President Nigeria Archery Federation, and current Deputy Secretary General of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Mohammed Baba Abdullahi ,has been honoured with the title MAKAMA (Dan’niya) of Bass A-1 he , (Nupe) Kingdom by Etsu Bassa Nge worldwide ,Alhaji (DR) Brig. Gen. Abu Ali Mopa III (RTD), Bagadozhii
The turbaning ceremony took place during the 2024 National Festival at the Bassa Nge local government headquarters in Gboloko, Lokoja, Kogi State.
Expressing gratitude to the Etsu Bassa Nge worldwide Alhaji (DR) Brig. Gen. Abu Ali Mopa III (RTD), Bagadozhii for the honour Mohammed said: ” I want to say I am deeply happy for this honour.
“What it shows is that the little we are doing is appreciated by the people and the leadership of my people led by the Etsu Bassa Nge, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (DR) Brig. Gen. Abu Ali Mopa 11 (RTD), Bagadozhi.
“I want to promise him that we are motivated to do more with this honour and we would make sure that the people of Bassa Nge feel more of our impact and ensure that we drive development to our kingdom,” he said.
The event was a vibrant celebration, featuring colorful cultural performances and a large gathering of friends and family as Muhammed’s was recognized for his contributions to sports development and his community .
The occasion also witnessed the display of very colorful cultural troops from across the various villages of the Kingdom while Masquerades of different shapes and sizes were not left out in entertaining the guests.
Mohammed Baba Abdullahi who is also the Vice President of World Archery Africa in charge of West and Central Africa, was among four distinguished individuals who were honoured at the colourful event. Others include former FCT NUJ Chairman Jacob Edi, Dr. Yahaya Ndako, and Alhaji Yakubu Alfa.
Mohammed a former President Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria and former Secretary General of Para -Soccer Federation of Nigeria noted that words were not enough to express how he felt for the honour bestowed on him by his people.
He maintained that the honour is more of a wake up call on them to double their efforts towards contributing to the development of the community.
The ceremony of the Turbaning did not end at the occasion ground as the people of Ecewu village, his kinsmen rolled out the drums the following day to celebrate their illustrious son .
They danced all day, with assorted foods on display to entertain the invited guests.
One of the highpoints of the event was a novelty football Match in honour of the new MAKAMA (Dan’niya) of Bassa-Nge on day three of the occasion.
The festival is aimed at uniting the community while also promoting their rich cultural heritage and traditions.
