The immediate past Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alh Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, has identified with the first class traditional ruler of Egbira people in Nasarawa State, HRH, Alh Usman Abdullahi, Ohimege Opanda, Umaisha as he clocks 80 years on the planet earth today 4th January, 2024.
The Royal Father, apart from celebrating his 80th birthday, has also marked his 29 years on the throne of his ancestors.
Balarabe Abdullahi, who holds the traditional title of Wali Opanda, in a statement he personally signed and made available to Newsmen in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, felicitated with the Paramount Ruler on this unique day of his life.
He described the reign of Ohimege Opanda as purposeful, eventful and rewarding, worthy of a grand celebration.
While describing the traditional ruler of Opanda Kingdom as an exemplary leader, a role model and father to all, Balarabe Abdullahi wished him more of long life, sound health and wisdom as he pilots the affairs of his people, calling on all to rally round the monarch to build on the solid foundation he has already put in place to achieve more peace, unity and progress in his kingdom.
The statement reads in part,
“On 4th of January,1944 a Prince was born in Opanda Kingdom. He is Usman Abdullahi, a great grandson of the legendary Ohimege Negedu, the founder of Opanda dynasty.”
“He grew and acquired both Islamic and western education. He served in both government and private sectors and rose to the position of Permanent Secretary and later appointed as Hon. Commissioner for Health in the then Plateau State. That’s the position he was holding before his selection as the 28th Ohimege Opanda on June 21st 1995”
“History has it that on the day of your coronation and accendancy to the throne of your forefathers, it rained heavily, and the rain was said to have cleared your path to the throne with all the attendant and associated blessings of your emergence as the 28th Ohimege Opanda,” the statement stressed.
“Today you have successfully ruled our people for the past 29 years as the longest serving Ohimege Opanda so far in history of the kingdom and still waxing stronger in the glory of Almighty Allah.
“Your regime is so far the most eventful as you have remained a pillar of hope, a symbol of peace, a proponent of unity, as well as a great father to all, irrespective of religion, tribe or ethnic differences”
“It is on this note that I, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, (Wali Opanda), wish to celebrate you on this special day.”
“On behalf of my family therefore and my entire good people of Umaisha and Opanda Kingdom, that I wish to congratulate HRH, Alh.Usman Abdullahi, the Ohimege Opanda, (Umaisha) and President Toto Traditional Council of Chiefs as you celebrate your 80th birthday, on 4th January, 2024”
“I wish you more of sound health, wisdom and protection as you pilot the affairs of Opanda kingdom, AGA’ABA-IDU,” the statement added.