Highly influential and well-respected Etsu Nupe and the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar CFR is one man who has kept true to the culture and tradition of his people which he has always represented. Since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 2003, the 13th Etsu Nupe Abubakar has shown the qualities of a man destined for greatness after towering high to reach the rank of a Brigadier general in the army before he answered the clarion call of his people to serve in the capacity as custodian and leader of the Bida Emirate.
A man of many parts, he has distinguished himself to be devoid of tribal sentiments but has worn on his sleeves the unity of Nigeria like a badge of honour. He is a golden but very godly monarch with a high consciousness of the huge responsibilities for his subjects and kingdom on his shoulders. Estu founded the first private university in Niger state, Edusoko University, Bida, which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2021, since its creation decades ago. Edusoko’ means a sea of God in Nupe, bearing in mind that knowledge is an endless sea. More reason when he clocked age 70 on September 12, it was a roll call of goodwill messages as many celebrated him to the high heavens. He also used the occasion to celebrate his 19th year as ruler of the Bida emirate which amounts to a double celebration.
At the double celebration, Estu on Sunday, September 11, gathered his array of guests at the Forecourt Of Etsu Nupe Palace in Wadata Bida where he had prayers and dinner to eulogise his mother Hajiya Habiba Abubakar Nee Hajiya Inna Bantigi. A mammoth crowd gathered to celebrate with him and pay homage to the respected and well-loved monarch. Sources said that in celebration of his birthday, he also spoiled himself with the acquisition of a brand new cream on ash colour 18-seater luxury Gulf stream Private Jet.