By Abdullahi Tukur
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, has joined the Muslim Ummah, the people of the North and Nigerians across the country in celebrating His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Governor Idris described the Sultan as a distinguished traditional and religious leader whose life has been defined by service, wisdom, humility and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity and the progress of Nigeria.
The governor, in a congratulatory message, said attaining the age of 70 was not merely a celebration of years, but a reflection of a remarkable life dedicated to the service of Islam, humanity and the nation.
According to him, His Eminence’s distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, followed by his nearly two decades of spiritual and traditional leadership, has placed him among the most respected voices for peace, religious harmony, national unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
“His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, represents much more than the revered throne he occupies. He is a symbol of wisdom, dignity, humility and service. Over the years, he has consistently used his position and influence to promote peace, unity, religious tolerance and national cohesion.
“For us in Kebbi State, His Eminence is not only a revered royal father and the leader of the Muslim Ummah, but also a father whose counsel, prayers and wise guidance remain invaluable to our people and the nation at large,” Governor Idris said.
He commended the Sultan for his steadfast commitment to the unity of the country and his continued advocacy for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political differences.
Governor Idris noted that the Sultan’s voice of wisdom and moderation has remained a source of guidance and reassurance to millions of Muslims and Nigerians at critical moments, adding that his leadership has continued to strengthen the bonds of unity within the Muslim Ummah and the wider Nigerian society.
The governor said the Sultan’s 70th birthday offers an opportunity for Nigerians to celebrate not only a revered monarch, but a statesman, father and servant of humanity whose contributions to the development of Islam and the nation will continue to inspire generations.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and the good people of Kebbi State, I warmly congratulate His Eminence on this remarkable and beautiful milestone.
“We are proud to celebrate a father, leader and custodian of our cherished values whose life continues to be a blessing to the Muslim Ummah, the Sokoto Caliphate and Nigeria.
“May Almighty Allah continue to preserve His Eminence in sound health, increase him in wisdom, strengthen him in faith and grant him many more years of purposeful service to Islam, the Sokoto Caliphate and our dear country, Nigeria,” he prayed.
Governor Idris further prayed that Almighty Allah would continue to guide the Sultan, grant him abundant blessings and enable him to witness many more years in peace, good health and fulfilment.
He wished His Eminence a joyous and spiritually rewarding 70th birthday celebration.