By Ibrahim Umar Bida
The Maiyaki of Nupeland, the Brave Shield and Defender of the Nupe Kingdom_
All Praise and Glory be to Almighty Allah (SWT) who has blessed our family, the Aliyu Mayaki Dynasty, and the entire Bida Emirate with a man like you, Uncle.
If greatness had a face in our time, it is you. If royalty had humility, it is you. If professionalism had integrity, it is you.
Today, I, Ibrahim Umar Bida, your nephew, your son, rise with a heart full of pride and gratitude to write this little encomium for a man whose life is a big book of lessons.
YOUR TRADITIONAL LIFE — THE MEANING OF MAIYAKI NUPE
Uncle, you are not just a title holder; you are the title itself.
In the ancient Nupe Military Council of the old Bida Emirate, Maiyaki was not given to just anybody. It was reserved for the most courageous General, the most trusted war strategist, the shield of the Etsu, the defender of the people, the man who would stand in front when war came and stand behind when peace needed wisdom.
That is who you are.
As Maiyaki Nupe, under the blessed reign of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, you have brought dignity, loyalty, wisdom and absolute respect to the Bida Traditional Council.
– In the palace, you speak with measured wisdom.
– Among your fellow title holders, you are respected for your calmness and truth.
– Among the commoners, you are loved because you never forget your roots.
– You wear the beautiful Gbari regalia, the babariga, the Zannuwa cap_ with royal grace, yet your heart remains that of a humble son of Bida.
You have shown that a Traditional Title is not about noise, not about oppression — it is about service, protection and custodianship of culture. You are a true custodian of Nupe culture, language, history and the noble values of Respect, Truth, Peace, and Hard Work.
YOUR CONTEMPORARY LIFE: THE PHARMACIST AND THE HUMANIST
Outside the palace, you are Pharmacist Yahaya Aliyu Mayaki — a healer, a professional, a contemporary icon.
You chose Pharmacy — one of the noblest professions given to mankind. You are not just dispensing drugs; you are dispensing life, hope, healing and comfort to thousands who come to you in pain.
Your contemporary life teaches us many things:
- Integrity: In a world where professionalism is dying, you stand tall. Your pharmacy practice is known for honesty, ethics, and zero compromise on human life.
- Philanthropy Without Noise: Uncle, I have seen you pay school fees of children who are not your blood, settle hospital bills of strangers, feed widows, employ youths, and support orphans — all without camera, without announcement. That is true Islam. That is true Nupe nobility.
- Unifier of Family and Community: In our large Mayaki family, you are the rallying point. When there is misunderstanding, you bring settlement. When there is joy, you lead the celebration. When there is bereavement, you are the first to arrive. You are the father to all.
- Mentor to Generations: Many young Pharmacists, many young Nupe sons and daughters today call you Baba, Uncle, Mentor, because you counselled them, guided them, wrote recommendation letters for them, linked them to opportunities. You are a ladder upon which many have climbed.
- Humility Despite Elevation: Despite being Maiyaki Nupe and a successful Pharmacist, you remain so humble, so accessible, so down-to-earth. You pick calls of small boys like us. You attend naming ceremonies of the poor. You sit on the floor with elders. That humility is your real crown.
MY PRAYER FOR YOU, UNCLE
My dear Uncle, the Maiyaki Nupe, as your nephew, I pray:
May Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to preserve you in perfect health, long life, abundant wealth, more wisdom, more elevation and more honour.
May your reign as Maiyaki Nupe be long, peaceful, prosperous and memorable in the history of Nupeland.
May Allah bless your home, your children, your business, your profession and everything you touch.
May you live to see Bida Emirate rise higher, and may your name, Pharmacist Yahaya Aliyu Mayaki, remain written in gold among the great sons of Nupeland.
Long Live Maiyaki Nupe!
Long Live Pharmacist Yahaya Aliyu Mayaki!
Long Live Bida Emirate!
Long Live Etsu Nupe!
With Deep Love, Utmost Respect and Immense Pride,
Your Nephew and Son,
Bida, Niger State
+234 803 753 1703
+234 810 667 8918 iumarbida088@gmail.com
