Etsu Nupe Confers ‘Blessed Son’ Title on Senator Saliu Mustapha as Tabariki Nupe

In a moment steeped in heritage and authority, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, has conferred the prestigious traditional title of 1st Tabariki Nupe on Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District. The title, which is the first of its kind to be bestowed by the Bida Emirate, is reserved for individuals whose lives reflect abundance, blessings, and far-reaching influence.

The formal conferment was conveyed by a distinguished delegation from the Bida Emirate Council led by Alhaji Kassim N. Yawa (Barje Nupe) and Alhaji Isah Isah Muhammad (Wakilin Labarai Nupe), Chairman and Secretary of the Bida Emirate Traditional Turbaning Committee respectively. The delegation presented a Letter of Credence notifying the Senator of the appointment, indicating that according to the Etsu Nupe, the title Tabariki is derived from the Arabic word Tabarakah, meaning “abundance and infinite blessings,” and signifies the “Blessed Son of the Nupe Emirate”.

Clothed in full Nupe regalia and symbolically received into the aristocracy of the Bida Emirate, this honour goes beyond ceremony. It is a royal validation of a man whose popularity is not manufactured but earned through consistent service, grassroots connection, and socio-economic impact. From the Ilorin Emirate to the Nupe Kingdom, the message is unmistakable: Senator Saliu Mustapha is not just gaining titles, he is gaining acceptance across thrones and territories. And in the language of tradition, that kind of recognition is not given lightly — it is reserved for those whose names already echo among the people.

Reacting to the honour, Senator Mustapha, who also holds the traditional title of Turaki of Ilorin, said he received the delegation and the news with “deep humility and gratitude”. He described the recognition as profoundly meaningful, citing the rich historical and cultural ties between the Bida Emirate and the Ilorin Emirate. “This honour is a reflection of our shared heritage and enduring brotherhood. It also serves as a reminder that every effort made in service to humanity matters and is never unnoticed,” he stated.

The Senator further explained: “I am deeply honoured to receive a distinguished delegation from His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, conveying the decision of the Bida Emirate Council to confer on me the prestigious traditional title of 1st Tabariki Nupe”. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the Etsu Nupe and the Bida Emirate Council for the honour, praying for “the wisdom and strength to uphold the dignity of this title and remain committed to service”. Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services and Rural Development, noted that the honour would further inspire him to remain committed to public service and societal development.