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  • Sultan to Muslims: Seek knowledge about other faiths for peace in Nigeria

    Sultan to Muslims: Seek knowledge about other faiths for peace in Nigeria

    Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs(NSCIA), Alhaji Mohammed Saad Abubakar,  yesterday, asked adherents of the Islamic religion in Nigeria to seek knowledge about people of other faiths to promote peaceful co-existence in the country.  

    He also admonished Muslims to acquire “Knowledge about the words of God and work with them in order to become better human beings.”

    Sultan Abubakar stated this in Ilorin, Kwara State capital at the 10th annual Usman Dan Fodio Lecture and prayer session for Nigeria.

    They prayed to God to prosper Nigeria and restore peace to the troubled parts of the country.

    The Sultan said the purpose of the annual Usman Danfodiyo Lecture was to encourage Muslims to acquire knowledge and share such to strengthen Islam.

    “Sokoto Caliphate was founded on knowledge and not on illiteracy, hence it is an obligation on all Muslims to seek knowledge, bequeath such to their children, and spread the right knowledge about Islam to check the trend of fake news,” he added.

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    He said the choice of Ilorin for the lecture was done deliberately to demonstrate that Muslims are “one big family.”

    “Why Ilorin, somebody may ask that question? It is because we are one family and it is important to share knowledge and educate people across the globe,” he said

    “We are here to educate ourselves about what our forefathers did to strengthen Islam. They didn’t bring Islam  to the world, they follow  the words of God and strengthen it,” he added

    Sultan praised the choice of the guest lecturer, who he described as an international scholar of repute, and urged the attendees to share the knowledge acquired and work with the words of God.

    “It is one thing to hear the word of God, it’s another thing to work with it. I am asking us to work with the words of God so that we can become better human beings,” he said.

    The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Registrar Prof Ishaq Oloyede, and other eminent persons attended the prayers

     The prayer which was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Salihu formed the major highlight of the 10th Annual Usman Danfodiyo Lecture. The lecture was entitled: ‘The Concept of God In Major World Religions.’

  • Tinubu celebrates Sultan of Sokoto on 67th birthday

    Tinubu celebrates Sultan of Sokoto on 67th birthday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Sokoto Sultanate Council, as the revered royal father and spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria turns 67 on Thursday August 24, 2023.

    According to a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the president shared in this moment of joy and thanksgiving with the leader of the Qadiriyya Sufi Order, who also serves as Head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (Society for the Support of Islam) and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs.

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    President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices and selflessness of the Sultan of Sokoto, who has, since his assumption of office in November 2006, worked assiduously for the sustenance of peaceful co-existence in the country, and beyond, personally traveling, intervening, mediating, and chairing meetings on the need for harmony.

    The president extolled the Sultan’s magnanimity, friendliness, and neighbourly outlook on life, seizing every opportunity to educate citizens on the benefits of amity in the society, while providing platforms for solidifying Nigeria’s unity, such as instituting the Peace Accord for elections as a member of the National Peace Committee.

    President Tinubu said: “As the revered former military officer, who served the nation meritoriously, clocks 67, the President believes his wealth of experience will continuously be an asset for the steady progress of the nation with a particular emphasis on bridging religious, ethnic, and cultural divides.

    “President Tinubu prays for more years of strength, health, and wisdom for His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto”, the statement said.

  • Sultan urges clerics to shun negative preaching

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Jamatul Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has cautioned clerics to avoid messages that inimical to the peaceful co-existence of the country.

    In a statement released by JNI Secretary-General Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Sultan Abubakar said “this period should be a sober reflection time for us all and make the necessary amend, in order to seek Allah’s pleasure.”

    Ramadan being the month of Tafseer (Exegesis) of the Glorious Qur’an, he enjoined respected Mufasseerun (scholars engaged in the exegesis of Glorious Qur’an) to put the citizenry on the pedestal of goodness and be reminded of the consequences of vices.

    “In addition, the Mufasseerun are implored to conduct their respective Tafseer sessions in line with the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Noble Prophet, using courteous language and kind words. They should as well shun bad preaching during the Tafseer sessions,” he said.

    JNI called on the Muslims to redouble their respective efforts in being more God-conscious through punctual observance of the five daily and Taraweeh prayers congregationally, frequent recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, ardent supplications, as well as continued remembrance of Allah.

    According to him, Ramadan is a month of servitude and dedication to Allah, “thus we must collectively strive to earn Allah’s pleasure, and forgiveness in this blessed month. Slacking in performing good deeds is the enemy of time. Therefore, we must be more dedicated to the worship of Allah now and beyond, as there is no better time than the month of Ramadan.”

