By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Dass Emirate Council in Bauchi State, on Saturday 24th February 2024, was agog with visitors from within and outside the State, who trouped in to witness the Turbaning Ceremony of Ms. Grace Fosen as the First Uwar Marayun Dass.
The Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Billayaminu Uthman, while congratulating Ms. Fosen shortly after being turbaned, said that it is the least Dass Emirate could do to expressed it’s gratitude for the development she brought to the people of the Community, especially Women and other vulnerable target groups.
The Emir said that the newly turbaned Uwar Marayun Dass has, at several times, demonstrated her love and passion in improving the economic status of the people through the Global Affairs Canada funded MEDA Nigeria WAY Project when she served as the Country Project Manager in Bauchi.
He said that during the life span of MEDA Project, it has impacted positively on the lives of the people, assuring that the structures MEDA established are already being sustained and replicated in other communities within and outside the Emirate Council.
After the traditional horse ride by the Uwar Marayu, amidst beats of drums, trumpets and mini Durbar within the Town of Dass, Ms. Fosen thanked the Emir for the honour, pledging her loyalty to the Emirate.
Ms. Fosen also pledged to collaborate with organisations, groups, as well as well meaning Nigerians towards establishing a scholarship program specifically targeting Orphans in Dass Emirate
The First Uwar Marayun Dass said that the honour is not done to her alone but also to Global Affairs Canada, MEDA team, local partners and beneficiaries of the MEDA Nigeria WAY Project.
She also seized the opportunity of the grand occasion to thank the Dass Emirate Council and Bauchi State for supporting the MEDA Project Implementation.
Our correspondent reports that the First Uwar Marayun Dass, an indigene of Taraba State, holds a degree in Agricultural Economics and Masters Degree in Business Administration. She has facilitated projects and programs that enhance economic empowerment and development of women, youth and other vulnerable groups.
The traditional title of Uwar Marayu literally means “Mother of the Orphans”.