Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, has commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his contributions to peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and national development in the country over the past twenty years.
The Governor made the commendation while speaking at the 13th Annual Danfodiyo Lecture, organised as part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Sultan’s ascension to the throne.
The event was held at the Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto.
Aliyu described the Sultanate Institution as an important centre of traditional authority, religious guidance, cultural preservation and community engagement.
He said the Sultan had continued to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, also called on Nigerians to embrace the enduring legacies of Sheikh Usmanu Danfodiyo and other scholars of the Sokoto Caliphate, particularly their teachings on justice, accountability, discipline, good governance and social responsibility.
ALSO READ: Tinubu to Sultan: You enriched glorious heritage of Sokoto Caliphate in two decades
Aliyu described the theme of the lecture, “Sokoto Caliphate: An Egalitarian Model for Peace, Justice and Sustainable Development,” as timely, noting that the annual event provides an important platform for intellectual reflection and the transmission of the Caliphate’s values to younger generations.
He said his administration had continued to implement policies and programmes aimed at transforming the state under its Nine-Point Smart Innovative Agenda.
The Governor listed some of the administration’s achievements to include the construction of hundreds of kilometres of rural and township roads, renovation of health facilities and educational institutions, completion of inherited water projects, and the training of thousands of youths and women in various skills.
He also highlighted the government’s support for Islamic institutions through the provision of monthly financial assistance to Jumu’at mosques, allowances for Imams, their deputies and Mu’azzins, as well as food and cash assistance to Islamic scholars.
Aliyu further acknowledged the Sultan’s support and fatherly advice, particularly on issues relating to security and the overall development of the state.
He expressed his administration’s commitment to sustaining its cordial relationship with traditional institutions.
The Governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as transformative initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the economic reforms.
He congratulated the Sultan on his twentieth anniversary on the throne and prayed Almighty Allah to grant him more wisdom, good health and strength to continue serving humanity.
In his address, the Sultan, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event.
He also expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting him the opportunity to witness his twentieth anniversary on the throne.
The Sultan later presented the Sultan Abubakar III Award to some distinguished individuals, including Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who received the Exemplary Service Award.
In a goodwill message, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara State called on religious and traditional rulers to continue supporting efforts towards achieving peace in their respective communities.
Lawal also highlighted various efforts by his administration to address insecurity and execute viable projects aimed at improving the lives of the people.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Malam Lawal Maidoki, said this year’s celebration featured two combined events: the 13th Sheikh Usmanu Danfodiyo Week and the 20th anniversary of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar’s ascension to the throne.
Malam Lawal Maidoki disclosed that, as part of the week-long activities, a quiz competition was organised among students to enable them to understand and appreciate the contributions of the Sokoto Jihad scholars.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV