By Tunde Omolehin
It was a day of colour, culture, and celebration in the ancient town of Dange on Saturday, October 25, 2025, as family members, friends, traditional leaders, and dignitaries converged to witness the grand turbaning of Barrister Sa’adat Yunusa Muhammad as the Gimbiyar Dange.
The event, held at the palace of Sarkin Bauran Dange, Alhaji Bello Usman, radiated an atmosphere of pride and festivity. The sound of traditional drums, the rhythm of cultural dances, and the vibrant display of Hausa regalia set the tone for an occasion that merged heritage with the celebration of women’s leadership and community service.
A Moment of Honour and Recognition
Barrister Sa’adat Yunusa Muhammad, a distinguished lawyer and humanitarian, is no stranger to public admiration. Her decades-long commitment to empowering women, supporting the less privileged, and promoting education through her Sa’ar Mata Foundation has earned her respect across the Dange community, Sokoto State and beyond.
The turbaning ceremony, therefore, was more than a cultural formality, it was a symbolic recognition of a woman who has consistently blended her legal profession with community advocacy.
In attendance were traditional rulers, government officials, and community leaders who turned out in large numbers to witness what many described as a “historic acknowledgment” of female leadership in contemporary Sokoto society.
The Governor’s Call for Women’s Participation
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Aminu Dodo Iya, described the occasion as a milestone in the evolving narrative of women’s roles in governance and community development.
He applauded Barrister Sa’adat’s professional integrity and selfless service, urging other women to emulate her example by taking active roles in shaping their communities.
“The conferment of this title is a reflection of our traditional institution’s progressive outlook and its appreciation of women as key partners in development,” the governor said.
He further noted that women, when empowered and supported, become strong pillars for peace, growth, and stability at the grassroots level.
The Traditional Institution’s Progressive Outlook
For the host monarch, Alhaji Bello Usman, the conferment of the Gimbiyar Dange title was part of the traditional council’s resolve to recognize individuals who have made tangible impacts in society.
The District Head highlighted Barrister Sa’adat’s exemplary record in community service, women’s empowerment, and educational advocacy as reasons for her selection.
He also conferred the title of Mayanan Dange on Barrister Ahmad Muhammad Musa, husband of the new Gimbiyar Dange, describing the couple as an inspiration to the younger generation.
“The new Mayanan Dange is a vibrant and hardworking individual whose commitment to community growth is worthy of emulation,” the monarch said.
Echoes of a Historical Legacy
Amid the pomp and ceremony, several speakers reflected on the deep-rooted legacy of women’s leadership within the Sokoto Caliphate.
Barrister Hafsat Sahabi Dange particularly drew attention to the example of Nana Asma’u, the scholarly daughter of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, who championed women’s education and empowerment centuries ago.
She commended the Sarkin Bauran Dange for sustaining that inclusive vision, adding that the recognition of women like Barrister Sa’adat keeps alive the historical legacy of female contribution to nation-building.
“Women have always played pivotal roles in shaping societies, from education to leadership and social progress. The recognition of Barrister Sa’adat is a continuation of that legacy,” she noted.
The Honouree’s Gratitude and Vision
In her acceptance speech, Barrister Sa’adat Yunusa Muhammad expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Dange Traditional Council for the honour bestowed upon her.
With humility and poise, she pledged to serve diligently as a member of the district council and continue her advocacy for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
“This recognition is both an honour and a responsibility,” she said. “I dedicate it to every woman striving to make a difference in her community. Development requires compassion, collaboration, and sustained effort.”
Through her Sa’ar Mata Foundation, the new Gimbiyar Dange has supported numerous widows, orphans, and indigent students. Her initiatives, ranging from scholarship schemes to small business grants, have impacted hundreds of lives across Sokoto and neighbouring states.
Acts of Compassion: Humanitarian Outreach
True to her character, Barrister Sa’adat extended her celebration beyond the palace walls. As part of the week-long activities marking her turbaning, she paid humanitarian visits to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.
At both locations, she distributed cash grants, food items, and essential supplies to women and children, reinforcing her lifelong commitment to service and compassion.
Observers noted that this act underscored her philosophy that leadership is best expressed through service to humanity.
A Celebration Beyond Ceremony
For many in attendance, the turbaning of Barrister Sa’adat Yunusa Muhammad as Gimbiyar Dange was more than a cultural pageant. it was a reaffirmation of the place of women in leadership and a celebration of selfless service.
The ceremony symbolized a bridge between tradition and progress, showing that the values of compassion, education, and empowerment can coexist with cultural heritage.
As the crowd dispersed amid songs of praise and ululations, one thing was clear: the people of Dange had not only honoured a woman of substance but had also inspired a new generation to believe in service, leadership, and community unity.
One of the residents of the community, Maryam Tijanni in her words described the ‘Gimbiyar Dange’ as an inspiration to the women in the community, and prayed that: “May her leadership continue to shine.”
