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From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has described the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, as a stabilising force for Nigeria’s peace whose leadership and counsel remain critical to security and national unity.
Matawalle stated this in a birthday tribute issued in Sokoto on Monday to mark the Sultan’s 70th birthday, describing the monarch’s seven decades of life as “seven decades of wisdom, humility, and service to humanity.”
The Minister, who also holds the traditional title of Shetima Sokoto, said the Sultan had transcended the boundaries of the Sokoto Sultanate to become a national voice on issues affecting the country, particularly peacebuilding, interfaith relations, security and social cohesion.
“Today we thank God for the gift of your life as you mark 70 glorious years. Your Eminence has been a beacon of peace and unity not just in Sokoto, but across Nigeria and the Muslim world”
According to him, the Sultan’s interventions and counsel had helped promote dialogue and calm tensions during difficult moments, stressing that his voice for peaceful coexistence remained particularly important at a time when the country needed greater unity.
He said that the Sultan’s leadership has been defined by a commitment to strengthening the bonds of faith while promoting tolerance and understanding among Nigerians of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
He added that the Sultan’s role as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), coupled with his engagement on national issues, had given him a unique platform to contribute to Nigeria’s search for peace and stability.
Matawalle commended the monarch’s interventions on national security, education and humanitarian concerns, saying his commitment to justice and peaceful coexistence had continued to inspire leaders and communities beyond Sokoto.
“As Minister of State for Defence, I acknowledge that His Eminence’s consistent advocacy for peace has provided moral backing to the government’s efforts to secure the nation and protect citizens, particularly in the North-West and other troubled regions,” he said.
He said that in periods of heightened national tension, the Sultan had remained a voice of moderation and dialogue.
“In times when the nation needs unity the most, His Eminence has stood firm as a stabilising force. His counsel to the government and to the people has helped to douse tension and promote dialogue,” Matawalle added.
“I urged Nigerians to emulate the Sultan’s example of tolerance, scholarship, humility and service, saying the monarch’s 70th birthday should provide an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the values required to build a peaceful and united country”
The Sultan’s role as a bridge-builder across religious divides has also been recognised by Christian leaders on his 70th birthday, with the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly describing him as an indispensable bridge-builder and voice of peace whose leadership has contributed to relations between Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.
His tribute comes at a time Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, economic pressures and growing concerns over national cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Sultan, who was installed in 2006 as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto, has in recent months continued to speak on issues of national importance, including peace, responsible speech, religious tolerance and the need for credible leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
