Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai I

The Emir of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai I, on Saturday urged civil servants to be dedicated and productive in contributing their quota to the development of the country.

Agwai 1 made the call in Lafia while receiving the delegation of civil servants from Keffi Local Government Area of the state.

The delegation was on a condolence visit over the death of five of the Emir’s palace staff members in an accident.

According to the Emir, civil servants are the backbone of every economy, hence the need for them to be dedicated and be productive.

“I want to appreciate you for identifying with me and the entire emirate council at this trying moment over the deaths of four of the palace staff.

“Their death was as a result of ghastly motor accident on our way to console Gov. Isah Yuguda of Bauchi State over the demise of his mother.

“At that same day, the palace also lost a staff after a brief illness.

“The lost of the five staff of my palace was a great loss not only to the Lafia Emirate Council but to the entire state as a whole.

“The deceased lived a life worthy of emulation as they were very humble, honest, dedicated and hard working,” he said.

The monarch urged civil servants to shun corruption and others sharp practices capable of tarnishing their image, the image of the state and the country at large.

He called on the people of Keffi to continue to sustain the cordial relationship between them and the people of the Lafia Emirate Council in the interest of peace, unity and national development.

The traditional ruler also urged the people of the state and Nigerians to embrace peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political affiliation.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Wada Yahaya, said that their visit was to console the Emir over the death of five of his palace staff.

Yahaha, who is also the state’s Commissioner of Works, prayed God to grant the Emir and their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

“The news of their deaths was heartbreaking, painful but God gives life and takes at will.

“I urge you, their families and the entire Emirate Council not to be depressed but to be courageous and have faith in God,” he said.