The Sultan of Aïr His Highness Oumarou Ibrahim Oumarou proceeded, on Friday September 15, 2023, in the courtyard of the Sultanate to the enthronement of his Dan Galadima. A very high position in the ranks of the notables of the Sultan’s court. The choice of the Sultan for this function fell on the person of Mr. Albachir Aboubacar who thus succeeds his father. This ceremony took place in the presence of the governor of the Agadez region, Brigadier General Ibra Boulama Issa and several civil and military personalities from the region, customary authorities from several localities in the country and distinguished guests from very far.
Since the morning, the courtyard of the Sultanate has been the subject of a large influx of populations, men and women of all ages, from the city of Agadez and those who came from elsewhere on the occasion of the said event. The ceremony was particularly marked by several demonstrations. The Fantasia of the Sultanate’s cavalry, the Bianou, the songs of local artists and musicians, all in a perfect organization in honor of the Sultanate and His Highness Oumarou Ibrahim Oumarou, the Sultan of Aïr. It is in this atmosphere of joy and pride, synchronized with the sounds and rhythms of the Algaita, those of all the other musical instruments of the court, that the new Dan Galadima, Mr. Albachir Aboubacar was inducted through the symbolic wearing of the turban,
The relatives, friends and acquaintances of the lucky recipient did not miss the opportunity to show their solidarity and support during the wearing of the turban as stipulated by tradition. There are many men, women and young girls who have not been able to contain their emotion at seeing the induction of Dan Galadima. It was with the same emotion that the new Dan Galadima, Mr. Albachir Aboubacar, presented himself to the Sultan before going around to greet and thank all the personalities present, starting with the Governor and the other traditional Chiefs present at Agadez for the ceremony.
It’s a big day! An important moment! A day forever recorded and engraved in the memory of the new Dan Galadima. This he expressed in front of the entire audience by taking the floor to express his gratitude to the Sultan of Aïr for having designated and chosen him as his Dan Galadima. Mr. Albachir Aboubacar also expressed his gratitude to all the members of his family for the support, before thanking the guests who made the trip. The new Dan Galadima of the court of the Sultan of Aïr, aware of the height of the function he now occupies and the scope of his mission, expressed his complete availability and his commitment to honor the trust placed in him .
Previously, Mr. Abdourahamane Elh Aboubacar Touraoua, current mayor of the urban commune of Agadez, had the honor and privilege of presenting the new Dan Galadima before recalling the responsibilities, mission and scope of this function. The new Dan Galadima of the Sultan, Mr. Albachir Aboubacar, was born on June 14, 1966 in Agadez. He is a career teacher and has served in several schools in the Zinder and Agadez regions. He has followed several training courses in Niger and abroad and has participated in several training courses and international conferences on various themes. He held several administrative and political positions, including those of municipal councilor in the urban commune of Agadez from 2011 to 2017, prefect of the department of Ingall from 2018 to 2019, prefect of the department of Aguié from 2019 to 2020,
“The Dan Galadima is a discretionary position, which is why its attributions are not disclosed. He must be a prince, son of a prince or princess. He must embody a certain number of values: be wise, be reserved, intelligent, patient, enduring, eloquent and endowed with a spirit of discernment. He is the head of the customary administration of the city of Agadez; all the heads of villages and neighborhoods in the city report to him,” said Mr. Abdourahamane Elh Aboubacar Touraoua. He added that the Dan Galadima is the only one to tell the Sultan what he does not want to hear; make him reverse decisions made in anger or hastily; discussing war and expedition plans and handling the family problem and disputes of the princes. “Mr Aboubacar Albachir Ibrahim Dassouki, you have just occupied the position held by your late father, son of Sultan Ibrahim Dassouki, who was the last patriarch of the family to leave us. Have the wisdom, patience, endurance, generosity, intelligence and bravery of Mallam Bacha. The family places hope in you as a special advisor to the Sultan of Air on whose shoulder rests all its hope,” he advises.
The Chief of Canton of Illéla was also invited to provide advice to the new Dan Galadima but also to all of these collaborators. The opportunity for the honorable Yacouba Habibou Oumani to congratulate him on behalf of the other invited traditional chiefs, but also in his own name.