By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, has ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, has called on the Muslim Ummah across the country to remain steadfast in prayers for the peace, unity, and continued corporate existence of Nigeria.
The royal father made the call while addressing his subjects at the Eid prayer ground in Bida, shortly after observing the two raka’at prayer that marks the celebration of the Eid al-Kabir festival.
He emphasized the need for all citizens to remain faithful in the discharge of their responsibilities, stressing that this is critical for the growth and development the country urgently requires.
The monarch also appealed to the youth to engage in vocational skills and embrace self-employment through handiwork, in order to achieve self-sufficiency and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of their communities and the state at large.
Etsu Nupe further stated that leadership is a divine trust, and urged those entrusted with leadership responsibilities to carry them out with sincerity, guided by the principles of their faith and the Nigerian Constitution.
Commenting on the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Alhaji Abubakar described the incident as unfortunate, given the number of casualties and lives lost. He expressed appreciation to those who condoled with and sympathised with the people and government of Niger State, as well as the Bida Emirate.
He commended the swift intervention of government at all levels, and also acknowledged the support extended by individuals and corporate organisations to the victims of the flood.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Bida, Sheikh Adamu Yakatun, spoke on the significance of animal sacrifice during Eid al-Kabir. He linked it to the faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who fulfilled his vow in gratitude to Allah (SWT) for granting him a child after many years of supplication.
The cleric prayed for an end to the country’s security challenges, improved living conditions, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
This year’s Sallah celebration in Bida was held with minimal fanfare following the Niger State Government’s directive suspending the traditional Sallah Durbar and Hawan Bariki, which usually mark the grand finale of the festival in the Emirate.
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