| T |
he people of Nupe Land, known as Kin-Nupe, are deeply rooted in their traditional institutions and proud of their vibrant culture. This commitment shines particularly bright during the annual celebration held from September 10th to 15th, dedicated to honouring the birthday and anniversary of Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on the throne. This year’s festivities stood out, showcasing the Etsu’s remarkable dedication to empathy and community welfare.
The 2024 celebration was a unique and graceful affair, reflecting the Etsu’s deep commitment to uplifting the lives of the less privileged in his domain and beyond. His leadership is characterised by compassion, and this year’s events highlighted his profound impact on the community.
One of the most touching moments occurred on the first day of the week-long celebration when Etsu Nupe visited the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Bida. There, he engaged with inmates, offering counsel and support while serving their sentences. In an extraordinary act of compassion, he facilitated the release of six inmates who were unable to pay their fines and cleared the debts of others imprisoned due to financial burdens. Witnesses were moved to tears as they celebrated this remarkable act of kindness.
The Etsu also donated food items and toiletries to the inmates, encouraging them to make the most of the educational and vocational programs available during their incarceration. He emphasised the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration into society as productive members after their release.
The Controller-general, Nigeria Correctional Service, Malam Haliru Nababa,, who received the royal father through the controller, Niger State Command, of NCoS, commended the Etsu’s support and care for the inmates, congratulating him on his 21 years of leadership and 72nd birthday, while praying for his continued health and blessings.
The Etsu’s empathy extended beyond the prison walls. He also visited the Federal Medical Centre and Umaru Sanda General Hospital in Bida, where he donated cash and care packages to every patient. His generosity included a visit to a school for the physically challenged, where he provided food, cash, and educational materials, demonstrating his commitment to all segments of society.
The grand celebration culminated in special prayers at the Bida Central Mosque, where Etsu Nupe expressed gratitude for his life and health, acknowledging the unwavering support from his subjects throughout his reign. He urged them to remain patient during challenging economic times, reminding them that perseverance and prayer can lead to positive change. He encouraged unity and peaceful resolution of conflicts, emphasising the importance of mutual understanding among all residents.
Addressing leaders, he implored them to fear God and implement policies that improve the lives of less privileged community members. He specifically called on those responsible for distributing agricultural inputs to ensure that genuine farmers receive these resources free of charge, as mandated by the government.
During a special Sunday service, the Bishop of Bida Anglican Church, Rt. Rev. Jonah Kolo praised the Etsu for his fair and inclusive leadership, which has fostered peaceful coexistence in the community.
President Bola Tinubu also recognised Etsu Nupe’s contributions, publicly congratulating him on his milestones. In a statement by his special adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,, the President lauded the Etsu for his purposeful leadership and efforts to promote education, healthcare, and interfaith harmony in Niger State, highlighting the Etsu Nupe’s commitment and understanding, urging him to continue fostering national unity and development.
He commended the Etsu Nupe’s strong leadership as chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, commending his contributions to traditional governance and community development.
“The President appreciates the Etsu Nupe for his support of education and healthcare initiatives within the Nupe Kingdom,” said Idris. “His exceptional wisdom has greatly benefited both Niger State and the federal government over the past two decades.” the statement added.
The President noted that the Etsu Nupe’s reign has fostered peace and prosperity in Kin Nupe and has been a blessing to both his people and the nation. He praised the monarch’s efforts to promote coexistence among different ethnic groups in Niger State and across Nigeria.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago , praised the Etsu for his wisdom and commitment to cultural preservation, noting the unity and rich heritage that have flourished under his leadership. He called for continued support for the Etsu, urging youths to emulate his virtues of love and care.
The governor remarked on the Etsu Nupe’s outstanding efforts to promote and sustain the rich cultural heritage of the Nupe Kingdom, noting that his reign has positively impacted not only his subjects but also the broader Nigerian community. He described the Etsu Nupe as a selfless, determined leader and a bridge-builder.
On his part, the Sarkin Dawaki and chairman of New Niger Development Projects, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar-Bida,, also celebrated the Etsu Nupe’s twenty-one years of visionary leadership, expressing gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the progress of the Nupe Kingdom. He prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and health for the Etsu Nupe to lead Kin Nupe to greater heights.
He pointed out that the empathy displayed by the royal father during this year’s celebration has made it not only memorable but also a poignant reminder of how leaders should treat their followers with compassion and understanding.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, echoed these sentiments, describing Etsu Nupe as a worthy leader whose wisdom has brought peace and prosperity to Kin-Nupe.
The celebrations, marked by acts of compassion and gratitude, illustrated not just Etsu Nupe’s achievements but also set a powerful example for leaders everywhere. His empathetic approach serves as a reminder of the impact a compassionate leader can have on their community, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
As this year’s celebration comes to a close, the legacy of Etsu Nupe continues to resonate, reminding us all of the importance of empathy in leadership and the profound difference it can make in the lives of individuals and communities alike.
