Niger State Gov. Bago Announces Donation of N100 Million to Yahaya Abubakar EndowmentFund
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State praised Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar for his endowment fund to mark the 21 years on the throne and 72 years of the Etsu Nupe.
During a colloquium on agriculture and the launch of the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Endowment Fund, held in Abuja to commemorate 21 years on the throne and 72 years of Etsu Nupe’s life, Governor Bago lauded the Etsu Nupe for maintaining a strong partnership with his administration.
He acknowledged the pivotal role the traditional ruler plays in mobilizing support for the current administration’s agricultural initiatives across the various Emirates in the state.
Governor Bago congratulated Etsu Nupe on his numerous achievements, noting that Allah has been gracious. He highlighted the potential for wealth and prosperity through agriculture and appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to revolutionize the agricultural sector and ensure food sovereignty.
The governor announced a personal donation of N100 million to the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation Endowment Fund.
In his speech, Etsu Nupe emphasized that the event aimed to engage stakeholders and elevate agriculture as a central topic in public discussions, thereby setting the agenda for sustainable socio-economic development.
He also mentioned that the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation would provide a platform for giving back to society and improving the lives of the less privileged, as nation-building is a collective responsibility.
Etsu Nupe explained that the foundation would focus on targeted interventions in education, health, agriculture, rural development, and youth and women’s empowerment.
He commended both the President and the Farmer Governor of Niger State for their agricultural initiatives. He called on the President to expedite the establishment of the Baro Inland Port, aligning with his renewed hope agenda to unlock the vast economic potential of northern states and the country as a whole.
Former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe, who served as the keynote speaker, described the food crisis as a pressing issue that could lead to social unrest if not adequately addressed.
He observed that the high cost of farming inputs, insecurity, and poor road conditions have made agriculture challenging for many, and he stressed the need for the government to tackle these challenges to make farming more appealing to the youth.
Colonel Sani Bello (retired), chairman of the occasion, represented by Brigadier General Tunde Ogbeha (retired), commended Etsu Nupe for consistently advocating for the welfare and development of his community.
He stated that the foundation would undoubtedly help make the youth more productive, while the colloquium would provide solutions to the agricultural challenges faced in Nigeria.
