The Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has visited Sokoto State and paid a special homage to the Sultan, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
During the visit, Senator Oluremi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality she received in the seat of the caliphate.
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Senator Tinubu mentioned that she had long desired to visit the Sultan to personally thank him for his steadfast support, wise counsel and prayers since the inception of the present administration.
She recalled that although she visited Sokoto during the 2023 presidential campaign, she was unable to meet the Sultan as he was out of the country at the time.
“This visit is long overdue. I came here simply to thank His Eminence for everything he has done since the beginning of this administration.
He has consistently supported the government with prayers, wise counsel and encouragement,” she stressed.
The First Lady described the Sultan as a symbol of peace, unity and national cohesion, whose leadership had continued to foster harmony and stability across the country.
She also recalled the Sultan’s visit to Ile-Ife during the conferment of a traditional title on her by the Ooni of Ife, describing the gesture as a remarkable demonstration of goodwill that strengthened her resolve to reciprocate the courtesy by visiting Sokoto.
Senator Oluremi further reminisced about her first meeting with the Sultan many years ago in Dubai during the commissioning of the Burj Khalifa, noting that the cordial relationship established then had continued to flourish over the years.
She prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the Sultan long life, sound health and continued wisdom in the discharge of his responsibilities.
She also prayed for lasting peace, unity and prosperity in Sokoto State and Nigeria.
The First Lady expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the warm reception accorded her and members of her delegation despite his family engagement.
She also thanked the women of Sokoto State, members of the Sultanate council and the people of the state for their hospitality.
Earlier, the state governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, welcomed the First Lady to the state, describing her visit as a great honour and a testament to the cordial relationship between the Presidency and the state.
Aliyu commended her impactful interventions of the Renewed Hope Initiative, saying the programme had continued to improve the lives of women, youths, children and other vulnerable groups through economic empowerment, educational support, healthcare services, humanitarian assistance and other people-centred initiatives across the country.
He also paid glowing tribute to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, describing him as a father figure whose moral authority, exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to peace, unity and national cohesion continued to inspire millions of Nigerians.
Responding, the Sultan warmly welcomed Oluremi to the Seat of the Caliphate, describing her visit as a homecoming.
He thanked Almighty Allah for blessing Sokoto State with abundant rainfall and pleasant weather ahead of the visit, describing it as a sign of divine favour.
The Sultan said the First Lady was not a stranger to Sokoto, recalling that he had known her and President Bola Tinubu for nearly two decades, dating back to the period when the President served as governor of Lagos State.
“I welcome you home because Sokoto is your home. We have maintained a cordial relationship over the years, from your days as First Lady of Lagos State, through your service as a senator, and now as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Sultan disclosed.
He commended her humility, dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Sultan prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and protection for the First Lady, President Bola Tinubu and the nation, while wishing her a successful stay in Sokoto State.
