By George Ozalla
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing him as an exemplary statesman whose years of service have contributed significantly to peace, unity and national cohesion.
Akpabio, in a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said the Sultan’s life and leadership had been defined by service to humanity, wisdom, faith and a deep commitment to the progress of Nigeria.
He commended the Sultan’s reign, noting that his leadership of the Sokoto Caliphate and his responsibilities as President General of the NSCIA had provided opportunities for him to make important contributions to national discourse, peaceful coexistence and interfaith relations.
According to the Senate President, the Sultan has consistently demonstrated grace, courage, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility in the discharge of his traditional and religious duties, particularly in moments when the country needed voices capable of encouraging dialogue and understanding.
“Your reign as the Sultan of Sokoto has been defined by grace, statesmanship and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity and national cohesion. At 70, you remain a father to all and a moral compass for our nation,” Akpabio said.
He said the Sultan’s 70th birthday was not only an occasion to celebrate his age but also an opportunity to recognise the impact of his leadership and the contributions he has made to Nigeria over the years.
“Today, we celebrate not merely the years you have attained, but the remarkable impact of your life and leadership. The bridges you have built across our diverse nation, your advocacy for good governance, peaceful coexistence and national unity, as well as your commitment to the dignity and welfare of all Nigerians, constitute a remarkable legacy of service,” he said.
Akpabio particularly commended the Sultan for his role in promoting dialogue among Nigeria’s different religious and ethnic communities, saying his interventions had helped to encourage tolerance and peaceful coexistence in a country characterised by significant diversity.
He also acknowledged the Sultan’s efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and national reconciliation, stressing that the country needed more voices committed to moderation, mutual understanding and unity.
The Senate President said the Sultan’s voice of wisdom had remained relevant in national affairs, especially at a time when Nigerians needed leaders who could encourage peaceful engagement and help strengthen the bonds that hold the country together.
He described the Sultan as a father figure whose influence extends beyond the Muslim community, noting that his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and the stability of the country had earned him respect across different sections of society.
Akpabio also praised the Sultan’s advocacy for good governance and national development, saying his public interventions had consistently reflected concern for the wellbeing of the people and the continued progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Senate President, on behalf of his family, constituents and the 10th Senate, prayed Almighty Allah to grant the Sultan many more years in good health, wisdom and strength to continue his service to the Ummah and the nation.
“As you mark this significant milestone, may Almighty Allah continue to preserve, strengthen, and bless you with many more years of good health and fulfilment. May your reign continue to be a source of peace, wisdom and inspiration to the Ummah and to our beloved Nigeria,” Akpabio prayed.
He wished the Sultan a happy 70th birthday, praying that Allah would continue to preserve and strengthen him in the service of the Ummah, humanity and Nigeria.
