GOMEP-NG Names Etsu Nupe Royal Father for Maiden National Conference

A revered first-class monarch with decades of military, traditional and national service is set to grace GOMEP-NG’s historic maiden national conference in Abuja.

The 13th Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, has been named Royal Father of the Day at GOMEP-NG’s maiden national conference in Abuja on November 26, 2026.

GOMEP-NG Names Etsu Nupe Royal Father for Maiden National Conference

ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has named the 13th Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, as the Royal Father of the Day at its maiden Annual National Conference, Lecture and Workshop.

The conference is scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 26, 2026, in Abuja.

The Guild said the decision to honour the respected traditional ruler was informed by his record of service to Nigeria.

It specifically cited his contributions to peacebuilding, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and national development.

GOMEP-NG said the choice also reflects the important role traditional institutions play in promoting peace, unity and responsible leadership across the country.

Born in 1952 to the family of the late Abubakar Nakodi Nupe and Hajiya Habiba Bantigi, Yahaya Abubakar began his education with Islamic studies.

He later attended Bida East Primary School and Sabongida Primary School between 1957 and 1965.

He proceeded to Government College, Sokoto, and Kano Commercial College before gaining admission to Kaduna Polytechnic, where he studied Commerce.

His career in national service took a major turn when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, as a member of the 14th Regular Course in 1972.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps as a Second Lieutenant on December 13, 1975.

His military career spanned three decades and saw him rise to the rank of Brigadier General.

During his years in the military, he attended several professional courses in Nigeria, the United States, India and Egypt.

He also held strategic appointments, including Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.

Other positions included Director of Peacekeeping Operations at Army Headquarters and Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria.

He participated in the ECOMOG peacekeeping mission in Liberia and received several honours and service medals during his military career.

Following the death of the 12th Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Umaru Sanda Ndayako, Brigadier General Yahaya Abubakar was appointed the 13th Etsu Nupe.

The appointment was made by the administration of the late Governor Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure.

He was formally presented with the First-Class Staff of Office on July 11, 2004.

Since ascending the throne, the monarch has continued to support initiatives in education, agriculture, youth empowerment and peaceful coexistence.

His agricultural investments through EDU-Soko Farms Limited, covering more than 30,000 hectares, have contributed to food production, employment and rural development.

In recognition of his service to the country, he was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2004.

The Etsu Nupe is also Chairman of the Abuja National Mosque Management Committee.

He is Chairman of the Coordinating Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Beyond traditional leadership, the monarch has maintained a strong connection with the education sector.

He currently serves as Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

He has also received honorary doctorate degrees from several Nigerian universities.

Speaking on the announcement, National President of GOMEP-NG, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, described the Etsu Nupe as an exceptional statesman.

Otiti said the monarch’s life of service reflects integrity, visionary leadership and commitment to Nigeria.

He said the Guild was honoured to have the traditional ruler as its Royal Father of the Day.

According to Otiti, the monarch’s presence would add significant value to the historic event.

The conference will bring together media professionals, policymakers, traditional rulers, captains of industry and other stakeholders.

They are expected to deliberate on digital journalism, national development and responsible media practice.

GOMEP-NG expressed confidence that the participation of the 13th Etsu Nupe would add prestige to its maiden national conference.

The Guild also said the event would strengthen the relationship between traditional institutions and the media in advancing peace, unity and sustainable development in Nigeria.