The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has marked 20 years on the throne with a series of anniversary activities in Sokoto State. The Sultan ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, and has been celebrating the milestone with religious, cultural, and humanitarian events. As part of the celebrations, the Sultan conferred traditional titles on 13 prominent Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to society.
The traditional titles were conferred on the recipients at a turbaning ceremony held at the Sultan's palace in Sokoto on November 1. Among the recipients was Emeritus Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, who received the title of Kuliyan Sokoto. Other recipients included Dr. Peter Igho, Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dan Iya, Professor Mansur Ibrahim, and Gandi Umar, among others. The titles were conferred in recognition of their contributions to society and the traditional institution.
The Sultan also unveiled a book titled "Shaykh Uthman Bin Fodio and His Flagbearers: Their Contributions to the Islamic Revivalist Movement". The book examines the contributions of the 19th-century Islamic reformer Shaykh Usman Dan Fodio and his flagbearers. The project was initiated by a group of individuals from the 14 emirates that formed part of the Sokoto Caliphate. The Sultan wrote the foreword and unveiled the publication at the International Conference Centre in Sokoto State.
The anniversary activities commenced on October 30 with special Islamic preaching sessions at Abu Huraira Mosque in Sokoto. The sessions featured 11 prominent Islamic scholars from across the country and were organized in two parts. The programme provided an opportunity for Islamic scholars to offer religious guidance and reflect on the Sultan's two decades of leadership and the history and values of the Sokoto Caliphate.
As part of the humanitarian interventions, the organizing committee provided financial assistance towards settling outstanding fines for 56 inmates at the Sokoto correctional facility. The committee also extended support to over 500 beneficiaries at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospital in Sokoto. The interventions aimed to assist vulnerable patients and inmates who might be unable to afford medical treatment or pay applicable fines.
The Sultan received congratulatory messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Muslim organizations, and other prominent Nigerians. President Tinubu praised the Sultan for two decades of leadership, describing him as a moral authority, a bridge between faiths, and a voice of moderation. Tinubu acknowledged the Sultan's efforts in promoting peace, unity, and national development.
The Sultan's 20-year reign has been marked by various achievements, including his advocacy for peace in the North and across the Sahel, his passion for education, especially for the girl-child, and his support for farmers and public health. The Sultan's leadership has also promoted religious harmony and tolerance, and his counsel has been valued by leaders across the country.
Key points
- The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, marked 20 years on the throne with a series of anniversary activities in Sokoto State.
- The Sultan conferred traditional titles on 13 prominent Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to society.
- The Sultan unveiled a book on the life, legacy, and Islamic revivalist movement of Shaykh Usman Dan Fodio and his flagbearers.
