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The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, have called on Nigerians to embrace tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence as true tools for sustainable development.
Abubakar made the call on Saturday at Wadata Palace, Bida, during a ceremony to mark his 74th birthday and his ancestors’ 23rd anniversary on the throne.
The monarch said peace remains fundamental to the progress and development of any society, stressing that no meaningful development can occur in an atmosphere of conflict, intolerance and division.
He urged his subjects and Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious or political affiliations, to promote mutual respect, understanding and dialogue in the interest of peaceful coexistence and national development.
The Etsu Nupe also called on wealthy and successful Kin Nupe individuals, both within the country and in the diaspora, to return home and contribute significantly to the development of the Nupe Kingdom.
The first-class traditional ruler said the kingdom’s development is a collective responsibility and should not be left solely to the government, urging individuals, corporate organizations and other stakeholders to invest in education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure and other critical areas.
According to him, the traditional institution has an important role to play in complementing government efforts to improve people’s well-being and promote peace and unity in society.
The monarch also urged younger generations to take pride in their cultural heritage, acquire quality education and develop the skills and values needed to positively contribute to the development of the kingdom and Nigeria.
He expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, religious leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers who joined him in celebrating this milestone.
Etsu Nupe said the celebration was not simply about his personal achievements, but an opportunity to reflect on the progress recorded by the Nupe Kingdom, the challenges ahead and the collective responsibility of the people in building a more prosperous future.
He reaffirmed his commitment to using the traditional institution to promote peace, unity, cultural preservation and development, praying for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Niger State, Nupe Kingdom and Nigeria.
Also speaking were the Royal Father of the Day, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Traditional Rulers, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed I congratulated Etsu Nupe on reaching 74 years of age and 23 years on the throne of his ancestors.
Judge Sidi Bage described the milestone as an extraordinary achievement and a testament to Etsu Nupe’s wisdom, humility, dedication and commitment to the traditional institution and the well-being of his people.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the Etsu Nupe many more years of good health, wisdom and strength to continue to provide purposeful leadership and contribute to the peace, unity and development of the Nupe Kingdom, Niger State and Nigeria.
The emir said Etsu Nupe stood out as a traditional ruler whose influence and leadership transcended the Nupe ethnic group, stressing that he had consistently demonstrated that traditional institutions could serve as tools to promote unity, peace and national cohesion.
He described the monarch as a humble, generous and accommodating traditional ruler who always accompanied everyone, regardless of ethnic, religious or social background.
According to him, Etsu Nupe’s ability to relate to people from different divisions has earned him enormous respect and admiration beyond the borders of the Nupe Kingdom.
The Emir commended Etsu Nupe for his constant advocacy of peaceful coexistence, saying his advice and interventions on issues affecting society have contributed immensely to stability, understanding and harmonious relations between communities.
Justice Sidi Bage noted that traditional rulers have a significant role to play in complementing government efforts in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, cultural conservation and community development.
He urged the people of the Nupe Kingdom to continue to support and honor the Etsu Nupe, stressing that the strength of any traditional institution depends largely on the unity, loyalty and cooperation of its subjects.
The Emir also called on other traditional rulers and Nigerians to emulate the Etsu Nupe virtues of humility, tolerance, generosity and inclusiveness, saying such qualities are essential to building a peaceful, united and prosperous society.
He further described Etsu Nupe as a father to many and a bridge builder between communities, wishing him continued success and many more years of impactful service to humanity.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, community leaders, religious leaders, family members, friends and supporters from within and outside Niger State.
The gathering provided an opportunity for dignitaries and members of the public to celebrate Etsu Nupe’s years of service, while recognizing his contributions to the peace, cultural preservation, unity and development of his people.
