IBB, Abdulsalami, Sultan, others stand-still for Etsu Nupe @20 on the throne

It was tales beyond narration when Nigerians and foreigners stood- still in solidarity, show of love, loyalty and appreciation to His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar CFR at the grand finale of his 20th coronation anniversary held at Wadata Palace, in the ancient town of Bida, Niger State.

Apart from being the Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Rulers Council, Etsu Yahaya Abubakar is also the chairman, Coordinating Committee National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, (NCTRN) with its headquarters in Abuja.

The event was crowned with the installation of the first daughter of the nation and Iyaloja-General of Lagos State, Dr. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo as the Yar-Jarin Nupe and the Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso as the Dan Wadatan Nupe for their unflinching contributions to the development of Bida Emirate COuncil and humanity in general.

A retired Army General, Etsu Yahaya Abubakar was born 71 years ago (12 September 1952) into the Umaru Zaki royal dynasty by Alhaji Abubakar Saganuwa, the late Nakordi Nupe and Hajiya Habiba Bantigi Ndayako.

While his late father was the brother to the 11th Etsu Nupe Late Malam Musa Bello, his late mother was the daughter of the 9th Etsu Nupe, Muhammadu Kudu Ndayako and Sister to late Alhaji Umaru Sanda Ndayako, the the 12th Etsu Nupe.

The monarch attended Government College, Sokoto and later Commercial College, Kano from 1967 to1971 and later proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy, (NDA) Kaduna from1973 to1975 in preparation for joining the Nigerian Army.
Throughout his sojourn as Army Officers, he exhibited high level of excellence, discipline and dedication to the unity of Nigeria with last posting at the Defense Headquarters Abuja, as the Director of Foreign Operations, before retiring as a Brigadier General in September 2003.

At the grand finale of the event marking his 71st birthday and 20th coronation anniversary, on Saturday 16th September 2023, Etsu Yahaya Abubakar was so elated as dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond stormed the ancient town of Bida to pay the honour and celebrate with the great philanthropist and lover of the downtrodden.

Former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rdt) was represented by the former Niger State Governor, Dr. Aliyu Babangida Mu’azu (Talban Minna), Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar (rtd), Governor Abdullahi Bago, Minister for Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, Group Managing Director/CEO of KAM Holding, Dr. Kamoru Yusuf MON, members of the National Assembly, leadership of the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile-Ife, Members of the Niger State House of Assembly, members of the state executive council, industrialists from within and outside the country, groups, and associations among others.

Among traditional rulers resent at the was the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III CFR, the Emir of Kano (Magajin Ado) Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero CFR, Emir of Lafia Bari-Bari, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammed I CFR, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR, Ona of Abaji and Chairman FCT Council of Chiefs Alhaji Baba Yunusa CON, Oluwo of Iwoland, Emir Azara, Emir of Awe, Emir of Kazaure, Emir of Borgu, Emir of Minna, Emir of Kagara, Sarkin Sudan Kotangora, Emir of Lafiagi, Emir of Shonga, Etsu Tsaragi, Etsu Agaei, Etsu Lapai, Olofa of Offa, Afaji of Faaji, Owalobbo of Obno-Ile, Andoma of Doma, Representative of Oba of Benin, Representative of Emir of Gombe, Representative of Etsu Patigi, Representative of Etsu Bassange, Representative of Obi of Onisha, just to mention a few.

While felicitating with the first class traditional ruler, President Bola Ahmed described him as a consummate statesman and a most respected national leader.

The president said “I join a multitude of Nigerians, family members and friends in celebrating His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe. This is a remarkable moment which calls for thanksgiving in the celebration of a purposeful life that has been well lived.

“Throughout his decorated career as a military official and upon his ascension to the revered throne of his forefathers two decades ago, the traditional ruler has remained steadfast in his service to Nigeria and his people.”

Tinubu therefore prayed for more fulfilling years for the traditional ruler and urged him to rededicate himself in his effort to improve society.

Similarly, the Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed joy over the 71st birthday anniversary of the highly respected monarch who has served as a diligent army officer before his enthronement as the Chief Custodian of the tradition and culture of the people of Bida Emirate Council and beyond.

The Emir’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, saying: “Etsu Yahaya Abubakar, a world class traditional ruler has by all indications demonstrated his commitments to the unity and peaceful co-existence amongst the people of the country.

“The Etsu Nupe is a great philanthropist, God-fearing and detribalize Nigerian with genuine passion for national cohesion” even he prayed to Almighty Allah to continue to grant the Etsu Nupe peaceful reign and appealed to the government and people of Niger state to continue to support their highly revered monarch with prayers at all times.

With the influx of dignitaries and empowerment of the less privileged at the 71st birthday and 20th coronation anniversary of Retired Brig. Gen. Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar CFR, the 13th Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Traditional Rulers Council, history will never forget what the monarch stands for as a bridge-builder and cheerful giver even as he pledged to continue to fight hard towards making the poor smile.