Dauda Lawal hails the Sultan of Sokoto at his 20th anniversary, praising his leadership and calling for peace, justice and social harmony

Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, has praised the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, as a unifying traditional leader whose guidance has provided stability, as the monarch marked 20 years on the throne at a ceremony in Sokoto on Monday, November 2, 2026.

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Lawal made the remarks while attending the 13th Shaikh Usmanu Bin Fodiyo Week and the Sultan’s 20th coronation anniversary at the International Conference Centre in Sokoto.

The event brought together prominent figures from Nigeria and beyond under the theme, “Reviving Ethical Leadership and Social Harmony: Lessons from Sokoto Jihad Leaders”.

In his goodwill message, the governor said the Sultan’s wisdom and steady leadership had continued to inspire the government and people of Zamfara State, particularly during periods of insecurity and social difficulty.

On behalf of the state, Lawal congratulated the monarch on the milestone, describing his two decades of leadership as an important moment for reflection on the responsibilities of traditional institutions.

He also recalled the Sultan’s recent presence at the coronation and presentation of staff of office to 19 emirs in Gusau, saying the support demonstrated his commitment to strengthening traditional institutions across the region.

“We remain deeply grateful for your recent presence and support at our coronation and presentation of staff of office to our 19 Emirs in Gusau, which further underscores your commitment to strengthening the traditional institutions across our region,” Lawal said.

The governor said the legacy of the Sokoto Caliphate extended beyond geographical boundaries, highlighting its emphasis on knowledge, justice, moral discipline, responsible leadership and human dignity.

He argued that these values remained relevant to contemporary challenges, particularly in Zamfara, where insecurity, poverty and youth vulnerability continue to affect communities.

“At a time when insecurity, moral decline, poverty and youth vulnerability threaten our communities, we must draw inspiration from the teachings of Sheikh Usmanu Dan Fodiyo to promote peace, justice, education and social responsibility,” he said.

Lawal’s message placed particular emphasis on the connection between ethical leadership and community stability, urging Nigerians to draw practical lessons from the teachings of Sheikh Usmanu Dan Fodiyo rather than regard the historical legacy of the Sokoto Caliphate as a matter of the past.

The Sultan, in his remarks, thanked individuals and groups who had contributed to his leadership over the past 20 years.

He also urged religious, traditional and community leaders to intensify their efforts to promote peace.

The anniversary marked two decades since Abubakar ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, becoming the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.

Over the years, he has also served as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, roles that have placed him at the centre of national religious and traditional affairs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also congratulated the Sultan on the milestone, describing him as a bridge between faiths and a voice for moderation.

Tinubu highlighted the monarch’s advocacy for religious harmony, education and peacebuilding in Nigeria.

The anniversary programme included religious, cultural and humanitarian activities.

Reports on the celebrations said organisers provided support to more than 500 patients at two hospitals in Sokoto and assisted with outstanding fines for 56 inmates at the state’s correctional facility.

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As the Sultanate reflects on the monarch’s two decades on the throne, the calls from Lawal and other leaders have renewed attention on the role of traditional and religious institutions in encouraging dialogue, strengthening social cohesion and supporting efforts to address insecurity.