Barr. Mrs. Vera Safiya Ndanusa FCBA, NPOM, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB), Lagos
…As Stakeholders Chairman, Lead Massive Support Delegation to Niger State
All is set for the conferment of the prestigious traditional title of “SONIYAN AYUKA NUPE” on Barr. Mrs. Vera Safiya Ndanusa FCBA, NPOM, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) tomorrow in Niger State.
The honour will be conferred on her by His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers & Bida Emirate Council, on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Findings by Business Hilights.ng revealed that in Nupe language, “Soniyan Ayuka” (often spelt Soniya Ayyukan) translates to “The General Overseer of Works” or “Chief Director of Works/Labour.”
It is a prestigious, traditional chieftaincy title or designation typically conferred by the Etsu Nupe, the paramount traditional ruler of the Nupe Kingdom in Niger State to deserving citizens that have distinguished themselves in public life and service delivery.
Additional explanations by contacted indigenes of Nupe showed that the honour is a royal title prefix used to signify a guardian, steward, supervisor, or director over a specific domain.
Already, all roads in Lagos International Trade Fair complex will tomorrow lead to the Palace of Estu Nupe as all Executive members and top officials of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Stakeholders Association have concluded arrangements to be present during the turbaning as a mark of respect and solidarity for the ED/CEO, who has changed the hitherto underdeveloped narrative of the complex to an emerging edifice for African continental commerce in the last few years of her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking in an interview in his office, the Chairman of Trade Fair Stakeholders Association, who also doubles as the President of Association of Progressive Traders (APT), Chief Eric Ilechukwu, told Business Hilights.ng that “We are happy that the Estu Nupe, one of the first class traditional rulers in Nigeria is honouring our Mother General in Trade Fair. We are happy to associate with her in this exciting occasion and all of us in the stakeholders heartily congratulate her and wish her more honours both at home and abroad because she deserves it.
Continuing, Chief Ilechukwu noted that “Since her appointment by President Bola Tinubu to be the ED/CEO of the complex, her administration has opened the door of development and massive business development and the best way to pay her back is to massively be with her live, during the turbaning ceremony at the prestigious palace of Estu Nupe in Bida, Niger State.
Whereas the Special Guest of Honour will be His Excellency, Alh. Umaru Mohammed Bago (Turaki Nupe), the Executive Governor of Niger State, the Royal Father of the Occasion shall be His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeola Adeniji Ajakaiye, JP, Oyinoyosiye Uyin III, Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom.
The prestigious occasion will be chaired His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State and current Chairman, Nigeria Progressive Governors Forum
The Royal Host remains His Royal Highness, Alh. (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar CFR, Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers.
