The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, has conferred the prestigious traditional title of Madakin Raya Kasar Nupe on Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.
The conferment was formally communicated to the lawmaker through a letter delivered to his Maitama residence in Abuja on June 17 by a high-powered Kin-Nupe delegation led by senior officials of the Bida Emirate Council.
Members of the delegation included Alhaji Abdulmalik Usman, Ranin Nupe and Secretary of the Bida Emirate Council; Alhaji Kasim Nma Yawa, Barajen Nupe, Director at the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and Chairman of the Bida Emirate Turbaning Committee; and Alhaji Isah Isah, Wakilin Labaran Nupe, Secretary of the Turbaning Committee and a Director with the Nigerian Television Authority.
Speaking during the presentation, Nma Yawa said the title was bestowed on the senator in recognition of the longstanding relationship between the Bida and Minna Emirates, his outstanding legislative contributions and his commitment to human capital development.
He noted that many sons and daughters of Nupe extraction had benefited from the senator’s empowerment and development initiatives.
According to him, the honour is expected to further strengthen the enduring bonds of friendship, unity and cooperation between the Bida and Minna Emirates, as well as deepen the relationship between the Nupe and Gbagyi communities in Niger State.
In his acceptance remarks, Musa expressed gratitude to the Etsu Nupe for finding him worthy of the revered title. He also appreciated Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago for granting the necessary consent that facilitated the conferment of the traditional honour.
The senator recalled the fatherly guidance and support he had consistently received from the Etsu Nupe over the years, describing the monarch as a source of wisdom and inspiration in both his personal and public life.
Musa also addressed reports that emerged months ago regarding his comments on the proposed Baro Port project, stressing that he had never opposed development efforts in any part of Niger State.
“I am a Nigerlite first before any other identification,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the socio-economic development of the state and improve the welfare of its people.
The lawmaker pledged to work closely with other traditional title holders and stakeholders across Nupe land to attract more development projects to the Bida Emirate and preserve its rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Special prayers were offered for the Etsu Nupe, seeking good health, wisdom and divine guidance for the monarch as he continues to lead the Bida Emirate and the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.