Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his contributions to peace, religious tolerance and national development as the monarch marks 20 years on the throne.
Aliyu said the Sultan had played a significant role in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups over the past two decades.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Idris Mohammed Gobir, spoke at the 13th Annual Danfodiyo Lecture held at the Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto, as part of activities marking the Sultan’s 20th anniversary on the throne.
He described the Sultanate Institution as a vital centre of traditional authority, religious guidance, cultural preservation and community engagement.
Aliyu urged Nigerians to uphold the legacies of Sheikh Usmanu Danfodiyo and other scholars of the Sokoto Caliphate, particularly their teachings on justice, accountability, discipline, good governance and social responsibility.
He described the theme of the lecture, “Sokoto Caliphate: An Egalitarian Model for Peace, Justice and Sustainable Development,” as timely, saying the annual event provides a platform for intellectual reflection and the transmission of the Caliphate’s values to younger generations.
The governor said his administration had continued to implement policies aimed at transforming the state under its Nine-Point Smart Innovative Agenda.
He listed the administration’s achievements to include the construction of hundreds of kilometres of rural and township roads, renovation of health facilities and schools, completion of inherited water projects, and skills training for thousands of youths and women.
Aliyu also highlighted government support for Islamic institutions through monthly financial assistance to Jumu’at mosques, allowances for Imams, their deputies and Mu’azzins, as well as food and cash support for Islamic scholars.
He acknowledged the Sultan’s support and fatherly advice, particularly on security and the development of Sokoto State, and pledged to sustain the administration’s cordial relationship with traditional institutions.
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The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as transformative initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the economic reforms.
He congratulated the Sultan on his 20th anniversary and prayed for Allah to grant the monarch wisdom, good health and strength to continue serving humanity.
In his remarks, the Sultan thanked those who contributed to the success of the event and expressed gratitude to Allah for allowing him to witness the anniversary.
The monarch subsequently presented the Sultan Abubakar III Award to distinguished individuals, including Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who received the Exemplary Service Award.
In a goodwill message, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, urged religious and traditional leaders to sustain their support for peace in their communities.
Lawal also highlighted his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity and execute projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Lawal Maidoki, said the celebration featured two events: the 13th Sheikh Usmanu Danfodiyo Week and the 20th anniversary of the Sultan’s ascension to the throne.
He said a quiz competition was also organised for students as part of the week-long activities to deepen their understanding of the contributions of scholars of the Sokoto Jihad.
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