* Unveils book tracing Usman Dan Fodio’s legacy and contributions of his flagbearers
* Tinubu, Pantami, MMPN, UNILORIN VC hail Sultan’s leadership, role in promoting peace, unity
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has marked 20 years on the throne, with anniversary activities featuring the conferment of traditional titles on 13 prominent Nigerians, humanitarian support for more than 500 hospital patients and financial assistance towards securing the release of 56 inmates.
The Sultan, who ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, is marking the milestone with a series of religious, cultural and humanitarian activities in Sokoto State.
Muslim News gathered that the anniversary programme is currently underway, with the unveiling of a book on the life, legacy and Islamic revivalist movement of Shaykh Usman Dan Fodio and his flagbearers taking place on Monday, November 2, at the International Conference Centre, K’asarawa, Sokoto State.
To mark his 20th anniversary on the throne, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, has conferred traditional titles on 13 prominent Nigerians including Prof. Ishaq Oloyede and Dr. Peter Igho in recognition of their immense contributions to society. https://t.co/je9CNlLNwk
— Office of the Sultan of Sokoto (@sultan_ofsokoto) November 1, 2026
Titled Shaykh Uthman Bin Fodio and His Flagbearers: Their Contributions to the Islamic Revivalist Movement, the book examines the contributions of the 19th-century Islamic reformer and the scholars and leaders associated with his movement.
The project was initiated by a group of individuals from the 14 emirates that formed part of the Sokoto Caliphate. The Sultan has written the foreword and is expected to unveil the publication.
The book unveiling follows a weekend of activities, including Islamic preaching sessions, the turbaning of 13 distinguished Nigerians, humanitarian interventions and cultural celebrations highlighting the history and traditions of the Sokoto Sultanate.
Sultan confers titles on 13 Nigerians
At a turbaning ceremony held at the Sultan’s palace in Sokoto on Sunday, November 1, the monarch conferred traditional titles on 13 prominent Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to society and the traditional institution.
Among the recipients was Emeritus Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, the immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Secretary-General of the NSCIA, who received the title of Kuliyan Sokoto.
Other recipients included Dr Peter Igho, former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who was turbaned as Kakakin Daular Usmaniyya; Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dan Iya, Dallatun Sokoto; Professor Mansur Ibrahim, Danmasanin Sokoto; and Gandi Umar, Esq., Sarkin Galmar Sarkin Musulmi.
Others were Abdulkadir Jeli Bello, Sarkin Fulotin Sokoto; Hon. Ibrahim Al’mustapha Rabah, Bauran Sokoto; Abubakar Saddique Abubakar, Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida Sokoto; and Shehu Usman Abubakar, Fagacin Sokoto.
The remaining recipients were Alhaji Bello Abbas, Wakilin Tarihin Daular Usmaniyya; Aminu Isa Buhari, Danmalikin Sokoto; Dr Balarabe Kakale Shehu Shuni, Wakilin Makarantar Daular Usmaniyya; and Abubakar Hussaini Bazza, Sarkin Bai Sokoto.
11 Islamic scholars lead preaching sessions in Sokoto
The anniversary activities commenced on Friday, October 30, with special Islamic preaching sessions at Abu Huraira Mosque in the Polo Club area of Sokoto.
The sessions featured 11 prominent Islamic scholars from across the country and were organised in two parts, with the first taking place on Friday night and the remaining lectures scheduled for Sunday night.
The programme provided an opportunity for Islamic scholars to offer religious guidance and reflect on the Sultan’s two decades of leadership, as well as the history and values of the Sokoto Caliphate.
Committee supports 56 inmates, over 500 patients
As part of the anniversary-related humanitarian interventions, the organising committee provided financial assistance towards settling outstanding fines for 56 inmates at the Sokoto correctional facility.
The committee also extended support to more than 500 beneficiaries at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) and Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.
The Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Alhaji Bashir Ummarun Kwabo, announced the initiatives on Friday, October 30, describing them as part of the humanitarian component of the anniversary celebrations.
The interventions were designed to assist vulnerable patients who might be unable to afford medical treatment and inmates whose continued detention was linked to their inability to pay applicable fines.
The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has attracted congratulatory messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Muslim organisations and other prominent Nigerians.
Tinubu pays tribute to Sultan
In a congratulatory message issued by the State House on Monday, November 2, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the Sultan for two decades of leadership, describing him as a moral authority, a bridge between faiths and a voice of moderation.
My Dear Leader and Esteemed Brother, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III,
Today, I join millions of your subjects and friends in Nigeria and abroad to celebrate you as you mark 20 years on the exalted throne of your forebears as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.
Twenty years ago, you ascended the throne with humility, courage, and a profound sense of duty. In the two decades since, you have not only preserved the glorious heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate; you have enriched it, redefined it, and made it a formidable instrument for peace, unity, and national development.
