The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, on Friday, June 6, led the Nigerian Muslim Ummah in the Eid-al-Adha celebrations, marking his 19th Eid on the Usmaniyyah throne.
This year’s Eid-al-Adha is the 19th such grand Islamic celebration Sultan Abubakar has presided over since his ascension to the throne on November 2, 2006.
He was officially inaugurated as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto on December 18, 2006.
As is tradition, the Sultan joined the Governor of Sokoto State and other dignitaries at the expansive 25-acre Central Eid Ground in Sokoto city.
They performed the Eid prayer and Qurbani (sacrificial rites) behind the Chief Imam of the Sultan Muhammadu Bello Juma’at Mosque, Liman Malami Akwara, who is also the Chief Imam of Sokoto and the most senior Islamic cleric in the state.
Sultan Abubakar has consistently emphasized the importance of unity, peace, and interfaith harmony in Nigeria.
Upon ascending the throne, he began implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the leadership of the Muslim Ummah and promoting religious tolerance across ethnic and regional divides.
A Symbol of Unity and Devotion
As the spiritual leader of millions of Muslims across Nigeria, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar has consistently shown exemplary leadership in guiding the Ummah through both religious observances and national challenges.
His meticulous observance of Islamic duties—particularly during Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah—continues to serve as a unifying force for Nigerian Muslims.

His 19th Eid-al-Adha on the throne stands as a testament to his enduring role in promoting faith, unity, and national cohesion.
...Tasks leaders on unity, commitment to Nigeria’s challenges
In his Eid-Al-Adha message on Friday in Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar called on Nigerian leaders to unite and commit themselves to addressing the pressing challenges facing the country.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) also emphasised that genuine unity and dedication among leaders were essential for finding lasting solutions to national problems.
“Insecurity continues to be a major concern in Sokoto and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
“While security agencies are making commendable efforts to tackle these challenges, more needs to be done to turn the tide and consign insecurity to history,” he said.
The sultan urged leaders to come together and develop strategies that would support and enhance the work of security personnel, ensuring long-term peace and stability.
He also extended his condolences to the government and people of Niger over the recent flood disaster that claimed several lives.
Abubakar called on Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to offer continuous prayers for the nation, while praying to Almighty Allah to accept their acts of worship.
The sultan further encouraged Nigerians to embrace positive change in their attitudes, expressing optimism that the country’s best days lie ahead.
He urged all the citizens to remain God-fearing in their conduct.
Abubakar also commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for implementing policies and programmes that directly impacted the lives of citizens.
The sultan concluded by wishing all the Muslims peaceful and joyous Sallah celebrations, praying that Allah accepts their sacrifices.