Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday paid a landmark courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, describing the revered monarch as a foremost champion of peace, national unity, and religious harmony whose prayers and wise counsel have continued to strengthen the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The visit, her first official homage to the Sultan since the inauguration of the Tinubu administration, underscored the enduring partnership between the Presidency and Nigeria’s traditional institutions in fostering peace, stability, and national development.
Senator Tinubu was received on arrival at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Deputy Governor Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and other senior government officials before proceeding to the Sultan’s Palace for the courtesy visit.
Addressing the Sultan, the First Lady said the visit fulfilled a long held desire to personally express appreciation for the monarch’s unwavering support, fatherly guidance, and prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
She recalled that although she visited Sokoto during the 2023 presidential campaign, she was unable to meet the Sultan because he was out of the country at the time, making the current visit particularly significant.
“This visit is long overdue. I came to thank His Eminence for his steadfast prayers, wise counsel, and encouragement. He has consistently stood by this administration with sincere support and goodwill,” she said.
The First Lady described the Sultan as an exceptional statesman whose leadership has continued to promote peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, and national cohesion across Nigeria.
She also recalled the Sultan’s attendance at the conferment of her traditional title in Ile-Ife by the Ooni of Ife, describing the gesture as a remarkable demonstration of mutual respect and national solidarity.
She further reflected on their first meeting in Dubai during the commissioning of the Burj Khalifa, noting that their cordial relationship has endured for many years.
Senator Tinubu prayed for Allah to grant the Sultan long life, sound health, and greater wisdom while also praying for lasting peace, unity, and prosperity in Sokoto State and across Nigeria.
She thanked Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the Sultanate Council, women, and the people of Sokoto for the warm reception accorded to her delegation.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the First Lady’s visit as a great honour for Sokoto State and a clear demonstration of the strong relationship between the Federal Government and the Seat of the Caliphate.
He commended Senator Tinubu for the far-reaching impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative, saying the programme has continued to empower women, youths, children, and vulnerable Nigerians through interventions in education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, and economic development.
Governor Aliyu also paid glowing tribute to the Sultan, describing him as a respected father figure whose moral authority, exemplary leadership, and unwavering commitment to peace and national unity have earned him admiration across the country.
Responding, the Sultan of Sokoto warmly welcomed the First Lady, describing her visit as a homecoming.
He noted that he had maintained a cordial relationship with both Senator Oluremi Tinubu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nearly two decades, dating back to the President’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
He praised the First Lady’s humility, dedication to public service, and commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Initiative, while praying for Allah’s continued guidance, protection, and success for her, President Tinubu, and the nation.
The visit reaffirmed the strategic role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, national unity, and sustainable development across Nigeria.
