The new Ejeh of Ankpa, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed-Yakubu, was installed on Saturday, and the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar-Audu, expressed optimism that his rule will lead to prosperity and peaceful coexistence in the Kogi local government area (LGA) of Ankpa.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the minister made the comment while Ahmed-Yakubu was being formally introduced as the fourth Ejeh of Ankpa by Governor Yahaya Bello.
Abubakar-Audu stated: “I am very confident that with your educational background, wealth of experience in the public and private sectors, and in business development, you will, beyond your traditional and religious roles, attract great investments to the great Ankpa Kingdom, Kogi, and Nigeria as a whole.”
The throne is not new to the Ejeh of Ankpa. As a member of the royal family who seen your father and grandfather lead his people with harmony, peace, and wealth, you would reign in a way that surpassed the achievements of your forefathers.
I wish the Ejeh of Ankpa success and a lot of years of greatness and accomplishments on the throne since it is a prayer that every child becomes greater than his father.
“My friendship with His Royal Highness goes all the way back to the days of our fathers, who held the same values about promoting the cohesion, expansion, and development of the Igala Kingdom.
In order to uphold the traditions of our forefathers in the Igala Kingdom, Kogi State, and our beloved nation of Nigeria, Abubakar-Audu added, “We remain grateful to God Almighty.”
The Minister wished the traditional leader well and praised the Ejeh for his ability to lead his people in a peaceful and harmonious manner so that Ankpa, the Igala Kingdom, and the entire nation may experience significant growth and prosperity.
“I join the citizens of Ankpa, Kogi State, and millions of Nigerians in congratulating His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed-Yakubu, on receiving the formal staff of office designation as the fourth Ejeh of Ankpa,” he continued.
He is seated on the throne of his ancestors, saying, “. I pray that Almighty Allah may lead and direct him to lead his people in a way that will bring Ankpa, the entire Igala Kingdom, and Kogi State remarkable development and prosperity.
“I also appreciate the Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for his respect for the Ejeh of Ankpa’s hallowed stool and for making sure that the appropriate person is wearing the crown.
“I thank the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bar. Salami Ozigi, for ensuring the success of the event,” added Abubakar-Audu.
No matter their political or religious affiliation, he urged the inhabitants of Ankpa to live in harmony and together under the rule of his Royal Highness.
The Honourable Minister, Governor Yahaya Bello, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Matthew Opaluwa, His Royal Majesty Attah of Igala, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, and His Royal Highness Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar all attended the event.
Dikko Umar Radda, the governor of Kastina State, as well as Ibrahim Shema, a former governor of Katsina, were also in attendance at the occasion.
