From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
All is set for the coronation of the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, slated to take place at Sani Abacha Stadium on Saturday.
As at Wednesday, when our Correspondent visited the Emir Palace, there were a beehive of activities as different groups were seen working so hard to add colours to the Palace and its environs, ahead of the epoch-making event which will commence on Thursday with a lecture in honour of the Emir at Bayero University Kano (BUK).
On Friday, special prayers would be offered in honour of the Emir at the central Mosque and other prayer grounds across the Kano Emirates, while a dinner would be held in the evening to herald the occasion.
Briefing journalists on the programme of events on behalf of the Publicity Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Nabahani, Madakin Kano, said the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who will also represent President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to lead the presidential delegation, including Chief-of-Staff to the President and maternal uncle to the Emir, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and Ministers to the event.
He added that about 3000 to 4000 security personnel are expected to ensure orderliness and security of guests during the occasion.
According to him, there are three security committees working to ensure smooth ceremony, including Security Committee from the Emirate Council, security Committee from the state government and security committee from the presidency.
He added that police officers, agents of Department of State Security Service (DSS), Hisbah, KAROTA, Road Safety, Civil Defence and other para-military agencies are expected to work round the clock to ensure adequate security during the coronation ceremony which will last until Monday.
Members of diplomatic corps, first class traditional rulers across the country, top government functionaries and other dignitaries from within and outside the country are also expected to grace the occasion.
He further stated that though the stadium is expected to fill to the brim, adequate arrangments have been made to ensure a hitch-free excercise as the famous Kantin Kwari textile market located close to the stadium would be allowed to open for business on the during the Coronation ceremony.
He, however, added that there may be traffic three to four hours traffic gridlock along the routes the Emir’s convoy would take, while moving round to honour greetings from his subject after the coronation.
Alhaji Nabahani said the coronation ceremony was designed to last for five days five days, adding that the celebration will start with coronation lecture on Thursday and end with special coronation durbar on Monday.
He further stated that, “I want to inform you that the celebration will commence on Thursday, July 1, 2021 with a coronation lecture to be delivered by the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Abdallah Uba Adamu titled: ‘Kano emirate: Yesterday, today and tomorrow’ at Convocation Arena of Bayero University, Kano.
“On Friday, there will be special prayer session at Kano Central Mosque to pray for peace and security, while later in the evening, there will be a welcome dinner for the invited guests.
“Also, on Saturday, it will be the main coronation which will take place at Sani Abacha stadium, Kofar Mata.
“On Monday by God’s grace, the emir will hold a special coronation durbar to receive homage from Kano people.”
According to him,, the Sani Abacha stadium was selected due to its historical antecedent and proximity to the Emir’s palace.
