Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, is to be conferred with the traditional title of Dan Baiwan (gifted child), by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk.
Daura, in Katsina State, is the hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari and the spiritual home of the Hausa people.
Emir Farouk in a letter dated August 9 conveyed the decision of the Daura Emirate Council (DEC) to honour Kalu, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Special Adviser to Kalu, Kunle Oyewumi, in a statement on Friday, said the event would take place during the Eid-el Kabir holiday.
Kalu, in his acceptance letter, said that the honour would encourage him to sustain his good works.
The 58-year-old former governor stressed that the emir has demonstrated his passion and commitment to a united and indivisible Nigeria.
“I received with so much excitement, a letter of conferment of the traditional title of Dan Baiwan Hausa on me by the Daura Emirate Council headed by Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk.
“The honour is timely and encouraging.
“I am a detribalised Nigerian. This is a good compensation for continually spreading the message of peace and unity across the nation.
“We must continue to build friendship and relationships beyond our communities.
“I was born in Aba, I had my university education in Maiduguri, and Lagos is my business base. I have workers from different ethnic groups and religions. Nigerians should see themselves as one.
”I am appreciative of the recognition of my contributions to nation building and I pledge my continued loyalty to Daura Emirate Council, Katsina State and Nigeria at large,” Kalu said.
