By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
Ahead of the 2025 National Ohiku Egbira Convention scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) in Umaisha, Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the Immediate Past Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, on Friday arrived his hometown to a heroic and unprecedented welcome.
The ancient town of Umaisha was electrified as residents—young and old—trooped out in their numbers, lining the major routes from Ugya to Umaisha. With drums, cultural displays, and musical instruments, the people accompanied their illustrious son in a long convoy into the community, turning the atmosphere into a carnival-like celebration.
Balarabe Abdullahi, who currently serves as Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming show of love, describing the reception as both unexpected and humbling.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, he clarified that his visit was not political but cultural, noting that he was home to participate in the National Ohiku Egbira Convention—tagged
"World Ohiku Egbira Day"—and to support the Ohimege Opanda, HRH Alh. Usman Abdullahi, under whose domain the event is holding.
He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, and development of Toto Local Government Area, urging residents to remain united and continue contributing to the progress of the community and the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Toto LGA, Pharm. Ahmed Baba Yahaya, lauded Balarabe Abdullahi’s passion and dedication to his people, describing him as “a true son of the soil and a great asset to Toto Local Government and Nasarawa State at large.
” He prayed for God’s continued blessings and guidance upon the former Speaker.
Traditional drummers, cultural troupes, women groups, and youths were among those who participated in the colourful reception.
Earlier, on his way to Umaisha, the former Speaker observed the Juma’at Prayer at Ataku Central Mosque, led by Chief Imam Mallam Abdulkarim Adams, whose sermon focused on the oneness of Allah and the fundamentals of Islam.
Notable personalities in Balarabe Abdullahi’s entourage included former Assembly member Hon. Usman Labaran Shafa; Special Adviser to Governor Sule on Water Resources, Muhammed Understand; Special Assistant to the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Alhassan Gimba; and former Toto LG Chairman, Prince Nuhu Adamu Dauda, among others.
