President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his son, Seyi Tinubu, on receiving the traditional title of Dan Zaki Gwandu, urging him to see the honour as a call to greater responsibility, humility and service to humanity rather than merely a personal achievement.

The President said the title, which translates to Son of the Lion of Gwandu, symbolises courage, leadership and service, stressing that his son must demonstrate these virtues through sustained commitment to youth empowerment, community development and national unity.

Seyi was turbaned on Wednesday by the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, at the historic Abdullahi Fodiyo Palace in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

The conferment, which the monarch described as the first of its kind in the history of the Gwandu Emirate, marked significant recognition of Seyi’s involvement in youth engagement and community development initiatives.

In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu thanked the Emir and the Gwandu Emirate Council for the honour bestowed on his son.

The President, while acknowledging the personal significance of the recognition to his family, emphasised that traditional titles should inspire their recipients to embrace greater responsibilities towards society.

“As a father, I am pleased to see my son recognised by a traditional institution with such a distinguished history.

“But I also remind him that every honour comes with responsibility. The title of Dan Zaki Gwandu carries the values of courage, leadership and service. I urge him to live up to those values, remain humble and continue to dedicate himself to the well-being of others”, Tinubu said.

The President noted that the honour extended beyond recognising an individual, describing it as a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural communities.

He said the recognition underscored the important role of traditional institutions in preserving the country’s cultural heritage and strengthening national cohesion.

Tinubu particularly commended the Emir of Gwandu for the gesture, saying it demonstrated the capacity of traditional institutions to promote unity and foster relationships across regional and cultural boundaries.

“Our traditional institutions remain important custodians of our history, culture and national unity. I thank the Emir of Gwandu and the good people of Kebbi State for extending this honour to my son”, he stated.

The President also acknowledged Seyi’s contributions to initiatives that mobilise young Nigerians for constructive participation in national development, particularly through his involvement with the City Boy Movement and other youth-focused programmes.

He encouraged his son to build on those engagements by expanding opportunities for young people, supporting community development and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.

According to Tinubu, the traditional recognition should further motivate Seyi to strengthen his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, especially young people seeking opportunities for economic and social advancement.

The President further urged him to uphold the dignity of the Gwandu Emirate and remain conscious of the expectations associated with the title.

He expressed hope that the honour would inspire greater dedication to public-spirited initiatives and the promotion of harmonious relationships among Nigerians, regardless of background.

Tinubu wished his son wisdom, humility, and strength as he assumes the responsibilities of his new traditional status, reiterating that the true value of such recognition lies in the positive impact its recipient has on society. (The Nation)