ABUJA: The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) has joined Nigerians in celebrating the 70th birthday of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, describing the monarch as a respected bridgebuilder and a strong voice for peace, tolerance and national unity.
The Christian leaders said Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has, over the years, distinguished himself through his leadership of Nigeria’s traditional and Islamic institutions, particularly through his advocacy for peaceful coexistence among the country’s different religious, ethnic and cultural groups.
In a congratulatory message, NOCRELA Secretary-General, Dr Simon Dolly, described the Sultan’s attainment of 70 years as a remarkable milestone characterised by wisdom, service to humanity and an enduring commitment to the stability and unity of Nigeria.
Dolly said the Sultan’s contribution to national development goes beyond his position as the traditional ruler of the Sokoto Sultanate, noting that his voice has remained influential in efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and understanding across religious and ethnic divides.
According to the NOCRELA secretary-general, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has established himself as an indispensable bridge-builder whose leadership has helped foster understanding among Nigerians from different backgrounds.
He described the Sultan as a father figure and a respected traditional institution whose influence cuts across religious, ethnic and cultural boundaries.
Dolly said the monarch’s leadership has consistently emphasised peace, unity, tolerance and dialogue as important tools for addressing divisions and strengthening peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria’s diversity should not be viewed as a source of conflict but rather as an opportunity to build a stronger and more united nation.
The NOCRELA leader said the Sultan’s approach to leadership had continued to demonstrate the importance of religious and traditional leaders working together to promote peace at a time when Nigeria faces several social and security challenges.
Dolly also highlighted the Sultan’s role as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), describing the position as one that places him at the centre of important conversations on religion, peace and national development.
He said the Sultan had used his leadership positions to encourage Nigerians to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence, particularly across religious and ethnic lines.
According to him, the monarch’s years of service have demonstrated that traditional and religious institutions can play an important role in strengthening national unity.
The Christian leaders therefore expressed appreciation for what they described as the Sultan’s continued commitment to peace-building and reconciliation.
NOCRELA described the Sultan’s 70th birthday as more than a personal celebration, saying it provides an opportunity to recognise his years of service and leadership.
Dolly congratulated the monarch for reaching the milestone and commended his contributions to Nigeria’s traditional, religious and national institutions.
He prayed that the Sultan would continue to enjoy sound health, divine protection and increased wisdom in the years ahead.
The NOCRELA secretary-general also prayed for greater accomplishments for the Sultan as he begins another decade of his life.
“May your new decade be filled with greater accomplishments, profound fulfilment, and an even more enduring legacy of peace, unity, and national reconciliation,” Dolly said.
He further prayed that the Sultan’s life and leadership would continue to inspire younger generations and encourage Nigerians to work towards a more peaceful and united country.
The congratulatory message comes amid continued calls by religious and traditional leaders for greater cooperation among Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines.
NOCRELA’s message particularly highlighted the importance of dialogue and tolerance in maintaining national cohesion.
Dolly said the Sultan’s leadership had served as an example of how respected traditional and religious authorities could contribute to peaceful coexistence by encouraging understanding rather than division.
He added that Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity should remain a strength that unites the country rather than a factor that separates its citizens.
The Northern Christian leaders therefore wished the Sultan a fulfilling 70th birthday and prayed for the continued success of his efforts towards peace, unity and national reconciliation.
“May your life continue to be a blessing to generations, and may your leadership continue to inspire peace and unity across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III remains one of Nigeria’s prominent traditional and religious figures, serving as Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
NOCRELA’s congratulatory message underscores the significance of interfaith cooperation and the role of traditional institutions in promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
