First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has praised the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for promoting national unity, religious harmony and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.
According to Vanguard, Remi Tinubu visited the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto on Saturday to personally thank the monarch for his prayers, guidance and support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The visit marked her first official homage to the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims since the current administration assumed office. She described the engagement as long overdue and expressed satisfaction that it had finally taken place.
The First Lady arrived at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, where Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu led officials and traditional leaders in welcoming her delegation.
Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir, members of the State Executive Council and other dignitaries also joined the reception before the delegation proceeded to the palace.
First Lady thanks Sultan for support
Addressing the Sultan, Tinubu said his prayers and fatherly counsel had remained valuable to the Federal Government since her husband became president.
She recalled visiting Sokoto during the 2023 presidential campaign but could not meet the monarch because he was outside Nigeria at the time.
“This visit is one I have looked forward to for a long time,” she said.
“I came to sincerely appreciate His Eminence for his unwavering prayers, wise counsel and encouragement towards this administration. His support has remained constant from the very beginning.”
Tinubu described the Sultan as a respected statesman whose leadership had helped build bridges across religious and ethnic differences.
She said his influence extended beyond the Muslim community because Nigerians recognised his commitment to peace, dialogue and national cohesion.
The First Lady also recalled the Sultan’s presence when the Ooni of Ife conferred a traditional title on her in Ile-Ife. She described his attendance as a powerful demonstration of mutual respect among Nigeria’s traditional institutions.
She further reflected on their first meeting in Dubai during the commissioning of the Burj Khalifa, saying their relationship had continued to grow over the years.
Tinubu prayed for the Sultan’s long life, good health and greater wisdom. She also prayed for peace and prosperity in Sokoto State and other parts of Nigeria.
She thanked Governor Aliyu, the Sultanate Council, women and residents of the state for the warm reception given to her delegation.
Governor praises Renewed Hope Initiative
Governor Aliyu described the First Lady’s visit as an honour to Sokoto and evidence of the strong relationship between the state and the Presidency.
He praised her humanitarian efforts through the Renewed Hope Initiative, saying the programme had supported women, young people, children and vulnerable citizens.
The governor said its programmes in healthcare, education and economic empowerment had complemented government efforts to improve living conditions across the country.
Aliyu also praised the Sultan’s leadership, describing him as a father figure who continued to inspire Nigerians across religious and ethnic boundaries.
He said the monarch’s moral authority and commitment to peace had helped strengthen stability within Sokoto and across Nigeria.
Sultan describes visit as homecoming
Responding, the Sultan described the First Lady’s visit as a homecoming and thanked her for honouring the traditional institution.
He also expressed gratitude for the rainfall and favourable weather recorded before the visit, describing them as signs of divine mercy.
The monarch said he had known President Tinubu and the First Lady for nearly two decades, dating back to Tinubu’s period as Lagos State governor.
He praised Oluremi Tinubu for her humility, public service and commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The Sultan also commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for supporting communities and addressing some of the challenges faced by vulnerable citizens.
He prayed for continued guidance and protection for the President, the First Lady and the country.
The monarch said the visit had strengthened relations among the Presidency, Sokoto State Government and the Sultanate Council.
He also stressed that traditional rulers remained important partners in promoting peace, unity and sustainable national development.
