News Investigators/ The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to pray for leaders at all levels to enable to them deliver good governance and promote development in the country.
Abubakar, who is also Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, made the call on Friday when Umaru Bago, Governor of Niger State, visited his Wadata Palace in Bida to observe Iftar (breaking of fast).
The traditional ruler advised Nigerians to seek divine intervention and guidance for leaders in the discharge of their responsibilities, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
He emphasised that sustained prayers for leaders would enable them to take decisions that would promote peace, unity and development across the state and the country at large.
“Leadership is a sacred trust, and our leaders need the prayers and support of the people for God Almighty to guide them aright in all their undertakings,” he said.
Abubakar noted that with sincere prayers and commitment to service, leaders would be better positioned to address the challenges facing the nation, particularly in the areas of security and socio-economic development.
The royal father also urged residents to intensify prayers for more wisdom and strength for the governor to successfully complete projects initiated by his administration.
According to him, peace, stability and the security of lives and property remain critical ingredients for meaningful development in any society.
He further urged citizens to continue to support government at all levels and remain committed to peaceful coexistence.
Abubakar commended the state government for fostering closer ties with traditional institutions and engaging critical stakeholders in governance, describing the Iftar gathering as a demonstration of unity and mutual respect.
Responding, Bago described the gathering as historic and urged that such engagements should be sustained.
“In our tradition, if the Etsu Nupe has spoken, no one speaks. I will only translate what our royal father has said,” the governor said.
He appreciated the traditional ruler for organising the Iftar and appealed to residents of the state to remain law-abiding and continue to pray for leaders at all levels.
The governor also urged citizens to intensify supplications to Allah during the period of spiritual reflection by both Muslims and Christians for divine intervention in the challenges confronting the state.
Bago expressed optimism that the reconstruction of the Jebba–Bida–Lambata Road recently approved by the Federal Government, as well as the ongoing Minna–Bida Road project, would boost the economy of the emirate and the state when completed.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing policies and programmes that would improve the living conditions of the people.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of Bida, Sheikh Adamu Liman-Yakatu, offered special prayers for the governor and his family, as well as for enduring peace in Bida Emirate and the state at large.
The governor and members of his delegation later joined the Etsu Nupe, traditional title holders and other dignitaries at the palace for the breaking of the fast and special prayers for peace, progress and prosperity of the state and the nation.
NAN