President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, on his 74th birthday and 23rd anniversary on the throne.

Mr Tinubu conveyed the congratulatory message in a statement personally signed by him on Friday.

The president described the Etsu Nupe and chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers as a patriot and an exemplary traditional ruler.

“In Alhaji Abubakar, royalty finds grace, integrity, and discipline. His Majesty is a patriot who served our nation diligently in the army.”

Mr Tinubu noted that the traditional ruler rose to the rank of Brigadier-General before answering the call of his people to ascend the throne of his forebears.

He said Nigeria was fortunate to have royal fathers like the Etsu Nupe, who remained bastions of peace, unity, and progress in their domains and beyond.

“I commend the first-class traditional ruler for his patriotic service to our nation and leadership within the country’s traditional institutions.”

Mr Tinubu also commended the traditional leader for his contributions to nation-building and his continuous efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

“As His Majesty celebrates this special day, I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him continued good health and keep his reign over the Nupe Kingdom peaceful and prosperous,” Mr Tinubu said.

(NAN)