News Investigators/ The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, on his 20th anniversary on the throne.
The Etsu Nupe, in a congratulatory message issued in Bida on Monday, described the milestone as a remarkable celebration of two decades of purposeful leadership, spiritual guidance, service to Islam and commitment to peace, unity and national development.
He said the Sultan had, over the years, distinguished himself as a respected traditional ruler, religious leader and elder statesman whose contributions to the promotion of peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and national cohesion had continued to earn him respect across Nigeria and beyond.
Abubakar noted that the Sultan’s reign had demonstrated the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in promoting moral values, fostering mutual understanding and supporting efforts to build a peaceful, united and prosperous society.
He said the Sultan’s leadership of the Sokoto Caliphate and the NSCIA had provided an important platform for advancing the spiritual interests of the Muslim Ummah, promoting Islamic teachings and encouraging dialogue on issues affecting the country.
According to him, the Sultan’s consistent advocacy for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds has reinforced the importance of mutual respect, tolerance and collective responsibility in nation-building.
The Etsu Nupe commended the Sultan for his statesmanship, wisdom, humility and commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, noting that his counsel and interventions had remained valuable in strengthening understanding and harmony among communities.
The first class royal father said the Sultan had continued to demonstrate that traditional and religious leadership goes beyond the preservation of cultural heritage and religious values to include the promotion of peace, justice, unity and the general well-being of the people.
The monarch also noted that the Sultan’s distinguished service to Nigeria, including his military career before ascending the throne in 2006, reflected a longstanding commitment to duty, discipline, patriotism and service to humanity.
He said the Sultan’s two decades on the throne provided an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of traditional rulers to national stability and the need to sustain collaboration among traditional institutions, governments, religious organisations and other stakeholders.
Abubakar further stressed the importance of strengthening the relationship between traditional and religious leaders in addressing contemporary challenges, including insecurity, poverty, social disunity and the need to promote education and peaceful community relations.
He expressed confidence that the Sultan would continue to deploy his wealth of experience, wisdom and influence towards promoting peace, religious harmony and national development.
“On behalf of the Nupe Kingdom, the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and my family, I warmly congratulate Your Eminence on the remarkable occasion of your 20th anniversary on the throne.
“This milestone is a testament to your enduring commitment to the service of Almighty Allah, the Muslim Ummah, the Sokoto Caliphate and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Your Eminence has continued to exemplify the virtues of humility, wisdom, tolerance and selfless service. Your commitment to peaceful coexistence and your efforts to promote understanding among Nigerians of different religious and cultural backgrounds remain worthy of commendation,” he said.
The Etsu Nupe prayed to Almighty Allah to continue to grant the Sultan good health, wisdom, strength and divine protection to enable him to sustain his service to Islam, the traditional institution and humanity.
He also prayed for lasting peace, unity and prosperity in Sokoto State, the Nupe Kingdom and Nigeria, urging Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at promoting mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence and national development.
Alhaji Abubakar wished the Sultan many more years of fruitful and impactful service on the throne, expressing hope that his reign would continue to bring blessings, stability and progress to the Sokoto Sultanate and the country at large.
The Sultan ascended the throne of the Sokoto Caliphate in November 2, 2006.
NAN