholarship within the state, noting that his service reflects the Emirate’s enduring values of integrity, learning, and public service.
The turbaning ceremony, attended by traditional rulers, government officials, and community leaders, was widely seen as a celebration of service, commitment, and lasting impact on the development of the Machina Emirate and Yobe State at large.
