President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, on his 20th anniversary on the throne, praising his courage, humility and contributions to national unity and religious harmony.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, praising his humility, courage and contributions to peace, religious harmony and national unity.
Tinubu described the Sultan as a respected moral authority, a bridge between religious communities and a dependable counsellor to leaders across Nigeria.
The President conveyed his congratulations in a personally signed statement on Monday, November 2, 2026, marking two decades of the Sultan’s leadership as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.
In his message, Tinubu described the traditional ruler as a distinguished leader whose reign had strengthened the heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate and advanced the cause of peace and national development.
“My Dear Leader and Esteemed Brother, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
“Today, I join millions of your subjects and friends in Nigeria and abroad to celebrate you as you mark 20 years on the exalted throne of your forebears as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that the Sultan ascended the throne with humility, courage and a deep sense of responsibility, adding that his leadership had helped preserve and enrich the historical heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate.
“In the two decades since, you have not only preserved the glorious heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate; you have enriched it, redefined it, and made it a formidable instrument for peace, unity, and national development,” he said.
The President also commended the Sultan’s wisdom, composure during periods of tension and consistent commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
He acknowledged his contributions as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, noting that he had played an important role in promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
Tinubu further praised the Sultan’s advocacy for peace and stability in Northern Nigeria and the Sahel region, as well as his commitment to education, particularly the education of the girl-child.
He also recognised the traditional ruler’s support for farmers, public health initiatives and interventions aimed at improving the welfare of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Reflecting on their personal relationship, Tinubu described the Sultan’s counsel as honest, patriotic and consistently guided by the national interest.
“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 said.
President Tinubu concluded by praying that Almighty Allah would grant the Sultan good health, long life and renewed wisdom to continue serving his people and the country.
“May your reign continue to bring peace to Sokoto, unity to Nigeria, and honour to the Ummah,” he said.
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