President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on completing 20 years as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, describing his reign as an important period for religious harmony and national development. The President, in a congratulatory message issued on Monday, November 2, praised the monarch for preserving and […]

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on completing 20 years as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, describing his reign as an important period for religious harmony and national development.

The President, in a congratulatory message issued on Monday, November 2, praised the monarch for preserving and strengthening the Sokoto Caliphate while using its influence to advance peace, unity and understanding among Nigerians.

Tinubu described the Sultan as more than a traditional ruler, highlighting his influence as a moral leader, a voice of moderation and a trusted counsellor whose guidance has benefited leaders across the country.

He particularly acknowledged the monarch’s contributions through the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, where he serves as President-General and Co-Chairman, respectively.

According to the President, the Sultan’s leadership has helped Christians and Muslims maintain common ground despite religious differences, reinforcing the importance of tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

Tinubu also acknowledged the monarch’s involvement in peace initiatives across Northern Nigeria and the Sahel, alongside his efforts to promote education for girls, support farmers and assist disadvantaged members of society.

The President further described his relationship with the Sultan as one he deeply values, noting that the monarch’s advice had remained honest and guided by the country’s best interests. He thanked him for his continued support and prayers for Nigeria.

He wished the Sultan good health, a longer life and greater wisdom, expressing optimism that his leadership would continue to strengthen peace in Sokoto and unity across the country.

The monarch ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, becoming the 20th Sultan of Sokoto after the death of Sultan Muhammadu Maccido in the ADC Airlines Flight 053 crash of October 29, 2006. The accident claimed 96 lives out of the 105 people aboard the aircraft.

Before becoming Sultan, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III served in the Nigerian Army for nearly three decades. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, received his commission in 1974 and held several military positions, including assignments with United Nations peacekeeping missions, before retiring with the rank of Brigadier-General in December 2006.

His two decades on the throne have seen him participate in efforts to address major national challenges, including farmer-herder clashes, the Boko Haram insurgency and ethno-religious conflicts in parts of the Middle Belt.

Beyond his traditional responsibilities, the Sultan remains a major figure in Islamic leadership and interfaith engagement in Nigeria. His advocacy for girl-child education has also remained a significant part of his public interventions, particularly across Northern communities.

The Sokoto Caliphate, whose establishment dates back to 1804 under Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, remains one of the most influential Islamic traditional institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, with the Sultan holding spiritual authority over millions of Muslims.