By Francis Nansak,Lafia
Inspite of the economic recession and the bitting hardship, Nigerians regardless of religion, region and tradition remains united, funfull and would do anything to maintaining peace and harmony.
This played out at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Saturday when the paramount ruler and first class staff of office of Karu kingdom marked his 20th years anniversary on throne,upon his elevation in the year 2005 as Esu Karu.
Pharmacist Luka Panya Baba, succeeded late Esu Karu, Bulus Chetobu.
Twenty years ago, his role in the development of Karu has been unprecedented, cutting a cross Education, Health care, Security, peaceful and harmonious coexistence that transcent ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Karu, a cosmopolitan area has attracted so many foreign and multinational investors who today have added values to the area, the state and Nigeria at large, took a geometric rise in infrastructure and human population due to the role the monarch exhibits in championing the affairs of his people which is not unconnected to his exposure and experiences as one with a touch of western education backed by his international adventures.
Predominantly the Gbagyi ethnic heads the traditional stool of Karu as host to thousands of Nigeria citizens who are either known for trades in various vocations, through the fatherly and accommodating role in which the Esu Karu, Pharmacist Luka Panya Baba preferred his domain, as a visionary traditional ruler that is both exposed to western and culture of the people to advance development.
Saturday the 29/6/2024 would remain indelible in the history of Nasarawa State, especially the people of Karu who were witnesses to the mammoth crowd that graced the 20th Anniversary of a KING, known for his innovative and humanitarian pedigrees.
Speakers and the caliber of dignitaries that joined thousands of the professionally trained pharmacist include Professor Jerry Gana, senator Philip Aduda, the Chairman Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Justice Sidi Bage1and the speaker Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Danladi Jatau, showers encomium on the twenty years reigns of the Esu Karu.
Top among dignitaries that graced the occasion were, Lt General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, the Minister of FCT represented, Senator Philip Aduda, former Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Shuaibu Fiasal, others are serving and former National and state assembly legislators.
Delivering a goodwill message, Professor Jerry Gana came hard prophecising that Karu will be blessed, untouched and will remain a community that offers shelter to all Nigerians. He described the Esu Karu as a wonderful traditional ruler who has given the area a leadership of integrity, a leadership of grace and a leadership of restoration of peace and unity in Karu Local Government Area and therefore his Twenty years of grace on throne is worth the celebration.
“So we all gathered here to pray to God that may the Almighty grant you many years of grace” Jerry Gana Prayed.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyasom Wike, represented by the FCT mandate Secretary, Bitrus Lawrence Garki congratulated the Esu Karu for being steadfast and determined in taking up leadership position for two decades which has helped in shaping Karu to becoming what it is today.
According to him “What this means is, it’s been over two decades of taking and making critical decisions that has led to measurable goals and achievements in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
While wishing the Esu Karu more years on the throne, Barrister Nyasom Wike encouraged the monarch not to relent in rendering support to the Nasarawa State Government, the Federal Government and to the people of Karu kingdom.
The minister concluded by saying” The people can only stand when they stand together, and with a leader like the Esu Karu, who is visionary, partnering with the government to building a vibrant society” The minister said.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Justice Sidi Bage, the chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chief, who is also the Emir of Lafia, thanked all for coming, saying the day and celebration is of the traditional rulers.
The monarch adopted the words of professor Jerry Gana on the Esu Karu, saying there can never be anything more or less if he is asked to speak on the person of the Esu Karu.
” Let me add just a little, but that has to do with going back to history, the man whom we are all gathered here today to cheer on his 20th years on throne by grace of the Almighty, we all met by destiny for the very first time of our life exactly 53 years ago as young men in school in our short nickers and became friends, though I was one year ahead of him, but the Almighty has kept us till today.
“But by destiny God made it that he came into the traditional institution much much ahead of me, because he is celebrating 20 years on throne and I had just celebrated 5 years which means he is 15 years my senior in the traditional institution ,however I want to say to the world today that we are very, very proud of the Esu Karu “The Emir reiterated.
And on his part, the Esu Karu, Pharmacist Luka Panya Baba while delivering his speech expressed profound gratitude and sense of fulfillment with the large crowd and galaxy of personalities that gathered to celebrate with him.
He said “The journey has been bittersweet, but more on the sweet side because I find it a thing of delight to be of service to my community as the Esu Karu which comes with a lot of responsibilities.
“When I was selected as the Esu Karu, I knew that it was not going to be an easy task. I knew because in a community, you have people with various backgrounds, different temperaments, and different perspectives on issues and so to be able to get people to think along with you, and see the future with you, would not be an easy task.
“But I thank God for the last twenty years that I have been on the throne, my people have been reasoning along with me, they have been sharing the visions that I have for the advancement and development of the Karu Kingdom and that is what we have been doing. Twenty years have been impressive and impactful.” The monarch posited.
Highlights of the ceremony was the conferment of a chieftaincy tittle on the House of Representatives Speaker, Rt Honourable Abbas Tajudeen as the Takpa of Karu, and the presentation of a white horse to the speaker by Honourable Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi.
Cultural display as performed by over 27 ethnics from within and outside Nasarawa State thrilled the guests.