President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on his 20th anniversary on the throne, saying his reign has reunited Muslims and Christians in Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Tinubu said, “Today, I join millions of your subjects and friends in Nigeria and abroad to celebrate you as you mark 20 years on the exalted throne of your forebears as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.”

“Twenty years ago, you ascended the throne with humility, courage, and a profound sense of duty. In the two decades since, you have not only preserved the glorious heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate; you have enriched it, redefined it, and made it a formidable instrument for peace, unity, and national development.”  

The president noted that the sultan’s “uncommon” wisdom, calm in moments of tension, and “unwavering” commitment to Nigeria “have always struck me”.

Mr Tinubu noted that the Muslim leader is “more than a traditional ruler”, describing the sultan as “a moral authority, a bridge between faiths, a voice of moderation, and a steady counsellor to leaders across the country”.

“You have consistently stood for religious harmony and tolerance. Under your leadership as co-chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Christians and Muslims have found common ground, and our diversity has become a source of strength rather than division,” the president stated. “Your advocacy for peace in the North and across the Sahel, your passion for education, especially for the girl-child, your support for our farmers and for public health, and your quiet but effective interventions for the poor and vulnerable speak to a reign that is truly people-centred.”