By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Bida Emirate is set to roll out a series of activities to commemorate the 74th birthday anniversary ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Bida Emirate is set to roll out a series of activities to commemorate the 74th birthday anniversary and 23rd anniversary on the throne of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The five-day celebration, scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, to Sunday, September 13, 2026, will feature thanksgiving, prayers, humanitarian outreach, traditional ceremonies and empowerment initiatives as the revered traditional ruler marks another milestone in his life and reign.
According to the programme released by the Bida Emirate Ceremony Committee, the anniversary will commence with visits to hospitals and other institutions within Bida and neighbouring communities.
Humanitarian Outreach Opens Celebration
The first phase of the celebration will begin on Wednesday, September 9, with visits to hospitals as part of activities marking the Etsu Nupe's birthday and anniversary.
The hospital visits will continue on Thursday, September 10, with the programme extending to orphanages in neighbouring communities.
The humanitarian component of the celebration is expected to provide an opportunity for the Emirate to identify with patients, vulnerable persons, orphans and other members of society who may require support and encouragement.
Special Wolimat and Prayers
On Friday, September 11, the celebration will move to the forecourt of the Etsu Nupe's Palace, Wadata, Bida, where a special anniversary Wolimat and prayer session will be held.
The religious gathering will provide an avenue for family members, traditional institutions, community leaders, friends, associates and well-wishers to offer prayers for the continued good health, wisdom and successful reign of the Etsu Nupe.
The prayer session will also provide an opportunity to give thanks for the 23 years of the monarch's stewardship and service to the Bida Emirate, the Nupe people and Niger State.
Turbanning Ceremony, Empowerment for Women, Widows and Youths
The major traditional and social activities are scheduled for Saturday, September 12, at the Etsu Nupe's Palace, Wadata, Bida.
One of the highlights will be the traditional turbanning of distinguished sons, daughters and friends of the Emirate.
The ceremony is expected to bring together prominent personalities and deserving individuals who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to the development and progress of the Emirate and society at large.
Also scheduled for the same day is the distribution and presentation of empowerment items to women's groups, widows and youth organisations.
The initiative is expected to reinforce the humanitarian and community-oriented character of the anniversary celebration while providing practical support to selected beneficiaries.
Thanksgiving Service to Round Off Celebration
The five-day programme will culminate on Sunday, September 13, with a special anniversary church service at St. John's Anglican Church, Bida.
The service will provide another opportunity for thanksgiving and prayers as the Etsu Nupe marks both his 74th birthday and 23 years of traditional leadership.
A Celebration Beyond the Palace
The programme reflects a celebration that extends beyond the traditional institution itself, combining religious observances, cultural heritage, humanitarian activities and community empowerment.
The Etsu Nupe has remained a prominent traditional voice in Niger State, serving not only as the traditional ruler of the Bida Emirate but also as Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The 2026 anniversary activities are therefore expected to attract traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, religious leaders, political stakeholders, professionals, youths, women's groups and well-wishers from within and outside the state.
The combination of hospital and orphanage visits, prayers, turbanning and empowerment programmes underscores the broad social dimensions of the celebration.
The Chairman of the Bida Emirate Ceremony Committee, Alhaji Kassim Nma Yawa (Barizhe Nupe), signed the programme announcing the activities.
As the Bida Emirate prepares for the five-day celebration, the anniversary promises to be a moment of thanksgiving, cultural affirmation, humanitarian service and renewed commitment to the wellbeing of the people.
The 74th birthday and 23rd anniversary of the Etsu Nupe is thus set to be celebrated not merely as a royal milestone, but as an occasion to strengthen the bonds between the traditional institution and the people it serves.
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