Mrs Abigail Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds in the United Kingdom (UK) has been awarded a traditional title of Ham in Jaba Local Government of Kaduna State.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mrs Katung, who is the wife of Senator Sunday Katung (PDP- Kaduna South) awarded the traditional title along with a former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Martin Luther-Agwai.
The UK Mayor was coronated as the Gimbiyan (Princess) of Ham while the former Chief of Defence Staff was coronated as the Sarkin Yaki (Defence of Chief) of Ham.
The colourful coronation ceremony held in Kwoi, attracted top military officers, government officials and academics, among others, from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The epochal event was held as part of the Annual Tuk Ham festival that commenced on Saturday.
Among others conferred with traditional titles at the event held at the Kpok Ham Palace in Kwoi, the headquarters of the LGA were Dr Gideon Jock, conferred with the title Hasken (light) Jaba; Dr Deborah Usman, as Jakadiyan (Ambassador) Jaba; and Dr Dogara Gyet, as Jagaban (Forrunner) Jaba.
Speaking with journalists shortly after his installation, Agwai described the occasion as a landmark moment in his life.
He added that the honour marked the peak of his career transitioning from national military service to traditional leadership recognition.
He said: “This is a significant moment for me because having served my country at the highest level in the military, I am being recognised by my people in this way and it is deeply humbling.
”If you render service to your people even in the grave, they will remember you because it is not about wealth but it is about service to your people and humanity.’
Agwai said that the significance of the traditional title as an Adviser to the Kpok Ham on security and defense matters is paramount even in the military.
He, however, thanked the traditional council for considering the recipients worthy of the honours and promised that they would live up to the expectation.
“We will do everything possible to live up to expectations so, let’s share your opinions and views to work together and bring back that civilisation that the Nok culture known for to be where it’s supposed to be,” Agwai said.
On her part, Katung said it was an absolute honour to be conferred with the title, ‘Gimbiyan Ham’ by Dr Maude, adding that the occasion was an emotional one for her as a daughter of the soil.
She said: “I was born and raised in Kaduna State and to be remembered and honoured by his Royal Majesty means the world to me and makes us understand the unique significance of family and where you come from
“There’s no better pride or joy than to be honoured by your homeland. I have been away for the past 25 years and to still be remembered by your home country and your homeland, really means the world to me.
“Our shared values, our ethics and what we stand for as Southern Kaduna as people of resilience, people so much energy in terms of work ethics, the joy of togetherness, brotherhood and sisterhood is what we stand for in this part of the country,” Katung said.
The occasion, which witnessed traditional songs rendition, attracted people from all works of life including; politicians, government officials, security personnel and the international community.