By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a stabilising voice, bridge-builder across faiths and communities.
Tinubu said the Sultan, who is also President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had remained a moral compass and strong advocate for peace, unity and national cohesion.
The President conveyed the commendation in a statement personally signed by him on Monday in Abuja to mark the Sultan’s milestone birthday.
“Today, I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a remarkable milestone for a remarkable person: His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, on his 70th birthday.
“You have been a stabilising voice in times of turbulence, a bridge-builder across faiths and communities, and a moral compass not only for our Muslim ummah, but for our entire nation,” Tinubu said.
The President congratulated the Sultan and his subjects in Sokoto and beyond on behalf of himself, First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, and the government and people of Nigeria.
Tinubu described the Sultan’s 70 years as a testament to a life lived in service, wisdom and grace, noting his nearly two decades on the throne of his forebears.
He said the Sultan had embodied the finest traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate through scholarship, humility and an unwavering commitment to peace.
“I have come to know you as a leader who speaks truth with compassion, who counsels patience without weakness, and who champions unity without compromising conviction.
“Under your guidance, the Sultanate has continued to promote education, interfaith dialogue and humanitarian service.
“Your advocacy for peaceful coexistence, for the girl-child and for the dignity of every Nigerian reflects the very best of our shared values.”
Tinubu described the Sultan as a towering figure of conscience and counsel whose palace had become a sanctuary for dialogue and whose words carried weight across the country.
“At 70, you remain a towering figure of conscience and counsel. Your palace in Sokoto has become a sanctuary for dialogue, and your words carry weight in every corner of this country.
“In moments of grief, you comfort. In moments of division, you unite. In moments of doubt, you remind us of our common humanity and our common destiny as one people under God.”
The President said he deeply valued the Sultan’s partnership in nation-building, particularly his contributions to security, community development and the spiritual well-being of Nigerians.
“Your security support, community development, and the spiritual well-being of our people strengthen the fabric of our republic. Nigeria needs more of the wisdom you so generously offer.”
Tinubu prayed that Allah would grant the Sultan many more years in good health, sound mind and continued strength.
“May He preserve you for your family, for the Sokoto Caliphate, and for Nigeria. May your reign continue to be a source of blessing, guidance and honour.
“Your Eminence, congratulations once again. May this new decade of your life be your most rewarding yet,” the president said.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab