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… turbans as Zaruman Sokoto
All roads led to Sokoto, the capital city of Sokoto State in North West Nigeria on Saturday, 12th August 2023, as the de le creme of the society, made their way to the seat of the caliphate to honour an accomplished son of the state, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya was honoured after his retirement from service.
Gen Yahaya, the Zaruman Sokoto, Dike Ogu of Imo was retired from active military service on 23rd June 2023, and handed over the mantle of leadership and Command of the Nigerian Army to the incumbent Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja after about 37 years.
A periscopic look into his personality reveals a man imbued with diligence, dedication, love for his fatherland, putting service above personal interest. These rare traits made him to raise to the zenith of his career in the Nigerian Army as the 22nd COAS.
The impressive turn out of all and sundry, both the low and the mighty, the sight of young men on horses’ and camels’ back adorned in green white and green attire, the motor bikers, the tricycle riders and pedestrians, all trooped out to cheer the illustrious son of Sifawa Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto state with a very warm grand reception at the Sokoto state Sports Complex, where he was honoured with a colourful parade staged by pupils from various schools in Sokoto, Cultural troupes performance, Durbar display and streams of glowing tributes.
The Chairman of the Grand reception, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who spoke glowingly about the celebrant, lauded him as an outstanding Sokoto son, who made enormous commitment in service to fatherland and humanity.
The Governor of Sokoto state, Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, described him as a tested and reliable personage, whose services will be craved by all while the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa described him as “a professional and military leader extraordinaire.”
Speaking about his predecessor, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja painted the picture of a mentor and a leader, whose lofty and eventful military career, left indelible legacies from the beginning of his military career to its glorious end.
In his views, His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr) Saad Abubakar III CFR, Sultan of Sokoto described him as a renowned General, who has proven his mettle in battle, administration and service to his people and nation.
No wonder he was turbaned today Sunday, 13th August 2023 by the Sultan, as the Zaruman Sokoto. Zaruman Sokoto is a traditional title bestowed on a warrior, who has distinguished himself in the field of battle. He is also regarded strategically, as one of the king makers.
At home, the highly revered General is a firm but kind and caring dad to his children, a loving husband to his darling wife, Mrs Salamatu Faruk Yahaya; another quintessential personality, whose tenure as the President Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association was characterized by execution of myriads of life changing empowerment projects and several philanthropic activities.
Aggregation of all these exceptional qualities and many more, make the Zaruman Sokoto stand out tall amongst his peers and contemporaries.
The warm grand reception, cheering communal embrace and sheer love by the good people of Sokoto would continue to be savored not only by General Faruk Yahaya rtd, his family, friends and relations, but also all those who graced the auspicious event.
The Nigerian Army remains particularly honoured by this act of recognition and celebration of one of its own by the good people of Sokoto.
