Our Reporter, Abuja
The Machina Emirate has announced plans to honour three distinguished sons of the area with traditional titles in a historic royal turbaning ceremony scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026.
According to a press statement issued by the Emirate, the ceremony will take place under the leadership of His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama, OON, L’ONN, the Emir of Machina.
The highlight of the event will be the turbaning of Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima, Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, who will be conferred with the title of Zanna Yuroma of Machina Emirate. The honour is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, healthcare, religious development, and the welfare of orphans within the Emirate.
The Emirate described Dr. Shettima, a childhood friend of the Emir, as a longstanding supporter of community development in Machina, noting that his philanthropic and professional efforts have positively impacted many lives over the years.
Also to be honoured is Engineer Mohammed Kati Machina, Senior Liaison Officer on Commerce and Industry to the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Chairman of the Machina Emirate Development Association (MEDA), and a retired Permanent Secretary. He will be turbaned as the Marafa of Machina in recognition of his significant contributions to socio-economic and infrastructural development in the Emirate.
Similarly, Professor Abubakar Kagu, an Associate Professor at Yobe State University and Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Scholarship Board, will be turbaned as the Matawalle of Machina. The Emirate commended Prof. Kagu, a blood relative of the Emir, for his role in promoting education, justice, and academic excellence in the state.
The Emirate noted that the royal ceremony reflects its commitment to honouring individuals whose service, integrity, and dedication align with its cultural values and development aspirations.
Community leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from within and outside Yobe State are expected to attend the colourful event, which promises to be a major cultural and historical milestone for the Machina Emirate.
