President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his commitment to promoting religious harmony, tolerance, national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The President made the commendation in a personally written tribute on Monday to commemorate the Sultan’s 20th anniversary on the throne, describing his two-decade reign as a testament to exemplary leadership, wisdom, moderation and unwavering commitment to national development.
President Tinubu praised the monarch for strengthening interfaith relations and fostering mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims, noting that his leadership had helped transform Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity into a source of national strength.
“As Sultan and as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, you have consistently stood for religious harmony and tolerance. Under your leadership as Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Christians and Muslims have found common ground, and our diversity has become a source of strength rather than division,” the President stated.
He described the Sultan as an influential moral authority whose wisdom, courage and commitment to national stability had continued to provide guidance to leaders and communities across the country.
“You have been more than a traditional ruler. You have been a moral authority, a bridge between faiths, a voice of moderation, and a steady counsellor to leaders across the country,” he said.
Reflecting on the Sultan’s two decades on the throne, President Tinubu observed that the monarch had not only preserved the rich heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate but had also strengthened its relevance as an institution for peace, unity and national development.
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The President further acknowledged the Sultan’s contributions to peacebuilding in Northern Nigeria and across the Sahel, particularly his advocacy for education, girl-child development, agricultural advancement and improved public health.
He also applauded the monarch’s interventions in support of disadvantaged communities, describing his reign as people-centred and responsive to the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the Sultan’s longstanding friendship, patriotic counsel and prayers for the nation, noting that his guidance had consistently reflected Nigeria’s best interests.
“Personally, I value our friendship deeply. Your counsel has been honest, patriotic, and always in Nigeria’s best interest. Thank you for your support and your prayers for our nation,” the President added.
He congratulated the Sultan on the historic milestone and prayed for Almighty Allah to grant him continued good health, long life and renewed wisdom.
President Tinubu also expressed hope that the monarch’s reign would continue to promote peace in Sokoto, strengthen national unity and bring honour to the Muslim community.
