News Investigators/ The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, has called on Nigerians to embrace tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence as veritable tools for sustainable development.
Abubakar made the call on Saturday at Wadata Palace, Bida, during a ceremony to mark his 74th birthday and 23rd anniversary on the throne.
The monarch said peace remained fundamental to the progress and development of any society, stressing that no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of conflict, intolerance and division.
He urged his subjects and Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations, to promote mutual respect, understanding and dialogue in the interest of peaceful coexistence and national development.
The Etsu Nupe also appealed to wealthy and successful individuals of the Kingdom, both within the country and in the diaspora, to return home and contribute meaningfully to the development of the Nupe Kingdom.
The first class traditional ruler said the development of the kingdom was a collective responsibility and should not be left solely to government.
He urged individuals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to invest in education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure and other critical areas.
According to him, the traditional institution has an important role to play in complementing government efforts toward improving the welfare of the people and promoting peace and unity in society.
The monarch further urged the younger generation to take pride in their cultural heritage, acquire quality education and develop the skills and values required to contribute positively to the development of the kingdom and Nigeria.
He expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, religious leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers who joined him in celebrating the milestone.
Etsu Nupe said the celebration was not merely about his personal achievements but an opportunity to reflect on the progress recorded by the Nupe Kingdom, the challenges ahead and the collective responsibility of the people to build a more prosperous future.
He reaffirmed his commitment to using the traditional institution to promote peace, unity, cultural preservation and development, while praying for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Niger State, the Nupe Kingdom and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Royal Father of the Day, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Traditional Rulers, Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed I, congratulated the Etsu Nupe on attaining 74 years of age and 23 years on the throne of his forefathers.
Bage described the milestone as a remarkable achievement and a testament to the Etsu Nupe’s wisdom, humility, dedication and commitment to the traditional institution and the wellbeing of his people.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the Etsu Nupe many more years in sound health, wisdom and strength to continue providing purposeful leadership and contributing to the peace, unity and development of the Nupe Kingdom, Niger State and Nigeria.
The Emir said the Etsu Nupe had distinguished himself as a traditional ruler whose influence and leadership transcended the Nupe ethnic group, noting that he had consistently demonstrated that traditional institutions could serve as instruments for promoting unity, peace and national cohesion.
He described the monarch as a humble, generous and accommodating traditional ruler who had always carried everyone along, irrespective of ethnic, religious or social background.
According to him, the Etsu Nupe’s ability to relate with people across different divides has earned him tremendous respect and admiration beyond the boundaries of the Nupe Kingdom.
The Emir commended the Etsu Nupe for his consistent advocacy for peaceful coexistence, saying that his counsel and interventions on issues affecting society had contributed immensely to stability, understanding and harmonious relationships among communities.
Bage noted that traditional rulers had a significant role to play in complementing government efforts in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, cultural preservation and community development.
He urged the people of the Nupe Kingdom to continue to support and honour the Etsu Nupe, stressing that the strength of any traditional institution depended largely on the unity, loyalty and cooperation of its subjects.
The Emir also called on other traditional rulers and Nigerians to emulate the Etsu Nupe’s virtues of humility, tolerance, generosity and inclusiveness, saying that such qualities were essential for building a peaceful, united and prosperous society.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, community leaders, religious leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers from within and outside Niger State.
The gathering provided an opportunity for dignitaries and members of the public to celebrate the Etsu Nupe’s years of service, while acknowledging his contributions to peace, cultural preservation, unity and the development of his people.
NAN