In Nigeria, the role of the traditional institution in preserving the culture, maintaining peace and fostering national cohesion cannot be underplayed.
In Niger, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, a foremost traditional ruler, who recently turned 73, has creditably acquitted himself in his 22 years on the throne.
A key stakeholder in Etsu Nupe’s palace said Abubakar’s 22-year reign had been that of impactful service and transforming the destinies of not only people of his domain, but Nigerians at large.
“We recently celebrated the 73rd birthday and 22 years on the throne of the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.
“The 73rd birthday and 22nd coronation anniversary of the revered Etsu Nupe was not just another ceremonial festivity, it was a powerful testament to a reign anchored on humility, service to humanity and unshaken commitment to socio-cultural and spiritual advancement of Kin Nupe.
“This year’s celebration was not only unique, but was organised in a grand style. This time, the focus was the down trodden and the forsaken in the society.
“The unusual five-day event, which stretched from Sept. 12 to Sept. 16, 2025, was full of activities; two out of the five days were dedicated to visiting the down trodden and the sick in the society.’’
On Sept. 15, the traditional ruler visited the Correctional Centre, Bida, Remand Home and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, while on Sept. 16, he visited Umaru Sanda General Hospital and Blind Centre.
He also visited a private hospital he personally facilitated its building.
For the whole of the five days, the ancient city of Bida and adjoining communities witnessed activities that spoke volumes about the character of the 13th Etsu Nupe, a compassionate father, reformer and bridge-builder.
Day one began with solemn prayers led by the Chief Imam of Nupe kingdom, Sheikh Adamu Liman Yakatun.
The prayers, attended by traditional title holders and clerics underscored the essence of longevity, health and divine guidance for the highly respected humble Royal Father.
Testimonies on how his reign lifted Nupe kingdom to enviable heights resonated strongly, setting the tone for the celebration.
The second day was devoted to homage-paying, as citizens and well-wishers trooped to the palace, reaffirming the deep bond between the first class traditional ruler and his people.
This was followed by a historic traditional pilgrimage on day three to Rabba, in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state, which hosts the tomb of Mallam Muhammad Manko, founder of Bida, was honoured with special prayers.
“The Etsu Nupe, in his wisdom used the occasion to stress the preservation of historic sites as drivers of cultural pride, tourism and socioeconomic growth.
“Perhaps the most touching episode came on the fourth day when the 13th Etsu Nupe visited Bida Correctional Centre, in a rare display of compassion, he facilitated the release of seven inmates, by paying their fines and debts in full.
“All these visits were made to identify with the down trodden and the sick in order to comfort them and give them a sense of belonging.
“Many lives were touched positively when the royal father also visited the Correctional Centre as the inmates were full of smiles when they sighted him.
“The gifts they received also added to their joy which ignited a sense of belonging, hope and relevance in them. This gesture, according to many, will linger for many years in the minds of the inmates and also strengthen their belief and hope in the country.
“Also, the hospital visits were another aspect of the occasion that kept tears rolling in the eyes of many, because, those who were without hope were reminded that someone cares for them; the gifts also created an atmosphere of joy amongst the patients,’’ a palace stakeholder said.
Observers say the celebration of the 73rd birthday and 22 years on the throne of Etsu Nupe should be a case study for scholars, students and an example for many royal fathers and other elites in the country.
In his congratulatory message, Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger commended the fatherly role of the traditional ruler not only to the people of Nupe extraction but to the entire state.
The governor described Abubakar as a selfless, peaceful, kind, and passionate leader who always stood by his people.
Bago said that the Etsu Nupe had been a beam of hope, unity, and peace, especially to his people.
The governor applauded the royal father, emphasising that the reign of the Etsu Nupe had been marked by wisdom, exemplary leadership, and steadfast dedication to cultural preservation and the socio-economic advancement of Nupe Kingdom, Niger, and Nigeria in general.
“Etsu Nupe has continued to strengthen the existing relationship between the state government and traditional institutions as well as support the policies of his administration, which has helped to foster harmony and development across the state,’’ he said.
The governor organised a special prayer session for Abubakar, held at the Wadata Palace in Bida.
Bago described the Etsu Nupe as an exceptional and kindhearted leader.
He also acknowledged his good counsel, which, according to him, has been helpful in his decision-making.
The governor commended the stewardship of the humble traditional ruler, noting that his 73 years of existence and 22 years on the throne have been fruitful and successful.
Also, Mohammed Mohammed Ndarani, Hukunchi Nupe, felicitated Abubakar on the special occasion.
According to Ndarani, the Etsu Nupe’s reign has been a blessing to the Nupe Kingdom, Niger State, and Nigeria at large, as it is marked by peace, unity, progress and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.
He prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant Abubakar many more years of good health, wisdom, and strength to continue leading your people with dignity and fear of God.
“May your reign continue to bring peace, harmony, and development to Kin Nupe and beyond”, Ndarani prayed.
In his remarks at the prayer session, Abubakar appreciated Allah for his mercies and grace in guiding him through his reign as the 13th Etsu Nupe.
He equally thanked the governor for organising the special prayer session for him, saying it demonstrated his care and concern.
The Etsu Nupe also appreciated all those who have continued to identify with him and accord him respect, and prayed Allah to continue to guide the governor as he continued to steer the leadership of the state.
He also assured him of the unalloyed support of the state’s traditional institution to ensure successful implementation of the policies and programmes of his administration.
On his part, the Chief Imam of Bida, Liman Yakatun, who led other Islamic clerics in Bida Emirate in praying for the Etsu Nupe, also prayed for the success of the fight against all forms of insecurity and other challenges confronting the nation.
Abubakar succeeded the late Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Umaru Sanda Ndayako, on Sept. 11, 2003.
He was born on Sept. 12, 1952, in Bida, and hails from one of the ruling houses of Bida Emirate (Usman Zaki).
He attended Government College, Sokoto, and later, Commercial College Kano (1967–1971).
He enrolled into the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna (1973–1975) for training and enlistment into the Nigerian Army.
As a military officer, his last posting was the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, where he served as Director, Foreign Operations, before retiring as a Brigadier- General in September 2003.
Before his appointment as the Etsu Nupe, he was the Kusodu Nupe.
In all, stakeholders say what traditional ruler needs from all residents of Niger is continued support and prayers.
They say the Etsu Nupe wants his subjects to promote peace and remain loyal to constituted authorities in the quest for the prosperity and stability of the state and the country at large.