    ” Overtime , JNI ” he said, “has been calling on Muslims to fervently pray for the restoration of security, peace, stability, progress and development in Nigeria. We once again reiterate same call, as the situation seems to be deteriorating with armed banditry, kidnappings, theft and abject poverty in the increase. Therefore, Governments at all levels as well as individuals who have the wherewithal are called upon to extend benevolent gestures – such as alms giving and supports to the indigents in severe need, as well as millions of IDPs spread across the country. This is the most appropriate time to show compassion and of course, the needy would want to see such assistance now. Moreover, it is more rewarding. Similarly, JNI uses this medium to remind leaders at all levels that success shall only come their respective ways when they rollout friendly policies to the citizenry. At the moment, the outcry is loud and clear!”

  • Ramadan begins today, says Sultan

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar ýyesterday declared today as the first day of Ramadan, 1440 AH.

    The announcement marks the commencement of the 29 or 30 days fast by the Muslims across the country.

    Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims will observe one month fasting.

    Making the announcement in his Sokoto palace, Abubakar said the commencement of the fast followed reports of sighting of the moon in some states which marked the end of the month of Shaaban 1440 AH.

    The Nation learnt that the states include Sokoto, Yobe and Kebbi.

    Sultan Abubakar said: “Upon due verification and authentication by the states and national moon sighting committees and states confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1440 AH.

    “In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim Ummah are to commence fasting on Monday accordingly.”

    The NSCIA leader enjoined all Muslims to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, and use the period to pray for leaders, peace and stability prosperity of the nation.

    “We further called on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” he said.

  • Sultan tasks FG, states on building, equipment of hospitals

    The sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, has on Tuesday tasked government at all levels on adequate construction and equipment of healthcare facilities to help in effective delivery of healthcare.

    The Sultan made the call in his keynote address to the first quarter review meeting of Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care, which was held in Kaduna.

    The major focus of the meeting was to receive update on Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIP) initiative launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.

    The CHIPS initiative is aimed at using community-based women to improve maternal and child healthcare,  part of which includes educating women on importance of visiting health facilities when need arises in order to avert deaths from preventable diseases.

    The sultan who decried the deplorable status of healthcare facilities in the country said, “I will like us to talk about the position of our health care facilities across the towns and villages.

    “You can’t come around with such  programs, (CHIPS)   advocating about going to clinics for antenatal and you don’t have the clinics. There are so many buildings across the villages in the name of clinics,  but there’s no nurses, nothing.

    “So, we will want to see states and Federal Government embark on construction and equipment of full healthcare facilities across the villages and towns where we have large population of our people.”

    While assuring that traditional leaders in the north will do everything humanly possible to ensuring that new born and mothers live healthy, the sultan said  provision for man power, drugs and shelter are very paramount in ensuring such is achievable.

    The sultan who admitted that the traditional leaders in ten years have recorded tremendous success in the Polio eradication program  however,  noted that, the disease is not the only  health challenge bedeviling the country, “We also have so many other diseases —and one of them is hunger.”

    Meanwhile, the Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib said the meeting is focused on how the traditional rulers can use their unique positions,  as custodians of heritage and culture to mobilize people in communities for improved primary health care, especially  on CHIPS.

    He said the traditional leaders have recorded success in polio eradication program and such success can be replicated in the CHIPS initiative.

    According to Shuaib, “The point to note is how they have have been able to provide leadership in all ramifications towards polio eradication, especially  as they have assisted in casting away doubts on polio vaccines and immunization.

    “When community members saw their leaders are advocating for immunization and vaccines,  they came out and started receiving it. As you can see,  we are just five months away from been declared a polio free nation. This is significant.

    “So in this first quarter meeting,  we are now expanding the horizon of this traditional leaders in terms of what they will be engaging in. Moving forward,  they will be taking up the role President Buhari asked them to take—which is providing leadership around CHIPS program.

    “President Buhari has put in place and laid a solid foundation  for a day in future where no Nigerian will be denied access to health care because they can’t afford it,” the Executive Director explained.

     

  • Sultan, Onaiyekan lead religious leaders’ parley on peaceful polls

    SULTAN of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III and Archbishop of Abuja Cardinal John Onaiyekan will tomorrow lead religious leaders across the country in a two-day conference on role of interfaith in ensuring peaceful general elections.

    Coming under the auspices of the General Assembly of Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP), the conference, which is slated for Abuja, will also discuss the imperative of national security in the conduct of the elections, according to a statement signed by the body’s co-chairmen, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni and Bishop Sunday Onuoha.

    IDFP is a national interfaith and intercultural dialogue forum that has the peaceful co-existence of government recognised religions as well as ethnic groups in Nigeria as its central objective.

    The statement said other participants at the conference themed, “2019 elections and national security: The role of interfaith communities”, include the leadership of the three arms of government, state governors, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Other participants are heads of security agencies, traditional rulers across the six geo-political zones, chairmen of registered political parties, labour unions, student bodies, NGOs, socio-cultural and women organisations.

