By Mohammed Baba Busu
The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has said the traditional institution will always honour those who contribute to the development of Nupe Kingdom, the state, country and humanity.
The Etsu Nupe said this at the turbaning ceremony of DCG Aliyu Galadima-Saidu, RTD, as the Galadima Gari Nupe at his Wadata Palace in Bida on Sunday.
Abubakar, who is also the chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers said: “Those that are given traditional titles are for people of proven integrity who show concern to the development and socio-economic well being of the emirate.”
He said the honour was to encourage others to live exemplary lives in their positions, for the general good of the country.
The royal father said the emirate would continue to recognise selfless service by its sons and daughters.
He added that highly placed individuals should continue to bring development to the area, as well as the entire nation.
The traditional ruler also stressed the need for the entire people of Nupe land across Nigeria and in the diaspora to continue to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Nupe race, Niger state and Nigeria.
The Etsu Nupe appealed to Nupes, especially the privileged ones, to always assist their indigent brethren.
Abubakar said, “Wealth should be circulated and not hoarded, while those endowed with wealth should be their brothers’ keepers.”
The Etsu Nupe also challenged wealthy sons and daughters of the emitate, especially those in the Diaspora, to return home and establish industries in Kin Nupe
The Royal father added that such would facilitate the socio-economic development of the kingdom.
He also appealed to his people at home and in the Diaspora to be united wherever they reside and urged that they should also co-exist
peacefully with their neighbours.
Etsu nupe explained that the title of Galadima Gari Nupe was conferred on Galadima
-Saidu based on his unbiased personality and generosity,
The monarch expressed hope that he will continue with his humanitarian service to the people of the Kingdom and beyond
In his remarks, Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger state described the new Galadiman Gari Nupe as a man of excellence, who was outstanding during his service years in the Nigeria Customs Service.
The governor appreciated the Etsu Nupe for the honour done to an illustrious son of Bida, pointing out that the Galadiman Nupe is a true ambassador of the Nupes.
Umaru-Bago said he is optimistic that the Galadiman Nupe will provide the needed support to the Estu Nupe for the overall growth and development of the Nupe Kingdom in particular and Niger State in general.
He then acknowledged the efforts of the Etsu Nupe in upholding the rich cultural heritage of the Nupe Kingdom.
In their separate goodwill messages, DCP Abdullahi Babani, and the Sarkin Kudun Gombe, Abdulrasheed Aliyu, said the title of Galadiman Nupe is a deserving one to the DCG Saidu (Rtd) adding that he is a trustworthy person.
Responding, Alhaji Saidu, the new Galadima Gari Nupe, thanked God and the Etsu Nupe for the honour and pledged to uphold the throne of the Kin Nupe Emirate.
He pledged to live above board and continue to give emirate the positive publicity, as well as bring socioeconomic development to the area.
Dignitaries at the event were the Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, Former Governor of Bauchi State, Muhammad Abubakar,
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Member representing Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Mashegu Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Idris Garba, Member representing Bida/Katcha/Gbako and Gwarzon Nupe, Saidu Musa Abdullahi among others.
