Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has commended the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, for promoting unity, peace and peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.
Bago gave the commendation at the Wadata Palace in Bida during activities marking the Etsu Nupe’s 73rd birthday and 23rd anniversary on the throne.
The Governor described the monarch as a father to all, whose wisdom, experience and leadership had contributed to the unity and stability of Niger State.
He noted that the Etsu Nupe had consistently used his position to bring people together, promote peaceful coexistence and foster understanding among the diverse communities and ethnic groups in the state.
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Bago also acknowledged the monarch’s support for the administration’s development efforts, describing him as a respected traditional institution whose counsel and guidance remained valuable to the government and people of the state.
He said the occasion provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the monarch’s birthday and years on the throne, but also to recognise his contributions to the development and unity of Niger State.
The Governor organised special prayers, led by the Chief Imam of Bida, Alhaji Yakatun Muhammed, for the peace, security and prosperity of the Bida Emirate, Niger State and Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Allah for preserving his life and enabling him to attain 73 years of age and 23 years on the throne.
The monarch, a retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, commended Bago for his leadership and development initiatives across Niger State.
He described the Governor as a reformer committed to probity and development, while acknowledging the administration’s human development programmes and infrastructure projects.
The celebration brought together dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, family members and well-wishers at the Wadata Palace in Bida.
