20th anniversary: Rep hails Sultan’s contributions to national unity
by Hassan Muaz · The Eagle OnlineA member of the House of Representatives, Jafar Chiroma, has praised the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his contributions to national unity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence as the monarch marks 20 years on the throne.
Chiroma, who represents Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency of Taraba State, described the Sultan’s two decades of leadership as remarkable, highlighting his efforts to promote interfaith relations, peace and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The lawmaker made the commendation in a congratulatory message released in Sokoto on Monday through his aide, Usman Sarsa, to commemorate the monarch’s 20th anniversary on the throne.
The Sultan ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, following the death of his predecessor, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido, who died alongside his son, Senator Badamasi Maccido, in the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash on October 29, 2006.
His emergence as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto marked the beginning of a reign that has spanned two decades, during which he has remained an influential voice in traditional leadership, religious affairs and national development.
Before his enthronement, Abubakar served in the Nigerian Army, rising to the rank of Brigadier-General.
He also participated in peacekeeping operations in Chad and Sierra Leone and served as Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to Pakistan.
Since becoming Sultan, he has played prominent roles in promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence through his leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Jama’atu Nasril Islam.
The monarch has also consistently encouraged dialogue between religious groups, working with Christian leaders through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council to strengthen understanding and address religious tensions.
Beyond religious affairs, he has supported public health initiatives, particularly polio eradication and routine immunisation campaigns, mobilising traditional and religious institutions to complement government and development partners’ efforts.
In his congratulatory message, Chiroma described the Sultan as a leader whose wisdom, dedication and commitment to the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria deserved recognition.
Also Read
- Again, Oyedepo tasks Africa to develop indigenous solutions for challenges
- Bauchi LGA chairman dies in fatal accident after APM meeting
- 20th anniversary: Rep hails Sultan’s contributions to national unity
- A lifetime blessing – BUA boss describes Holy Kaaba entry with President Tinubu
- Tinubu reaffirms commitment to Project Nigeria after prayers inside Ka’abah
The statement read: “On behalf of Hon. Jafar Yakubu Chiroma and the good people of Bali/Gassol, we warmly congratulate His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the joyous occasion of his 20th anniversary on the throne of the Sokoto Caliphate.”
The lawmaker prayed for Allah to grant the Sultan good health, long life, wisdom and strength to continue providing leadership to the Muslim Ummah and the Sokoto Caliphate.
He also offered prayers for enduring peace, progress and prosperity throughout the monarch’s reign.
[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']