A former Minister of Defence and statesman, General Theophilus Danjuma (IRtd), has called on Nigerians to revisit the history of the diverse ethnic groups living together for better understanding of the concept of national integration.

General Danjuma made the call on Saturday during the 20th anniversary of the Emir of Umaisha, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi’s ascension to the throne of the paramount ruler of Umaisha, Nasarawa state.

General Danjuma educated the gathering on the relationship between the people of Nasarawa State and the Kwararafa kingdom in Taraba State.

Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, who is the Ohimegye Opanda of Nasarawa (a First Class Traditional Ruler), seized the opportunity to confer traditional titles on five prominent Nigerians; Gen. T. Y. Danjuma was conferred with the title of Ohireku Opanda of Nasarawa, while Alhaji Aliko Dangote bagged the title of Dan Maliki Opanda.

Other awardees included Gov. Tanko Al-Makura as Wambai Opanda, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu (APC-Nasarawa West) as Asayidu Opanda.

Similarly, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe, Speaker of the Nasarawa state House of Assembly was turbanned as the Wali Opanda.

The traditional ruler said that the honour done to the awardees was in recognition of their positive contributions to the development of the area.

“This event is indeed historic not just because it marks the 20th Anniversary of my ascension to the exalted throne of Ohimegye Opanda.

“But because it serve as an opportunity to look back at the origin of our ancient kingdom whose foundation dates back to 265 years ago.

“What we are witnessing today is a celebration of mind and a reminder of how 20 years ago, precisely on October 21st, 1995, I ascended the throne of Opanda as the 28th Ohimegye.

“I said to my people, we must have a clear view of the future if I truly desire to achieve our goals.

“I want to use this occasion to confer the following traditional titles of the Opanda chiefdom to some notable Nigerians.

“This is based on their contributions to the development of our Emirate council, the state and the country at large.

“I call on all stakeholders to continue to assist this community and the state to improve on the living condition of our people for the overall development of the country.”

Abdullahi also called on the people of the state to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation.

In his remark, Gov. Tanko Al-Makura also joined in the call for peace and harmony.

Governor Al-makura recommended his kind of commitment to one indivisible country during the civil war to Nigerians for emulation. He assured local government workers that they would start receiving alert of salaries from November 2, clearing the air on backlog of salary issues.

Al-Makura called on the people of the state to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s effort in fighting corruption in the country. (NAN)

•Photo shows T.Y Danjuma.