The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has marked his 20th coronation anniversary with the unveiling of a book on the legacy of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio. The book, titled Shaykh Uthman Bin Fodio and His Flagbearers: Their Contributions to the Islamic Revivalist Movement, examines the contributions of the 19th-century Islamic reformer and associated scholars to the region's development. The project was initiated by individuals from the 14 emirates that formed part of the Sokoto Caliphate.
The unveiling was part of a weeklong programme celebrating the legacy of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio and the Sultan's two decades on the throne. The grand finale, held under the theme, "Reviving Ethical Leadership and Social Harmony: Lessons From Sokoto Jihad Leaders," attracted traditional rulers, government officials, Islamic scholars, academics, and other dignitaries. The anniversary lecture was delivered by Dr Dawud A. Abdullah, Director of the Middle East Monitor (MEMO), London, who spoke on the topic, "The Religious and Intellectual Traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate: Changing the Condition of Africans in the Diaspora."
Dr Abdullah called for greater recognition of the religious heritage and intellectual contributions of African Muslims who were taken into slavery in the Americas. He advocated for reparations beyond financial compensation, including investment in African education and healthcare, scholarships, technology transfer, and psychological rehabilitation for descendants of enslaved Africans. The weeklong activities also featured public lectures, Qur'anic recitation, and quiz competitions, intellectual symposiums, and the traditional turbaning of 13 prominent Nigerians.
The Sultan honoured prominent Muslim leaders, including Sheikh AbdulRahman Ahmad, National Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, and Professor Ishaq Akintola, founder and Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). Others honoured included Professor Dawud Olatokunbo Shittu Noibi and the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage Muhammad I. The Emir of Lafia praised the Sultan's leadership, describing him as one of the important pillars sustaining Nigeria's unity.
The Emir of Lafia, speaking on behalf of the Shehu of Borno, congratulated the Sultan on his 20 years on the throne, expressing confidence in his leadership and continued contribution to the country. He recalled the historical relationship between Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio and the Kanem-Borno leadership, noting that Dan Fodio did not wage war against Borno because the Islam practised there was consistent with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, described the Sultan as "a beacon of unity, stability, and peaceful coexistence." He praised the monarch's wisdom, fatherly guidance, and commitment to peace, noting that his influence extended beyond the Sokoto Sultanate and continued to inspire Nigerians across religious, ethnic, and geographical divides. The governor urged leaders to draw lessons from the teachings of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, particularly in the areas of justice, education, moral discipline, and responsible leadership.
The Sultan expressed appreciation to individuals, institutions, religious organisations, traditional rulers, and other well-wishers who had supported him throughout his 20 years on the throne. He urged religious, traditional, and community leaders to intensify efforts towards promoting peace, unity, and mutual understanding across the country. The monarch emphasised the need for collective responsibility in strengthening national stability and encouraged leaders to use their positions and influence to build bridges among Nigerians.
Key points
- The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has marked his 20th coronation anniversary with the unveiling of a book on the legacy of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio.
- The book examines the contributions of the 19th-century Islamic reformer and associated scholars to the region's development.
- The Sultan honoured prominent Muslim leaders and other distinguished Nigerians as part of the anniversary celebrations.
