President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, describing his two-decade reign as a remarkable period of peacebuilding, religious harmony and commitment to national development.
In a congratulatory message issued on Monday, November 2, 2026, President Tinubu praised the Sultan for preserving and enriching the heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate while deploying his traditional institution and moral influence to promote national unity. He particularly commended his wisdom, moderation and consistent efforts to strengthen relationships between Christians and Muslims across Nigeria.
The President also acknowledged the Sultan’s contributions to peace and security in Northern Nigeria and the Sahel, alongside his advocacy for education, particularly for the girl-child, agriculture, public health and the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians. Tinubu described the revered monarch as a bridge-builder, trusted counsellor and patriotic voice whose leadership has continued to inspire confidence across religious and political divides.
Read President Tinubu’s message in full…
“My Dear Leader and Esteemed Brother, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III,
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.
Your uncommon wisdom, your calm in moments of tension, and your unwavering commitment to Nigeria have always struck me. You have been more than a traditional ruler. You have been a moral authority, a bridge between faiths, a voice of moderation, and a steady counsellor to leaders across the country.
As Sultan and as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, 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.
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.
Personally, I value our friendship deeply. Your counsel has been honest, patriotic, and always in Nigeria’s best interest. Thank you for your support and your prayers for our nation.
As you celebrate this historic milestone, I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) will continue to grant you good health, long life, and renewed wisdom. May your reign continue to bring peace to Sokoto, unity to Nigeria, and honour to the Ummah.
Congratulations, Your Eminence.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
State House, Abuja
November 2, 2026
