Gov. Mohammed Umar-Bago of Niger says the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar is a critical pillar in the nation’s socioeconomic development.
He spoke on Saturday in Abuja at a one-day Colloquium on Agriculture organised by Abubakar, as well as the unveiling of his endowment fund.
The event, with a theme: “Food and the Nation’, was convened by the traditional ruler as part of his efforts to boost food security in the country.
Bago congratulated the Etsu Nupe on the feat, describing it as a wonderful achievement.
The governor added that Abubakar was playing a critical role in the sustainable development of Niger and Nigeria in general.
“Our revered traditional ruler is helping a lot to entrench peace and unity in the state and the country at large,’’ he said.
He congratulated the traditional ruler on his birthday, saying, to hit 72 years, was not a joke.
“You still look like you are 40. I am also congratulating you on your 21st year on the throne.
“God has given you so much health, stamina and agility and we pray that it shall it be so forever,” he said.
The keynote speaker, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said that achieving food required collective effort.
Ogbeh emphasised the importance of food as a basic necessity, quoting Friedrich Engels: “A man must first feed himself, clothe himself and house himself before he turns his attention to philosophy and politics.”
Ogbeh commended the Etsu Nupe for choosing this critical topic, describing him as a true father and patriot who was concerned about the welfare of his people and the nation.
He said the traditional ruler’s decision to focus on food security demonstrated his deep commitment to addressing the challenges facing the nation.
The keynote speaker warned of grave dangers ahead, particularly in the area of food security, if urgent and collective action was not taken to boost food production. NAN