    Keynote addresses will be delivered by Mr. J. U. K. Igwe (SAN) and Wazirin Katsina Prof. Sani Lugga.

  • Dickson, Ijaw leaders console with Sultan, Tambuwal, others over late Shagari

    BAYELSA State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson yesterday led a delegation of Ijaw leaders and traditional rulers to condole with the Sultan of Sokoto, the state government and people on the death of former President Shehu Shagari.

    Dickson described Shagari as a great statesman and leader, who belonged to the generation of leaders who designed a progressive alliance between the North and the Southsouth, especially the Ijaw nation. According to the governor, the relationship was mutually beneficial in the interest of the country.

    Dickson, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media Relations Fidelis Soriwei, said Shagari would be remembered for his uncommon capacity for inclusive and responsive governance and the roads and bridges he built in the Niger Delta as President.

    However, the governor said it had become necessary for the productive alliance between the North and the Ijaws, who are indigenous to the six coastal states of Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Ondo to be reworked to sustain its mutual benefits.

    He added that the alliance should be adjusted and refocused to prevent the neglect of the Niger Delta and the indiscriminate sacking of qualified citizens of the area from their positions.

    Read also: N100b Sukuk fund released for 28 road projects

    Dickson stressed that the Ijaw people deserved better treatment having made sustained efforts and great sacrifices for the growth and stability of the country.

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal said the APC lacked the capacity to actualise the nation’s desire for greatness.

    He called on the electorate to vote only for leaders with the requisite capacity to govern and the desire to promote the welfare of the people.

    The delegation included: King Alfred Diette-Spiff,  King Luke, King Uwaba,  former Minister of Aviation Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, AVM Larry Koiyan,  the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Joseph Ayenka, the Chairman, Bayelsa Council of Elders, Chief Francis Kpakula,  former Director-General of the Department of State Services  Matthew Seiyefa, former Minister of Police Affairs  Broderick Bozimo and former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Power Ambassador God knows Igali.

    The delegation also visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Shagari family, where they were received by  Bala Shagari, the late President Shuhu Shgari’s eldest son.

    The Sultan, who thanked the delegation, also used the opportunity to condole with Dickson on the death of his mother, Ma Goldcoast Dickson.

  • Sultan urges Nigerians to shun ethno-religious differences

    Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerians to continue to live in harmony and maintain peaceful coexistence irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.

    The Sultan made the plea when he visited a retired Justice of the Supreme Court Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin in Gbongan, Osun State.

    The Sultan said: “There is need for people to live in peace. As Nigerians we are all one, we should all continue to live as one. We need to stay together and work for the sake of humanity.”

    He said Justice Babalakin had contributed his own quota to the development of Islam and jurisprudence in Nigeria.

    “We give thanks to Almighty Allah for making today a reality. This visit has been in the pipeline for so long but man proposes but God disposes.

    “Justice Babalakin has paid his dues and he has contributed his own quota to the development of Islam, justice and the development of Nigeria at large.

    “Babalakin is a true religious leader and the pioneer president of MUSWEN. We are in the South Western part of the country to celebrate 10 years anniversary of MUSWEN and deemed it necessary to pay Justice Babalakin a visit as the pioneer president.

    Justice Babalakin appreciated the visit of the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the support the Council gave to him when he was the President of MUSWEN

    He said: “It is my great pleasure to welcome you to my humble abode in Gbongan Osun State of Nigeria. I regard it a great privilege that you considered me worthy of a private visit. I pray fervently that the Almighty Allah will continue to guide you aright in the discharge of your onerous responsibilities. ”

    “I want to specifically thank you for the great efforts you have made in uniting the Muslim Community in the whole of Nigeria. Your leadership in this area has been remarkable and must be appreciated.”

    “I am particularly happy that you managed to resolve an issue that had divided the Ummah for a long time which was irregular celebration of Eid-el-Fitr. From time immemorial, we have been celebrating this festival on different dates.

    “Since you came to the throne, we have been celebrating this event on the same day. This has enhanced the unity amongst the Muslim Community. ”

    “I also want to thank you specifically for the support you gave me throughout my tenure as the President of the Muslim Community of South-Western Nigeria (MUSWEN). Your support added to the impetus of the society and was a great encouragement to us all. I am also informed that you have continued to provide this support to my successor.

    “It has also come to my knowledge that you will be the guest of honour at the 10th Anniversary of MUSWEN holding in Ibadan on Sunday.”

    “Youth is blunder; Manhood is a struggle, Old Age is regret. Beauty fades, Opportunity vanishes and Riches put wings to themselves and fly away. The only quality of man that endures, is his Character.”

