By Mohammed Baba Busu

Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, on Saturday, in Abuja, organised a ‘Colloquium on Agriculture’ and an Endowment Fund Launching of the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the one-day epochal event, which drew participants from across Nigeria and beyond, had the theme: “Food and the Nation’.

Speaking at the historic national event, Abubakar expressed gratitude to Allah for making it possible for everyone to gather and emphasised his unwavering commitment to development, particularly in agriculture.

The Etsu Nupe also aligned his foundation’s objectives with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing living standards, and fostering national development.

He further commended partnerships between Silicon Valley Nigeria, NYSC, and the Niger Government on agricultural projects, highlighting the potential for transformative initiatives in the sector.

Abubakar emphasised the importance of empowering youths through skills acquisition and employment opportunities, citing the NYSC’s SAED programme as a vital initiative.

On Niger’s development, the erudite and prolific traditional ruler expressed hope that the state’s development success would serve as a benchmark for replication across the country.

Abubakar underscored his dedication to the growth and prosperity of his people, particularly in the areas of agriculture and youths empowerment.

According to him, his foundation’s initiatives aim to make a meaningful impact in education, health, and economic development.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, retired Col. Sani Bello, represented by retired Brig.-Gen. Tunde Ogbeha, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Etsu Nupe, the Bida Emirate Council, and the entire Nupe Kingdom.

The elder statesman highlighted his dual connection to Abubukar, citing both a personal relationship and a professional partnership through his company, Mainstream Energy Solution.

Bello praised the Etsu Nupe’s dynamic leadership, extolling his relentless pursuit of his people’s welfare and establishment of developmental programmes.

Bello further commended Abubakar’s result-oriented approach, which had yielded significant benefits for the kingdom.

He also assured the Etsu Nupe of his continued support, stating that he would remain an integral part of the Bida Emirate’s developmental initiatives.

Bello sought for tremendous foundation, emphasising its potential to benefit the less-privileged and provide opportunities for the youths.

The chairman of the occasion also highlighted the foundation’s productive nature, which aims to provide food security not only to the Nupe Kingdom or Niger but also to Nigeria as a whole.

He encouraged collective participation in the foundation’s endeavours, underscoring its potential to drive positive change.

Bello opined, “This colloquium cannot come at a better time than now when Nigeria is in dire need of plausible solutions to the seemingly increasing food insecurity.

“Therefore, the Etsu Nupe deserves a pat on the back for being part of the solutions to this formidable challenge, hence bolstering Nigeria’s food security.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani