Ajia: The Bridge-Builder Turbaned as Dan Amanar Fune Emirate
This post has already been read at least 1178 times!
In a rare blend of honour, tradition, and national recognition, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, a distinguished son of Ilorin in Kwara State, was turbaned as Dan Amanar (Custodian of Trust) of Fune Emirate in a grand ceremony held at the Emir’s Palace in Damagum, headquarters of Fune Local Government Area, Yobe State, on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The colourful occasion, which also marked the 25th coronation anniversary of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Saleh Ibn Uthman, Emir of Fune, was attended by royal fathers from across Northern Nigeria, political leaders, captains of industry, and hundreds of admirers from Ilorin, Abuja, and Damagum.
Alhaji Ibrahim Ajia is not just a politician or businessman—he is a patriotic Nigerian whose footprints in public service, security, philanthropy, and community development have made significant impacts nationwide. Born in Magaji Ngeri ward, Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, Ajia’s life journey is that of relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project.
From humble beginnings at ECWA Primary School in Ilorin and later Government Secondary School Kawo, Kaduna, Ajia pursued academic excellence with deep passion. Though he initially gained admission to study Economics at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, his desire to serve Nigeria led him to the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, where he was commissioned as an Inspector of Police in 2004.
Ajia later earned a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Abuja and a Master’s Degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the National Open University of Nigeria. He also obtained a Certificate in Public Leadership and Policy from the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), Abuja.
As a young, vibrant, and intelligent officer, Ajia served in various sensitive capacities in the Nigeria Police Force, including as:
ADC to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON, Security Aide to the late Governor of Yobe State, Senator Mamman B. Ali, Chief Security Officer to Governor Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command and 2IC, Yenagoa Area Command, Bayelsa State.
He also trained in several advanced security and leadership courses across Egypt, Italy, the UK, and Nigeria, including combating organised crime and high-risk operations. These experiences sharpened his understanding of national security and human management, building his reputation as a trusted, tested, and efficient.
Upon retiring from active service in 2017, Ajia transitioned into politics and entrepreneurship, but his core passion remained human development. Through his MAI Foundation, he has provided succour to thousands of Nigerians—orphans, widows, students, farmers, and small-scale business owners—across Kwara State and other parts of the country.
The foundation has carried out impactful interventions in education, health, youth and women empowerment, rural infrastructure, and skills acquisition. Whether it is donating medical equipment to rural hospitals, providing scholarships to indigent students, drilling boreholes, or equipping young people with vocational tools, Ajia has consistently used his resources to uplift the underserved and vulnerable.
This was one of the key reasons behind his recent honour by the Fune Emirate, which described him as “a trustworthy, honest, reliable, and dependable personality who has written his name in gold.”
To be turbaned as Dan Amanar Fune is not merely ceremonial; it signifies a deep trust and a sacred responsibility. For the Emir of Fune, Ajia represents those rare Nigerians who transcend tribal and religious lines, working selflessly for unity and progress.
Speaking after his turbaning, Ajia expressed gratitude to the Emir and the people of Fune for the honour. He promised not to relent:
*This is not just a title; it is a sacred trust. I will continue to work for the good of the Emirate, Yobe State, and our great country, Nigeria. This recognition has rekindled my commitment to serve humanity even more.”
Indeed, for nearly two decades, Ajia has maintained a close relationship with the Fune Emirate, dating back to his days as the Security Aide to the late Governor Mamman B. Ali. That relationship, built on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals, has now matured into formal recognition by the traditional institution.
Aside from his security background and philanthropic work, Ajia is also a farmer, businessman, and President/CEO of FUNAB Group of Companies, a conglomerate involved in construction, retail, hospitality, and cleaning services.
In 2019, he contested for the PDP gubernatorial ticket in Kwara State. In 2023, he ran for the House of Representatives seat for Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency. Beyond the ballot, Ajia has remained a passionate voice for inclusive governance, social equity, and national cohesion.
His track record, humility, and passion for development make him one of the shining stars of the younger generation of Nigerian leaders.
That a man from Ilorin, Kwara State, would be so recognised and turbaned with a traditional title in faraway Fune Emirate, Yobe State, is both a celebration. It is a celebration of how character, service, and loyalty can gain national recognition.
Ajia has done much, not only for Kwara but for Nigeria. From Ilorin to Abuja, Damagum to Bayelsa, his legacy continues to expand. His recent turbaning should serve as a call to action for his native Emirate to also recognise his efforts, and further encourage other indigenes to serve with integrity, humility, and purpose.
In the words of one observer at the event, “Ajia may have received the title of Dan Amana in the North-East, but his loyalty and service began from home. Ilorin must not be the last to honour him.”
With his head held high and heart full of gratitude, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia has shown that true service transcends geography—and those who serve selflessly will always be seen, celebrated, and remembered.
This post has already been read at least 1178 times!
