Emir of Ningi, Yunusa Danyaya, laid to rest (Pictures)
Story from Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
The remains of the late Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammadu Danyaya, have been laid to rest today in Ningi, following Islamic rites. The revered monarch, aged 88, passed away in the early hours of today at a hospital in Kano after a prolonged illness.
The funeral prayer, led by the Chief Imam of Ningi, Dr. Muhammad Umar, was held at the Emir’s Palace in Ningi and was attended by thousands of mourners. Among those present were Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, former Bauchi State Governor Ahmadu Mu’azu, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, Senator Abdul Ningi, the Emir of Bauchi Alhaji Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu, the Emir of Katagum Umar Faruk II, and several national and state lawmakers.
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In his condolence, Governor Bala Mohammed paid tribute to the late Emir, describing him as a leader who exemplified the highest values of leadership, unity, and progress. The Governor noted that Alhaji Yunusa Danyaya was not only a father figure within the Ningi Emirate and Bauchi State but also a beacon of light and strength for the entire country. He emphasized that the Emir’s life was dedicated to selfless service and that his counsel and guidance significantly contributed to the peace and development of the state.
The Governor further prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and for the bereaved family to find the strength to bear the loss.
The people of Ningi Emirate expressed their deep sorrow at the passing of the Emir, stating that his death has left an irreplaceable void in their hearts. They remembered Alhaji Yunusa Danyaya as a man of peace, wisdom, and dedication to the welfare of his people. His reign was marked by a commitment to fostering unity, progress, and the preservation of tradition, culture, and Islamic values. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Alhaji Yunusa Muhammadu Danyaya was installed as the Emir of Ningi on January 27, 1978, making him the longest-reigning Emir in the history of the Ningi Emirate, with 46 years on the throne.
Born in 1936, the late Emir had a distinguished career before ascending to the throne. He attended Ningi Elementary School from 1941 to 1946 and Bauchi Middle School from 1946 to 1951. He later went to the School of Hygiene in Kano and earned a diploma in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Throughout his career, Emir Danyaya held various significant positions, including serving as a dispenser at Nasaru Dispensary, a member of the Ningi Emirate Council, and a counsellor for the Medical and Health Department. He also worked for the Nigerian Tobacco Company, the Northern Nigeria Marketing Board, and held various managerial roles across the northern region of Nigeria.
The late Emir was an active member of Jama’atu Nasrul Islam and held several leadership positions in both religious and governmental organisations. He was a member of the National Council of States representing the Bauchi State Council of Chiefs and served as the Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of the defunct Inland Bank Nigeria Plc. Additionally, he was a Director at the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority and participated in the National Constitutional Conference and the Vision 2010 committee.
In recognition of his service, the Emir was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and served as Bauchi State Amirul Hajj in 2022. He was also the Chairman of the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON) since 2004 and Chairman of the Bauchi State Inter-Religious Council since 2005.
The late Emir’s life of service, leadership, and dedication will be remembered by all who knew him, and his contributions to the Ningi Emirate, Bauchi State, and Nigeria as a whole will continue to be honoured.
See pictures below:
