President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on his 74th birthday and the 23rd anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
The President extended the congratulatory message in a statement he personally signed on Friday, describing the traditional ruler as a patriot whose years of service have contributed significantly to peace, unity and national development.
The Etsu Nupe is expected to mark the two major milestones on Saturday, September 12, 2026, bringing together his 74th birthday and 23 years of service as the traditional ruler of the Nupe Kingdom.
Tinubu praised Abubakar for the manner in which he has combined grace, integrity and discipline in carrying out his responsibilities as a traditional ruler, noting that his contributions to Nigeria began long before he assumed the throne.
According to the President, the Etsu Nupe’s record of service reflects a longstanding commitment to the country, his people and the preservation of peace and unity.
Tinubu recalled that Abubakar had served diligently in the Nigerian Army, where he rose to the rank of Brigadier-General before answering the call of his people to ascend the traditional throne of his forebears.
The President noted that the monarch’s military background had further shaped his approach to leadership, particularly in areas of discipline, responsibility and service to the people.
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“In Alhaji Abubakar, royalty finds grace, integrity, and discipline. His Majesty is a patriot who served our nation diligently in the army, rising to the rank of Brigadier-General before answering the call of his people to ascend the throne of his forebears,” Tinubu said.
The President also highlighted the important role traditional rulers continue to play in maintaining peace and strengthening unity in communities across Nigeria.
He said the country remained fortunate to have traditional rulers such as the Etsu Nupe, whose leadership and influence continue to promote stability and harmonious coexistence within their domains and beyond.
“Nigeria is fortunate to have royal fathers like the Etsu Nupe, who remain the bastions of peace, unity, and progress in their domains and beyond,” the President said.
Tinubu further commended the monarch for his patriotic service to Nigeria and his leadership within the country’s traditional institutions.
He said Abubakar’s position as Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers had provided another platform for him to contribute to the strengthening of traditional institutions and the promotion of peaceful relations among communities.
The President particularly acknowledged the Etsu Nupe’s contributions to nation-building and his continued efforts to encourage peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
“I commend the first-class traditional ruler for his patriotic service to our nation and leadership within the country’s traditional institutions.
“I thank him for his contributions to nation-building and his continuous efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence among the citizens of our nation,” Tinubu said.
The President also used the occasion to recognise the significance of the monarch’s 23 years on the throne, during which he has continued to provide traditional leadership to the Nupe people.
Tinubu expressed his appreciation for the Etsu Nupe’s commitment to his responsibilities and his contributions to the stability of the traditional institution. He prayed that the monarch would continue to enjoy good health and wisdom as he leads the Nupe Kingdom.
“As His Majesty celebrates this special day, I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him continued good health and keep his reign over the Nupe Kingdom peaceful and prosperous,” the President said.
The President also wished the Etsu Nupe a fulfilling 74th birthday and a successful 23rd anniversary on the throne, while expressing confidence that the monarch would continue to contribute to peace, unity and progress in Niger State and Nigeria.
The Nation
