The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stated that Islamic leaders will draw the attention of political leaders to the hardship facing Nigerians and press for measures to improve the welfare of ordinary citizens. He made this statement at the grand finale of the centenary celebration of Az-Zumratul Adabiyyatul Kamaliyyah School of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ilorin. The Sultan emphasized that religious leaders are aware of the concerns being raised by Nigerians and will continue to urge those in authority to address the challenges confronting the country.
The Sultan’s appeal comes amid renewed concerns over the cost of living in Nigeria, with food prices, transportation fares, and rising fuel costs continuing to put pressure on household budgets. This is also coming days after the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which he heads, called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to reduce food and transportation costs amid the hardship facing Nigerians. The council urged the government to accelerate measures to ease the burden on ordinary citizens.
In a communiqué issued after its General Assembly in Abuja on October 8, the NSCIA emphasized the need for the government to address the rising costs. However, the Federal Government has stated that it is taking steps to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on households and businesses without reinstating the petrol subsidy removed in 2023. Finance Minister, Taiwo Oyedele, announced measures including a 30-day petrol price relief arrangement at NNPC Retail stations.
The government said the intervention was intended to provide temporary relief, while maintaining that the discount would be funded from NNPC Retail’s margin rather than public funds. The Sultan expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its challenges, noting that there was no problem without a solution from Allah. He urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention and also called on Nigerians to pray for the President, governors, local government chairmen, and other political leaders.
The Sultan urged Muslims to demonstrate good character and promote peaceful coexistence, irrespective of religious differences. He emphasized that one cannot be a good Muslim if they do not love their neighbor. He also warned youths against allowing themselves to be used as political thugs, bandits, or terrorists for the political or financial interests of individuals.
The centenary celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s achievements and consider ways to strengthen its contributions to education and moral development. The Sultan praised the institution’s leadership and said he would explore ways to support its growth through engagement with government and other stakeholders. He recalled that his first visit to Ilorin was more than 42 years ago when he was a soldier at Sobi Barracks.
Other dignitaries at the celebration included the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; and former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. The week-long celebration of the institution’s founding and legacy climaxed with the grand finale in Ilorin on Sunday. The Sultan prayed that the institution would continue to grow and contribute to the education of future generations.
Key points
- Islamic leaders in Nigeria will press the government for relief measures to address the hardship facing citizens.
- The Nigerian government has announced measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices, including a 30-day petrol price relief arrangement.
- The Sultan of Sokoto urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention and for leaders to make decisions that would improve people’s lives.
