Sultan’s leadership has bridged religious divides, Tinubu says at 20th anniversary
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his contributions to religious harmony, national unity and peacebuilding as the monarch marks 20 years on the throne.
Tinubu said the Sultan had used his position to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different religious backgrounds and strengthen national development.
The President stated this in a congratulatory message on Monday, November 2, 2026, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Sultan’s ascension to the throne as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.
Describing the monarch as a respected voice of moderation and a bridge between religious communities, Tinubu said his leadership had helped preserve the heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate while advancing peace and unity.
“In the two decades since, you have not only preserved the glorious heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate; you have enriched it, redefined it, and made it a formidable instrument for peace, unity, and national development,” the President said.
Tinubu also commended the Sultan’s leadership as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, noting his efforts to strengthen relations between Christians and Muslims.
“Under your leadership as Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Christians and Muslims have found common ground, and our diversity has become a source of strength rather than division,” he said.
The President further praised the Sultan’s interventions in promoting peace in northern Nigeria and the Sahel, as well as his advocacy for education, particularly for the girl-child, support for farmers and public health initiatives.
