Etsu Nupe Celebrates Sultan of Sokoto at 70, Commends His Leadership
By KEMI KASUMU
According to the Etsu Nupe, the Sultan has distinguished himself as a respected traditional and religious leader whose contributions to national unity and peaceful coexistence remain invaluable.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Abubakar, in a congratulatory message issued in Bida on Monday, described the milestone as an opportunity to thank Almighty Allah for His mercy, protection, guidance and blessings upon the Sultan throughout his life.
He commended the Sultan for his exemplary leadership, wisdom, humility and commitment to promoting peace, unity and development in Nigeria.
According to the Etsu Nupe, the Sultan has distinguished himself as a respected traditional and religious leader whose contributions to national unity and peaceful coexistence remain invaluable.
He noted that through wise counsel, statesmanship and fatherly interventions, the Sultan had continued to promote religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among Nigerians, regardless of their religious, ethnic or cultural backgrounds.
Abubakar, himself a Retired Army General, also commended the Sultan’s leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), saying it had strengthened the role of traditional and religious leaders in addressing challenges confronting the country.
He said the Sultan’s consistent advocacy for dialogue, justice and peaceful conflict resolution had made his voice one that commands respect across religious and cultural divides.
The Etsu Nupe described the Sultan’s distinguished service to Nigeria, both as a military officer and as traditional ruler of the Sokoto Caliphate, as an inspiration to the younger generation.
He prayed for the Sultan’s continued good health, wisdom and strength to sustain his service to Islam, the traditional institution and humanity.
“On behalf of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, the people of the Nupe Kingdom and my family, I warmly felicitate with His Eminence on this remarkable milestone.
“May Almighty Allah continue to preserve Your Eminence, grant you many more years in good health and fulfilment, and make your reign a source of peace, unity and progress to Nigeria and humanity,” he said.
Abubakar further urged Nigerians to continue to support and respect traditional and religious leaders in their efforts to promote peace, unity and national development.
He wished the Sultan a joyous 70th birthday and many more years of impactful service to Nigeria and humanity.
