Tinubu hails Sultan on 20th coronation anniversary

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, praising his contributions to religious harmony, national unity and development. Tinubu, in a goodwill message issued by the State House on Monday, described the Sultan as a moral authority, a bridge between faiths and a steady counsellor to leaders across the country.

The President said the Sultan had, in the past two decades, not only preserved the heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate but also strengthened its role as an instrument for peace, unity and national development. “Twenty years ago, you ascended the throne with humility, courage, and a profound sense of duty. 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,” he said.

Tinubu commended the Sultan’s leadership as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, saying he had consistently promoted religious harmony and tolerance. He noted that under the Sultan’s leadership, Christians and Muslims had found common ground, while Nigeria’s religious diversity had been promoted as a source of strength rather than division.

The President also praised the Sultan’s advocacy for peace in northern Nigeria and the Sahel, as well as his commitment to education, particularly for the girl-child, support for farmers and public health, and interventions for vulnerable Nigerians. Tinubu said he deeply valued his friendship with the Sultan, describing his counsel as honest, patriotic and guided by the national interest.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the traditional ruler good health, long life and renewed wisdom, while expressing hope that his reign would continue to bring peace to Sokoto, unity to Nigeria and honour to the Muslim community. “Congratulations, Your Eminence,” the President said. The message was signed by Tinubu and dated November 2, 2026, at the State House, Abuja.