Your uncommon wisdom, your calm in moments of tension, and your unwavering commitment to Nigeria have always struck me. You have been more than a traditional ruler. You have been a moral authority, a bridge between faiths, a voice of moderation, and a steady counsellor to leaders across the country.
As Sultan and as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, you have consistently stood for religious harmony and tolerance. Under your leadership as Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Christians and Muslims have found common ground, and our diversity has become a source of strength rather than division.
Your advocacy for peace in the North and across the Sahel, your passion for education, especially for the girl-child, your support for our farmers and for public health, and your quiet but effective interventions for the poor and vulnerable speak to a reign that is truly people-centred.
Personally, I value our friendship deeply. Your counsel has been honest, patriotic, and always in Nigeria’s best interest. Thank you for your support and your prayers for our nation.
As you celebrate this historic milestone, I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) will continue to grant you good health, long life, and renewed wisdom. May your reign continue to bring peace to Sokoto, unity to Nigeria, and honour to the Ummah.
Congratulations, Your Eminence.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) November 2, 2026
The President said the monarch had not only preserved the heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate but had also strengthened its relevance as an instrument for peace, unity and national development.
Tinubu commended the Sultan’s leadership as President-General of the NSCIA and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, saying he had consistently promoted religious harmony and tolerance.
He also acknowledged the monarch’s advocacy for peace in northern Nigeria and the Sahel, his support for education, particularly for the girl-child, and his interventions on behalf of vulnerable Nigerians.
“Your uncommon wisdom, your calm in moments of tension, and your unwavering commitment to Nigeria have always struck me. You have been more than a traditional ruler. You have been a moral authority, a bridge between faiths, a voice of moderation, and a steady counsellor to leaders across the country,” Tinubu said.
The President described the Sultan’s counsel as honest and patriotic, adding that he valued their friendship and appreciated the monarch’s support and prayers for Nigeria.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the Sultan good health, long life and renewed wisdom, while wishing him a reign marked by peace in Sokoto, unity in Nigeria and honour for the Muslim Ummah.
Pantami praises Sultan for wisdom, humility, peacebuilding
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has also congratulated the Sultan on his 20th anniversary on the throne.
In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday, November 1, Pantami praised the monarch for his wisdom, humility, commitment to education and contributions to peacebuilding, national unity and interfaith harmony.
He also commended the Sultan’s guidance, humanitarian service, advocacy for the poor and consistent promotion of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
On the momentous occasion of the 20th anniversary of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), I extend my heartfelt felicitations and goodwill.
Your Eminence, your two decades on the throne have been defined by exemplary wisdom, uncommon humility, deep commitment to education, and unwavering dedication to peacebuilding, national unity, and interfaith harmony. Your fatherly guidance, selfless service to humanity, advocacy for the poor, and steadfast promotion of tolerance and peaceful coexistence have remained a beacon of hope for our nation.
As you mark this historic milestone, I pray Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to bless you with sound health, renewed wisdom, and enduring strength to continue your noble service to the Sultanate, the humanity and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Congratulations, Your Eminence.
Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, CON, PhD
(Majidadin Daular Usmaniyya).
(Professor of Cybersecurity).— Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim, CON (@ProfIsaPantami) November 1, 2026
“As you mark this historic milestone, I pray Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to bless you with sound health, renewed wisdom, and enduring strength to continue your noble service to the Sultanate, humanity and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Pantami said.
The professor of cybersecurity, who holds the traditional title of Majidadin Daular Usmaniyya, wished the Sultan continued strength and wisdom in his service to the Sultanate and Nigeria.
MMPN celebrates Sultan’s leadership
The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), in a congratulatory statement issued on Sunday, November 1, also praised the monarch for his leadership and contributions to Islam and the country.
The statement, signed by the association’s National President, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the Sultan had consistently used his position to promote dialogue, religious tolerance and mutual understanding among Nigerians of different backgrounds.
“Over the years, His Eminence has used his voice to encourage dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect among Nigerians of different faiths and backgrounds,” the association said.
MMPN also appreciated the Sultan’s support for Muslim media practitioners and prayed for his continued good health and success in his service to Islam, humanity and Nigeria.
UNILORIN VC congratulates Sultan, Oloyede
Also on Sunday, November 1, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, congratulated the Sultan on his 20th anniversary and Professor Oloyede on his traditional title.
In a statement issued by the university’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, Egbewole described Oloyede’s recognition as “a well-deserved honour to a rare breed public servant, a detribalised Nigerian bridge builder, and an incorruptible statesman.”
He said the title acknowledged Oloyede’s contributions to educational development, service excellence, community service and humanitarian work.
The vice-chancellor, who is a former student and successor of Oloyede at the University of Ilorin, noted that the emeritus professor served as the institution’s Vice-Chancellor from 2007 to 2012.
Egbewole also commended the Sultan’s two decades of leadership, describing his reign as a symbol of peace, religious harmony and national development. <Cite refs={[“turn537527search6″,”turn537527search13″,”turn537527search15”]}/>
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