Staff members of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have described the newly appointed Emir of Gumel, Dr. Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani, as a “genuine man of the people,” praising his humility, accessibility and leadership qualities.
Dr. Lawan, who until his elevation served as NITDA’s Director of Cybersecurity, was enthroned as the 17th Emir of Gumel on Sunday, September 6, 2026, following his appointment by the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi.
His colleagues at NITDA described his emergence as Emir as a fitting recognition of a man whose professional career was marked by dedication, generosity and commitment to service.
The Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, Hajiya Hadiza, led the tributes, describing Dr. Lawan as “a distinguished colleague, a gentleman to the core, kind-hearted and exceptionally devout.”
“It is with profound joy, deep respect and overwhelming pride that I extend my warmest congratulations to my dear colleague and friend, His Royal Highness, Dr. Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani, on his well-deserved ascension as the 17th Emir of Gumel,” she said.
According to her, Dr. Lawan’s character and conduct over the years had earned him the respect and affection of colleagues.
“To know Dr. Lawan is to experience a rare nobility of character. He is a gentleman to the core, kind-hearted and exceptionally devout. Throughout our time together, he distinguished himself as a dedicated professional, a true team player and a selfless giver whose door and heart were always open to everyone around him,” Hadiza said.
She added that Dr. Lawan was “in every sense of the phrase, a genuine man of the people.”
Hadiza expressed confidence that his reign would be characterised by wisdom, compassion, progress and tranquillity, saying he would bring to the Gumel Emirate the same intellect, humility and dedication that he demonstrated in his professional and academic life.
For Dr. Aishat Salawu, Manager of NITDA’s Cybersecurity Department, who worked directly under the new Emir, his most notable qualities were his simplicity and ability to relate with people.
“He is very easy-going, approachable and friendly. He is the kind of person you can walk up to, have a conversation with, and somehow leave feeling that the issue is not as difficult as you thought,” she said.
Dr. Salawu said the former cybersecurity director was also a good listener who considered different perspectives and treated people with respect and understanding.
She noted that his calm and peaceful disposition contributed to a positive working environment in the department.
“His simplicity and ability to make people feel comfortable have made working with him much easier and more enjoyable. As he takes on this new and important responsibility as the Emir of Gumel, I believe these same qualities will serve him very well,” she said.
She prayed for wisdom, good health, strength and divine guidance for the new Emir, adding that his reign should bring peace, unity and progress to the people of Gumel Emirate.
Also speaking, Abba Muktar, a Deputy Manager at NITDA, described Dr. Lawan as a supportive leader with “immense leadership qualities,” as well as a generous man of good character.
Another manager, Shafiu Musa, who worked closely with him, said he had witnessed firsthand the new Emir’s dedication, humility and leadership abilities.
“His visionary approach, commitment to service and ability to inspire those around him have been truly remarkable,” Musa said.
He expressed confidence that the Gumel Emirate would experience greater peace, unity, progress and prosperity under Dr. Lawan’s leadership.
Muktar also wished the new Emir a fruitful and long-lasting reign on the throne of his ancestors.
