By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, June 18, 2026 (NAN) A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mohammed Ndarani says the traditional title Madugun Lapai conferred on him by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umaru Bako III, the Etsu Lapai will spur him to do more for humanity.
Ndarani said this when he received a delegation of Lapai Emirate Council that paid him a courtesy call in his office in Abuja.
“I didn’t expect this title, but I’m so happy to have been awarded this prestigious honour of Madugun Lapai.
“There is nothing as good as being honoured in one’s community. It’s the best honour anyone could wish for.
“This would encourage me to serve my people, state and Nigeria as a whole even more.’’
He added that people have known him to be a straightforward person, but that he would not deviate from upholding truth and sincerity in all he does.
Ndarani, a respected grassroots politician who has been using his position to benefit his community added that the new title is a call to render even greater service to the people.
“This title represents much more than just a personal milestone. It is a reflection of our rich shared values of unity, service, and progress that bind us together as a people.
“ I want to express my deepest appreciation to His Royal Majesty for finding me worthy of this mantle
“I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I am deeply aware of the expectations that come with it.’’
The learned silk, thereafter, pledged his unalloyed loyalty and dedication to the throne, to the community, Niger state and to service to Nigeria and humanity.
“I promise to use this platform to foster peace, promote communal development, and uphold the noble traditions entrusted to me, and continue to pursue reforms and programmes that will improve the livelihoods of the people.
“If there was any doubt, this award confirms my total belief in Nigeria,’’ the senior lawyer added.
He, therefore, urged all sons and daughters of the state to continue to work together in the bid to develop, not just the emirate, but Niger state as a whole.
The monarch, who was represented by Alhaji Yakubu Santali, Chief Protocol to the Emir noted that the government cannot meet every community’s needs, and said therefore that indigenes, both home and abroad, are expected to do their best to develop their communities.
Santali while presenting the letter of conferment of the title said Ndarani was recognized for his exceptional integrity, leadership, and contributions to the society, and that this is a profound celebration of heritage and community impact.
“This title is for an individual who has distinguished himself through philanthropy, service and national development.
“It is for an individual who actively promotes local values, culture, history and advocates for the empowerment and development of Nigeria.
“This title is a reward for your extraordinarily positive impact on the lives of the people that has inspired and continue to inspire them to embrace the core values of life.’’
Santali noted that the Madugun Lapai title is usually bestowed on an individual who has earned the confidence of the entire people of the Emirate.
“We considered your contribution towards the effort to provide some roles for Traditional Rulers in Nigeria Constitution, and indeed your unending services to the Lapai Emirate.
“I pray that your services to Lapai Emirate, Niger State and the Nation will never go unnoticed,’’ he concluded
