Nigeria need bridge builders to unify country, says Osinbajo

The Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo has declared that Nigeria needs bridge builders and unifiers, and not just achievers, but who will see the country’s ethnic diversity as a source of strength, and not as a point of difference.

Penpushing reports that, Osinbajo made this known during the turbaning ceremony of some prominent persons in Bida emirate, Niger State, an event which was his second public outing of the day after he was Special Guest of Honour at the National Institute for Security Studies in Bwari,Federal Capital Territory( FCT).

The Vice President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande also restated the Nigerian Government’s commitment to enhancing security nationwide, stressing that government will continue to work with key stakeholders.

“We will continue to work with key stakeholders and the people to effectively tackle the current insecurity challenges in order to achieve a peaceful and prosperous society. This we promise to do to the glory of the Almighty and for the benefit of the people who elected us into office,” he said.

Penpushing further reports that, Osinbajo  stated that, the administration led by Muhammed Buhari recognized the strategic importance of Nupe-land in national development, noting that many  sons and daughters of Nupe land have risen to prominence in Nigeria in both the pre- and post-independence era, making significant contributions to national development,

“That is why only a few weeks ago the Federal Executive Council approved the reconstruction of key roads here in Niger State. This administration understands that in order to sustainably improve the standard of living of the people, we must address the persistent socio-economic inequalities in our society by ensuring our people are gainfully engaged in legitimate economic activity’, he added.

“That is why we have and will continue to prioritize agricultural growth and development. Between July and September 2021, agriculture contributed almost 30 per cent of Nigeria’s total GDP. Nupe-land, with its vast farmlands and extensive farming activities, is key in delivering this figure’, Osinbajo stated

Penpushing also reports that, the Vice President  celebrated the culture of the Nupe people and their contributions to national development over the course of the nation’s history,stressing that Nupe kingdom is a land that is steeped of tradition.

“Nupe kingdom is a land that is steeped in the splendour of tradition. Indeed, this occasion provides us a platform to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Nupe people, a proud and distinguished people with a unique history; and looking around Wadata Palace here, we can see some of the vestiges of the battles, symbols of Nupe bravery and heroism,” he stated.

Penpushing reports that, Osinbajo said Nupe land is today very fortunate to have one of its great sons, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar ,who had an illustrious career, in the Nigerian military and rose to the rank of a General before he answered the call of service to his people, to take the seat of his forefathers as the 13th Etsu Nupe

The statement added that, on   arrival in Bida,  Osinbajo was welcomed by the State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, and was also accompanied on the trip by Senator Sani Musa who represents Niger State at the Senate.

Penpushing also repors  that,in Bida, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, in a show of goodwill and appreciation, conferred on the Vice President the “Garkuwan Yamma Nupe” which means “the Defender of Nupe Kingdom.”

The Etsu Nupe, in similar vein,  turbaned four prominent public officials, including Hon. Said Musa Abdullahi, a member of the House of Representatives who was made the Gwarzon Nupe, and Hon. Bako Alfa Kasimu, a House of Representatives member who became the Zarman Nupe.

Penpushing reports that, others were Hon. Engr. Muhammed Alhaji Haruna, a  member of the Niger State House of Assembly who was Turbaned as the Dan Turakin Nupe  and Dr. Suleiman Sheshi, the Chairman of the Bida Local Government Council who was given the title, Maina Nupe.

The Vice President while congratulating those who were honoured at the event, pointed out  that the Etsu Nupe has wisely chosen  to celebrate excellence and selfless service, adding that all awardees have brought competence, commitment and character to the positions of responsibility entrusted to them.

Penpushing further reports that, in his remarks after being turbaned, Osinbajo noted that the conferment of the titles was a fresh call to service to the Bida community and the nation, adding that the country needs men and women who understand that all men and women regardless of race and faith deserve to be treated equally, fairly and justly.

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