Turbaning Ceremony Of Eminent Persons At Bida Emirate In Niger State

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REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE TURBANING CEREMONY IN BIDA EMIRATE, NIGER STATE, ON THE 4TH OF DECEMBER, 2021

PROTOCOLS

It is a very special honour for me to be here to participate in the turbaning of some of the prominent sons of BIDA Emirate.  I’m very grateful to Etsu Nupe, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubabar, CFR, who can best be described as the quintessential rallying point of all Nupes for extending his kind invitation. Your Highness, please also accept my deep appreciation for the conferment on me the title of Dakuyan Dama Nupe.

Just as His Excellency, the Executive Governor has said, I have no excuse for not spending the night anytime I come to Bida and I should make sure as a loyal titleholder, I spend the night.

Nupe Kingdom, Your Royal Highness, we are not just proud of this place but we are proud of your service; first, as a soldier and an officer in service to the nation and now as the servant of your people in the exalted office as the Etsu Nupe.  We are extremely proud of your service to our nation and to this community.

This kingdom is steeped in the splendour of tradition and indeed this occasion provides us a platform to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Nupe people, a proud and distinguished people with a unique history.

Your Highness, it is the fierce resistance of the Nupe people, during the illustrious reign of your forebears, especially the 5th Etsu Nupe, Etsu Nupe Abubakar, between 1895 and 1901 remains the high point and the history of colonial rule in Nigeria. When we look around this Wadata Palace we can see some of the vestiges of the battles, status, the symbols of Nupe bravery and heroism.

I’m glad that His Royal Highness has established the Annual Nupe Day Celebrations, to commemorate the defeat of the colonial British Army by a native African Army and celebrate Nupe dynasty, history, and achievement, but also to emphasize the value and importance of a peaceful and united people – the Nupe people and the enormous contributions they have made to the overall development to the present-day Niger, Kwara and Kogi States in particular and the nation at large.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you again, Your Royal Highness, for bringing together people from all nukes and crannies of this country and even beyond to contribute to the development of this kingdom.

Many sons and daughters of Nupe land have risen to prominence in Nigeria. Both in the past, both pre-independence and post-independence, making significant contributions to national development. The list is endless and it includes the late Aliyu Makama Bida – the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, who was described by Sir Ahmadu Bello as one who will go down in posterity as one of the most distinguished sons of Bida and Nigeria.

The late Maman Patigi, a great Cabinet Minister in the Northern region, the late Etsu Nupe Umaru Sanda Ndayako, the late Gen. Maman Vatsa, the late Air Marshal John Yisa Doko, the late Madakin Yarin Nupe, Mohammed Liman Doko, the late Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, Prof. Jerry Gana, Prof. Jonathan Ndagi, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmadumuye, Justice Umaru Erin and so many others some of whom have been turbaned today, some of who are here today, the illustrious sons including daughters of Nupe land – Mrs Sarah Jubril, former Presidential aspirant, Hajia Amina Ndalolo, former Minister of State for Health, Hajia Amina Keer seasoned educationist, distinguished senators and many who are sons and daughters of this great land.

Today Nupe land is very fortunate to have one of its great sons who after an illustrious career in the Nigerian military, rose to the rank of General before he answered the call of service to his people, to take the seat of his forefathers as the 13th Etsu Nupe, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR our host today and he is one of the most respected traditional rulers in Nigeria today.

Let me use this opportunity to say that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari recognizes the strategic importance of Nupe land in national development and indeed the strategic importance of this State.  That is why only a few weeks ago, the Federal Executive Council approved the reconstruction of roads here in Niger State.

This administration also understands the importance of ensuring that all Nigerians have a sustainable standard of living and that we must ensure that all are gainfully employed in legitimate economic activity.

That is why we have and we continue to prioritise agricultural growth and development.  Between July and September, 2021, agriculture contributed 30% of Nigeria’s total GDP. Nupe land with its vast farmland and extensive farming activity is key to delivering this figure and we will continue to work with key stakeholders and the people to effectively tackle insecurity challenges in order to achieve a peaceful and prosperous society.  This we promise to do to the glory of the Almighty and for the benefit of the people who elected us into office.

Your Royal Highness, you have very wisely chosen today to celebrate excellence and selfless service which is why we are here to celebrate the notable Nupe sons whom you have turbaned only a few minutes ago.

They have all brought competence, commitment, and character to the positions of responsibilities entrusted to them and this is evident from what we know and what has been said about them.

I would like to congratulate these worthy sons and daughters of this kingdom that are being turbaned today starting with my dear brother, Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (SMA), Member of the Federal House of Representatives as Gwarzon Nupe, Hon. Suleiman Sheshi, the Chairman, Bida Local Government Council as Maina Nupe, the Rt. Hon. Engr Haruna Mohammed, Member, Niger State House of Assembly as Dan Turakin Nupe and Hon. Alfa Bako Kasimu, Member of the Niger State House of Assembly as Zarman Nupe.

Your turbaning is the fresh call to service to this community and by so doing to the nation.  Our country needs not just achievers but more importantly, bridge builders and unifiers, men who see our ethnic diversity, not as a point of difference but as a source of strength, men and women who understand that all men and women regardless of race or religion deserve to be treated equally, fairly and justly.

I would like to thank His Royal Highness, Etsu Nupe, for graciously hosting me and for continuing to be a man of vision and a leading voice in matters of national development.

God bless the Nupe Kingdom and people, God bless Niger State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you very much.