Etsu Nupe congratulates Sultan of Sokoto at 70
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad-Abubakar III, on his 70th birthday.
Abubakar, in a congratulatory message issued in Bida on Monday, described the milestone as an occasion 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 him, the Sultan has distinguished himself over the years as a respected traditional and religious leader whose contributions to national unity and peaceful coexistence remain invaluable.
The Etsu Nupe noted that through wise counsel, statesmanship and fatherly interventions, the Sultan had continued to promote religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among Nigerians, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or cultural differences.
He 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.
Abubakar said the Sultan’s consistent advocacy for dialogue, justice and peaceful resolution of conflicts had made his voice one that commands respect across religious and cultural divides.
He described the Sultan’s distinguished service to Nigeria, both as a military officer and traditional ruler of the Sokoto Caliphate, as a source of inspiration to the younger generation.
The Etsu Nupe prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the Sultan continued good health, wisdom and strength to sustain his service to Islam, the traditional institution and humanity.
He also prayed for continued peace, stability and prosperity in the Sokoto Sultanate, the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria.
“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 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 celebration and many more years of impactful service to the nation and humanity.