    Chairman of The Resort Group, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) described the visit of the Sultan as a great honour to the family.

    “We are proud of your visit. We knew the Sultan came because of the integrity of our father. Our father does not believe in acquiring treasures, he believes the most important thing is character.”

  • Insecurity: Sultan, Agwai, others preach unity, dialogue

    SULTAN of Sokoto Abubakar Sa’ad III and former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Martins Lurther Agwai have called for continued dialogue among the various nationalities

    The duo said dialogue remained the only way to entrench peace and unity in the country. They spoke yesterday at the symposium and book presentation in honour of Agwai, who turned 70.

    The book titled: “How a congress of baboon made a general” was written by Ms. Rebecca Agwai, daughter of the celebrator.

    The Sultan stressed the need for unity among the people and also the need to always discuss national issues with sincerity.

    He said: “There are problems facing us left, right and centre, insecurity problems everywhere just like part of the big moll, but we shall overcome them.

    “We must not give up, there is hope as long as there are good people like Gen. Agwai who are struggling to put things together and bring us together in such a forum, and that is what we need in this country, let keep on talking to ourselves, let us never get tired of dialogue. Let us never get tired of telling ourselves the truth because as you all know, the truth can set us free.”

    On his part, Gen. Agwai stresse the need to agree that there is a challenge, which according to him is the fundamental foundation to finding lasting solution.

    He said: “Let us agree that there is a challenge; that is the first thing. If people don’t agree that there is a challenge, that itself is a challenge.

    “When we agree that there is a challenge, then we put our heads together and say ‘what is the way forward. And I think the answer to that is that all of us have to look ahead, and try as much as possible, I didn’t say we should not know where we are coming from, but we shouldn’t so much dwell in the past.

    “We should now conjure our condition, what do we want for our country? What is the way forward? And if we continue talking about the past, the past we continue hurting us. But if we agree, yes, the past has its own challenges, what is the way forward? What is the way forward for a new Nigeria? How do we get to that new Nigeria?

    “With my little life of 70 years, at a local level, the leave in peace, they leave in harmony better than all of us in the cities. Again, we have to learn to forgive, not who is right. We have to start on a new slate. The new slate is to forgive ourselves, forget the past, and then build a solid new foundation for Nigeria.”

    On alleged politicisation of security challenges, Gen. Agwai advised that “we should not allow politicians to use us. How many of us would see fire and go there? But a lot of us because of what I hear today as stomach infrastructure, we stop thinking with our brains. We forget that any temporary gain today, we are actually mortgaging our future.”

    Former presidential candidate of the defunct National Redemption Congress (NRC), Bashir Tofa, asked some rhetoric questions bothering on the peace and unity of the country.

    He said: “With people like you in this country, if I may ask, how is it that we have sunk so low in destroying one another..?  Why is it that we are friends as individuals but enemies as a community? Why is it that most of our people are so desperately poor and our active and intelligent youths are so left behind?

    He challenged the celebrator through his Centre, the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre to find solution to the insecurity problems bedeviling the country.

  • Sultan to leaders: Be symbol, beacon of hope for Nigeria’s unity

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar on Friday urged leaders in the country to be symbol and beacon of hope for Nigerians in the spirit of justice, equity and fairness to strengthen the bond of unity in diversity among the citizenry.

    Abubakar who spoke in his palace when he received ýa delegation of top members and officials of the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) on a courtesy call led by its BOT Chairman, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) represented by Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, said it was cardinal for leaders to own up to their responsibility as a reflection of positive attitudes in fostering the desired unity for the collective existence of the country.

    ‘’ Without justice, we can’t have a just and developed society’’, he stressed.

    However, the courtesy visit was part of activities lined up for the association’s annual lecture preceding its centennial celebration in 2021.

    The religious monarch who described Barewa College Old Boys Association as a unique and structured composition and a shining example of true symbol of unity added BOBA is shining for what Nigeria should be. Is a family full of fun, love and peace. That is how Nigeria should be.

    ‘’It’s unfortunate that Nigeria is characterised by so many misinformation, negative writings on media platforms which are not healthy for our unity and image as a country.”

    National President of the association, Dahiru Ibrahim told Abubakar that they were in the palace to pay respect and show recognition to him as one of them, describing as unequal the humility and treatment given them by the monarch.

    Alhaji Umar Mutallab the immediate past President and representative of the association’s BOT, General Gowon (rtd), ýsaid there was the urgent need for the establishment of a premier unity college in the northern region that would foster ties and unity among diverse settings.

    Receiving the delegation at his Samaý Road Sokoto residence, Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari who spoke through his eldest son, Bala, acknowledged the giant strides of BOBA in uniting Nigeria through its purposeful vision.

    The former president who is over 93 wished the association a peaceful and successful events in the caliphate.