By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has congratulated the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday and 22nd anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.
In a statement signed by the Council’s Public Relations Officer, Khadijat O. Ameen, Dr. Dabban, speaking on behalf of the entire Dabban family and the people of Niger State, praised the royal father as a father figure and mentor whose reign has brought peace, unity, and development to the Nupe kingdom and beyond.
The Etsu Nupe, a first-class traditional ruler with his royal stool situated in Bida, Niger State, ascended the throne in 2003 and has since become a respected custodian of culture, tradition, and national values.
In his message, Dr. Dabban extolled the monarch’s exemplary leadership, describing him as a guiding light and source of inspiration. “Nupe indigenes lift their voice in gratitude and in solemn choice. For in your strength, we see our part, a future bright, a nation’s heart,” he said in his goodwill note.
He also prayed for continued blessings upon the Etsu Nupe, asking God to grant him health, wisdom, and long life to continue guiding his people and contributing to national progress. “May God Almighty grant you more, with blessings rich and grace in store health, wisdom, joy without end, a guiding light, our nation’s friend,” the statement read.
Dr. Dabban further noted that the monarch’s service, wisdom, and dedication to the Nigerian project have continued to strengthen the fabric of tradition, unity, and democracy in the country.
The Etsu Nupe, who also serves as the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, is widely regarded as a unifying voice and cultural ambassador for the Nupe people and Nigeria at large.
