The Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari says the importance of Nupeland and the strategic position of Niger State to national development of the country is not in doubt.
Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo disclosed this at the Wadata Palace, Bida, during the turbaning ceremony of four illustrious sons of Bida Emirate.
Prof Osinbajo who was the special guest of honour at the event attended by mammoth crowd, said it was the acknowledgment of the fact that Niger State is key in engendering rapid growth and development in the country that propelled the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to approve the reconstruction of many Federal roads in Niger State out of the 9 roads selected in North Central Nigeria.
He said the Nupe Kingdom has a critical role to play particularly in the agricultural sector noting that between July to September 2021, agriculture alone contributed upto 30 per cent of the country’s GDP.
“Nupe land with its vast farmlands and extensive farming activities is key to delivering this figure.
“This administration also understands the importance of ensuring that all Nigerians have a sustainable standard life of living and we must ensure that all are gainfully employed in legitimate economic activities”, he said.
While congratulating the newly turbaned title holders, the Vice President urged them to see the honour done them as a fresh call to service to humanity.
He commended the Estu Nupe and Chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers HRH, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Nupeland and uniting them, describing him as a quintessential leader and a rallying point to all Nupe people.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello who was the Chief Host at the event, commended the Estu Nupe for all his efforts at ensuring cordial relationship among all the traditional rulers in the state pointing out that it has translated to peaceful coexistence amongst the seven Emirates in the state.
The Governor also appreciated the Traditional Ruler for the conferment and turbaning of some of the illustrious sons of his Emirate stressing that they worth the honour.
He congratulated the newly turbaned title holders calling on them to justify the honour done to them and contribute their quota in sustaining the existing peace and unity in the Emirate.
Earlier, Etsu Nupe, Alh Yahaya Abubakar appreciated President Buhari for approving roads reconstruction in the state, saying that the roads when completed, will end the untold hardship road users are going through.
He maintained that those turbaned were carefully selected based on their immense contributions to the development of Nupe Kingdom.
The Emir acknowledged those that contributed to the success of the event and those that attended.
Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, represented by Hon Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, said that honour done to their colleague was for the entire members of the House of Representatives hence they are not taking it for granted.
Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi on behalf of others that were turbaned, thanked the Emir for finding them worthy of the titles bestowed on them and pledged their commitments and willingness to give their best to the overall benefits of the Emirate.
Those turbaned were, Hon Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Member, House of Representatives, Bida, Gbako, Katcha Federal Constituency as Gwarzon Nupe, Hon Bako Alfa Kasimu, chairman House Committee on Works and
Infrastructural Deveopment and member Niger State House of Assembly represnting Bida North as the Zaran Nupe.
Others turbaned were, Hon Mohammed Alhaji Haruna, member representing Bida South as Dan Turaki Nupe and the executive chairman of Bida, Hon Suleiman Sheshi was turbaned as the Maina Nupe.
Highlights of the event was the conferment of “Garkuwan Yamman Nupe” meaning “Defender of Nupe Kingdom” on the Vice President by the Estu Nupe, presentation of a horse to the vice president and cultural performance by the Etsu Nupe Royal Band among others.
