September 09, (THEWILL) – The Sarkin Sudan, Kontagora in Niger state, Alhaji Saidu Namaska, has died at the age of 84.
The Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, in a statement in Minna, said the monarch died on Thursday in Abuja after a protracted illness.
Expressing grief and sadness over the death, the Niger State Government in a condolence message, said, “with the passing of emir, Niger State and Nigeria as a whole has lost one of its longest-reigning monarchs, whose contributions to the peaceful co-existence of his subjects and unity among Nigerians cannot be forgotten in years to come”.
According to the statement, “the late Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora was a bridge-builder who reached across ethnic, cultural, and religious divides to promote peace and unity not only in his domain but the State as a whole. The contributions of late Saidu Namaska to the development of Kontagora Emirate, the entire State and indeed Nigeria are unparalleled.
“His life on earth was very eventful and his achievements in all spheres of life left indelible marks on the people of his domain, Nigerlites and Nigerians.
“The government and people of Niger State expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, family of late Alhaji Saidu Namaska and the people of Kontagora Emirate.”
Alhaji Saidu Namaska was born in Kontagora on 31st, December 1937.
He began his educational carrier at Kontagora Elementary School between 1945 and 1950 and in 1950, entered the famous Buda middle school which he completed successfully in 1953.
Upon completion of his secondary education, the young prince began his working carrier with the then Native Authority in 1954 as a forest Guard.
In 1957, Alhaji Saidu Namaska was promoted to the post of District Scribe and later appointed as an area court president in 1968 and posted to Salka. In 1971, he was transferred to Mahuta, in Zuru District.
As a judicial officer, Alhaji Saidu attended a Judicial Course at the Institute of Administration, Zaria in 1962 from where he obtained the institute’s second-class certificate in Judiciary.
Determined for excellence the 1st class Emir consolidated his career in the judiciary as he attended an advanced Judiciary course at the same institute and obtained a First Class Certificate in 1972.
In 1974, Alhaji Namaska ascended to the throne as the 6th Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora. He is currently the Vice-Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Alhaji Saidu Namaska is survived by wives, children and great-grand children.
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