The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for lasting peace, national unity and sustainable development.
Abubakar made the call on Friday during the 18th Nupe Day celebration held at the Wadata Palace in Bida.
He said that prayers remains a potent instrument for overcoming the country’s socio-economic and security challenges, urging citizens to seek divine intervention in addressing the nation’s current realities.
According to him, peace is the foundation of meaningful development, stressing that no nation can attain sustainable progress in an atmosphere of insecurity, disunity and mistrust.
The royal father urged Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations, to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual understanding in the interest of national growth and stability.
He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, governments at all levels, security agencies, and community leaders to strengthen collaboration in tackling insecurity and other emerging challenges confronting the country.
Abubakar, while acknowledging government’s efforts to address security concerns, said that citizens also have a responsibility to support such initiatives through cooperation, intelligence sharing, patriotism and prayers for the nation’s peace and prosperity.
He described the annual Nupe day celebration as a platform for promoting the rich cultural heritage, history and values of the Nupe people, while fostering unity, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.
The first-class traditional ruler urged the people of Nupe Kingdom to uphold the virtues of hard work, honesty, respect for constituted authority and communal harmony, noting that the values have continued to distinguish the Nupe nation.
He encouraged the younger generation to preserve the kingdom’s cultural heritage, embrace education and contribute positively to national development.
Abubakar reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional institution to supporting initiatives that promote peace, social cohesion and sustainable development in Niger state and the country.