His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar CFR, the 13th Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, is a highly respected and influential traditional ruler in Nigeria. His reign, which began on September 11, 2003, has been marked by significant transformations and advancements within the Nupe Kingdom and beyond.
Background and Early Life
Born on September 12, 1952, in Bida, Niger State, Yahaya Abubakar hails from the Usman Zaki ruling house of the Bida Emirate. His lineage connects him to the revered Nupe royalty, with his father, Alhaji Abubakar Saganuwa, being the late Nakordi Nupe, and his mother, Hajiya Habiba Bantigi Ndayako, being the daughter of the 9th Etsu Nupe.
He received his early education at East Junior and Sabongida Primary Schools in Bida. He then attended Government College, Sokoto, and Commercial College, Kano, completing his secondary education in 1971. His desire to serve led him to enroll in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, from 1973 to 1975, where he graduated with the Nigeria Defence Academic Certificate of Education (NDACE).
Military Career
Prior to his ascension to the throne, Etsu Nupe Dr. Yahaya Abubakar had a distinguished military career in the Nigerian Army. He underwent various professional courses both locally and internationally, including:
- Young Officer's Course (Armour) in 1976
- Armour Officers Course in the United States of America (1977)
- Regional Signal Officers Course (India, 1979)
- Surveillance Platoon Command Course (Jaji, 1980)
- Junior Division Staff Course (Jaji, 1980)
- Adjutant General course (USA, 1982-1983)
- Tank Technology Course (1985-1986)
- Command and Staff Course (Indonesia, 1988-1990)
- Commanding Officers Course (Jaji, 1993)
- National Defense Course (Egypt, 2002-2003)
He held several key positions in the Nigerian Army, including
- General Staff Officer 3 Training at Hq 21 Armour Brigade
- Aid De Camp (ADC) to the General Officer Commanding 4 Infantry Division
- Officer Commanding Support Company
- Senior Instructor (ACCS)
- Staff Officer II (Manpower DOA)
- General Staff Officer (SD/PLANS, HQ 3 Armoured Division)
- Commanding Officer 231 Tank Battalion
- Commanding Officer 212 Tank Battalion
- Commanding Officer (NIBATT 27 ECOMOG)
- Deputy Commandant, Depot, Nigerian Army, Zaria
- Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Lake Chad Region.
His last military posting was as Director, Peace Keeping Operations at Army Headquarters (AHQ), Abuja. He retired as a Brigadier General in September 2003, just before his appointment as Etsu Nupe.
He was awarded several Armed Forces Awards, including, Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), and Ecomog Medal (EM), along with the National Defense College (NDC) Egypt and Pass Staff College (PSC) Awards.
Ascension to the Throne and Reign
Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar was appointed the 13th Etsu Nupe on September 11, 2003, succeeding his late uncle, Alhaji Umar Sanda Ndayako. As the Etsu Nupe, he is the paramount ruler of all Nupe-speaking people worldwide and holds the prestigious title of Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers. He also serves as the Chairman of the Coordinating Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria. In 2004, he was awarded the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
Achievements and Contributions
Etsu Nupe Dr. Yahaya Abubakar's reign has been characterized by significant achievements across various sectors:
- Peace and Unity:* He has been highly effective in fostering unity and cooperation among the Nupe people across Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states. His leadership has ensured a peaceful coexistence among diverse communities within his domain, with no reported cases of sectarian violence since his ascension.
- Cultural Revival and Promotion: He is a strong advocate for the promotion and preservation of Nupe culture and traditions. He has actively encouraged and supported various cultural initiatives, leading to global recognition for the Nupe people. Efforts include the establishment of the Nupe PAN Cultural Organisation, Nupe Cultural Resources Centre, and the ongoing development of a Nupe Museum. He has also promoted traditional festivals like the Patigi Regata and Bariki celebrations.
- Community Development:
- Education: He established the Bida Emirate Education Fund to support educational development in the kingdom.
- Agriculture: Recognizing the Nupe land as the food basket of Niger State, he has actively encouraged and supported farmers, leading to a significant increase in rice, yam, and maize farming, and the establishment of numerous rice mills. He has also worked to ensure farmers receive necessary government support.
- Healthcare: He consistently urges traditional titleholders to contribute to community development, particularly in areas like primary healthcare, human capital development, and curbing youth restiveness.
- Open Door Policy: He maintains an open-door policy, ensuring his subjects have unfettered access to him to address their concerns and resolve issues. He also encourages wealthy individuals in his kingdom to support the less privileged.
- National Roles: Beyond his primary role as Etsu Nupe, he has served as the Chairman of the Management Board of the Abuja National Mosque, a leading center of religious and intellectual activities. He has also been Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, contributing to its peace and stability. He has served as the National Amirul Hajj and is a strong voice in the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC).
- Advocacy for Edu State: He is a key figure in the committee pushing for the creation of Edu State, with its headquarters in Bida, aimed at providing a dedicated homeland for the Nupe people by carving it out of parts of Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states.
Current Role and Influence
As of 2025, His Royal Highness Etsu Nupe Dr. Yahaya Abubakar CFR continues to serve as the paramount traditional ruler of the Nupe Kingdom, Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Chairman of the Coordinating Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria. His influence extends nationally as a respected voice among traditional rulers, actively participating in discussions on national issues and promoting peace and development. He recently celebrated his 72nd birthday and 21st anniversary on the throne in September 2024, reflecting his enduring leadership and impact.
His leadership is often described as transformative, bringing positive change and development to the Nupe Kingdom, rooted in his extensive military background and deep understanding of both traditional and modern governance. He is revered by his subjects and widely respected across Nigeria for his wisdom, patriotism, and commitment to the welfare of his people.