* Tasks religious, community leaders on peace, national cohesion
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has unveiled a book on the legacy of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio and honoured prominent Muslim leaders and other distinguished Nigerians as part of activities marking his 20th coronation anniversary and the 13th Sheikh Usman Dan Fodiyo Week.
The book, titled Shaykh Uthman Bin Fodio and His Flagbearers: Their Contributions to the Islamic Revivalist Movement, was unveiled on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto State.
The publication examines the contributions of the 19th-century Islamic reformer, Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, and the scholars and leaders associated with his movement to the religious, intellectual, political and social development of the region that later became part of modern Nigeria.
The project was initiated by individuals from the 14 emirates that formed part of the Sokoto Caliphate. The Sultan wrote the foreword, while Ahmed Tijjani Mora and Kabiru Haruna Isa served as editors.
The unveiling was part of a weeklong programme celebrating the legacy of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodiyo and the Sultan’s two decades on the throne.
The grand finale, held under the theme, “Reviving Ethical Leadership and Social Harmony: Lessons From Sokoto Jihad Leaders,” attracted traditional rulers, government officials, Islamic scholars, academics and other dignitaries from across the country.
Dr Abdullah urges recognition of African Muslims’ role in resisting slavery
The anniversary lecture was delivered by Dr Dawud A. Abdullah, Director of the Middle East Monitor (MEMO), London, who spoke on the topic, “The Religious and Intellectual Traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate: Changing the Condition of Africans in the Diaspora.”
He called for greater recognition of the religious heritage and intellectual contributions of African Muslims who were taken into slavery in the Americas, noting that their roles in resisting slavery and pursuing freedom had often been overlooked in historical accounts.
Dr Abdullah also advocated reparations beyond financial compensation, including investment in African education and healthcare, scholarships, technology transfer, psychological rehabilitation for descendants of enslaved Africans, debt cancellation and official apologies from Western countries for the injustices of slavery.
The weeklong activities also featured public lectures, Qur’anic recitation and quiz competitions, intellectual symposiums and the traditional turbaning of 13 prominent Nigerians.
Sultan honours Muslim leaders, others
A major highlight of the anniversary was the recognition of prominent Muslim leaders, including Sheikh AbdulRahman Ahmad, National Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, and Professor Ishaq Akintola, founder and Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
Others honoured included Professor Dawud Olatokunbo Shittu Noibi, pioneer Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), who was represented by his son, Dr Luqman Noibi, and the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage Muhammad I.
Emir of Lafia praises Sultan’s leadership
Speaking on behalf of the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, the Emir of Lafia described the Sultan as one of the important pillars sustaining Nigeria’s unity.
He congratulated the monarch on his 20 years on the throne, expressing confidence in his leadership and continued contribution to the country.
“As far as we are concerned, to those of us that are close to you, you are one of the most important pillars that have kept Nigeria together. We congratulate you for 20 years that you have done as the Sultan,” he said.
The Emir also wished the Sultan good health and strength to continue his leadership, adding that his contributions to the country and the Islamic institution remained significant.
He recalled the historical relationship between Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio and the Kanem-Borno leadership, noting that Dan Fodio did not wage war against Borno because the Islam practised there was consistent with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
According to him, the history demonstrated that the reform movement led by Dan Fodio was rooted in religious principles rather than territorial expansion.
Zamfara governor describes Sultan as beacon of unity
In his goodwill message, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, described the Sultan as “a beacon of unity, stability and peaceful coexistence”.
The governor praised the monarch’s wisdom, fatherly guidance and commitment to peace, noting that his influence extended beyond the Sokoto Sultanate and continued to inspire Nigerians across religious, ethnic and geographical divides.
Lawal also commended the Sultan for his support during the recent coronation and presentation of staff of office to 19 emirs in Zamfara State.
He said traditional rulers remained important partners in promoting peace, security and grassroots development, given their closeness to the people and influence within their communities.
The governor urged political, religious and traditional leaders to draw lessons from the teachings of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, particularly in the areas of justice, education, moral discipline and responsible leadership.
He stressed that ethical leadership and social responsibility were essential to addressing insecurity, poverty and other challenges confronting Nigeria.
Sultan appreciates supporters, calls for peace
The Sultan expressed appreciation to individuals, institutions, religious organisations, traditional rulers and other well-wishers who had supported him throughout his 20 years on the throne.
He urged religious, traditional and community leaders to intensify efforts towards promoting peace, unity and mutual understanding across the country.
The monarch emphasised the need for collective responsibility in strengthening national stability and encouraged leaders to use their positions and influence to build bridges among Nigerians.
Other prominent personalities at the event included Sokoto State Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya (retd.); Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Archbishop Matthew Kukah; NSCIA Deputy President-General (North), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo; and JNI Secretary-General, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu.
The Sultan Forum Abuja also presented a Book of Tributes in honour of the monarch’s 20 years on the throne. The presentation was made by Hajia Madinah Azaki, with the support of Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu.
The Sultan ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, becoming the 20th Sultan of Sokoto. The anniversary celebrations provided an opportunity to reflect on his leadership and the enduring historical, religious and intellectual legacy of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio.
* With Additional information from The Defender
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