From Firewalls to the Throne: Meet the Cybersecurity Expert Who Just Became the New Emir of Gumel
Talk about a major career pivot! Dr. Lawal Ahmad Muhammad Sani, the Director of Cyber Security at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is officially swapping his tech gear for a royal crown. He has just been named the 17th Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State.
Before landing his new role as king, Dr. Lawal was already a big deal in both the tech world and his community. Alongside protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace at NITDA, he held the traditional title of Chiroman Gumel.
This royal transition follows an emotional week for the emirate. Dr. Lawal’s father, Dr Ahmad Muhammad Sani—who incredibly ruled Gumel for 46 years—sadly passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, while receiving medical treatment in Cairo, Egypt.
The official green light for Dr Lawal to succeed his father came down from the very top. Jigawa State’s Governor, Umar Namadi, approved the appointment after the Gumel Emirate kingmakers (led by the Wazirin Gumel, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Nasoro) put forward his name. The State Council of Chiefs, headed by the Emir of Hadejia, Dr Adamu Abubakar Maje, also gave their full blessing.
It is safe to say the Gumel Emirate is entering a brand-new, tech-savvy era!
