Key Takeaways
- Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady, paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III.
- The visit aimed to express gratitude for the Sultan's prayers, counsel, and support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
- The First Lady described the Sultan as a pillar of national unity, fostering peace and harmony across diverse ethnic and religious communities.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday, paid a landmark courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, at the Sultan's Palace in Sokoto. The visit marked the First Lady's first official homage to the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims since the inauguration of the present administration and underscored the enduring partnership between the Presidency and the country's traditional institutions.
The visit was a significant event, with the First Lady arriving at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport to a warm reception led by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied by Deputy Governor Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, members of the State Executive Council, senior government officials, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries before proceeding to the palace for the courtesy visit.
Addressing the Sultan
Addressing the Sultan, the First Lady said the visit was long overdue, explaining that she deliberately came to personally express her gratitude to the monarch for his consistent prayers, fatherly guidance, encouragement, and invaluable support for the Federal Government since President Tinubu assumed office. She recalled that although she visited Sokoto during the 2023 presidential campaign, circumstances prevented her from meeting the Sultan, who was then outside the country, making Saturday's engagement a deeply fulfilling and symbolic occasion.
Senator Tinubu described the Sultan as an outstanding statesman and a respected symbol of peace, religious harmony, and national cohesion whose leadership has continued to foster unity across Nigeria's diverse ethnic and religious communities. She also fondly recalled the Sultan's presence in Ile-Ife during the conferment of a traditional title on her by the Ooni of Ife, describing the monarch's gesture as a remarkable demonstration of mutual respect that further strengthened the cordial relationship between them.
Prayers and Appreciation
Praying for the Sultan, Senator Tinubu asked Almighty Allah to bless him with long life, sound health, greater wisdom, and continued strength in the service of humanity, while also praying for enduring peace, stability, and prosperity across Sokoto State and Nigeria. She further appreciated Governor Aliyu, the Sultanate Council, women, and the people of Sokoto for the warm hospitality extended to her delegation.
Why This Matters
The visit of Senator Oluremi Tinubu to the Sultan of Sokoto is a significant gesture of unity and cooperation between the Presidency and traditional institutions in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of collaboration and mutual respect in advancing national development and peaceful coexistence. The enduring partnership between the Presidency and the Sultanate Council is crucial for fostering national unity and stability.