Nigeria was founded on understanding our differences to understand each other better for our common good – Sultan of Sokoto
By KEMI KASUMU
The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has described the idea of founding fathers of Northern Region in the marriage called Nigeria as one that recognises the diversity of the people as area of strength rather than being weapon of division.
He spoke while delivering the keynote address as a special guest of honour at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), held in Kaduna, capital of the defunct Northern Region on Sunday November 23, 2025.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, a Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) and Member of the National Institute (mni), was speaking in Kaduna, 72 hours after concluding a weeklong national bridge-building assignments in the South West, during which he touched Iwo Land on 10th coronation anniversary of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu I, attended the 2025 General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), performed the combined convocation and 77th founder’s ceremonies of Nigeria’s premier academy of higher learning, the University of Ibadan, and payed his first visit to His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I, since the former Oyo State Governor ascended the throne as the Olubadan of Ibadan.
At the Kaduna’s all-important meeting of the ACF, the Sultan appreciated the large turnout of key Stakeholders and other participants signifying the importance and impact of the forum in promoting unity and development of North and Nigeria.
This indicates that we are still working on the dictates of the founding fathers of the north that believe in let’s understand our differences so that we can understand each other better to unite and work together for our common good.
That there can be unity with out uniformity using it
as a source of strength.
The Sultan urged the ACF to take stock of its achievements during the last 25th years and plan and strategies for greater achievements and impact in the next 25th years especially the daunting challenges of insecurity and other vices facing the north and Nigeria at large.
Also speaking, the Oni of Ife that attended on invitation of the Sultan reiterated and appreciated the unity and strength of the north within greater Nigeria in handling its challenges.
He acknowledged the bridge building and unifying efforts of the Sultan that spent 7Days touring the Southwest states last week.
The Oni was presented ACF award as an outstanding advocate of unity in diversity in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Speaker of the National House of Assembly Reps, Tajudeen Abbas.
The 100bn endowment fund was launched by the Chaiman BUA group Abdusamad Rabiu with donation of N5bn from himself and Dangote.
The occasion was attended by critical Stakeholders from 19northern states and beyond.
It was Held at Yar’adua Hall Kaduna, Saturday 22/11/2025.
23/11/2025
Sultan Palace Media Team Sokoto✍️✍️✍️.
