By Musa Ubandawaki Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday paid a landmark courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, describing the revered monarch as a pillar of national unity whose unwavering prayers, wise counsel, and steadfast support have continued to strengthen the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The visit, held at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto, marked the First Lady’s first official homage to the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims since the inauguration of the present administration and underscored the enduring partnership between the Presidency and the country’s traditional institutions. Senator Tinubu arrived at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport to a warm reception led by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied by Deputy Governor Engr.
Idris Muhammad Gobir, members of the State Executive Council, senior government officials, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries before proceeding to the palace for the courtesy visit. Addressing the Sultan, the First Lady said the visit was long overdue, explaining that she deliberately came to personally express roomgratitude to the monarch for his consistent prayers, fatherly guidance, encouragement, and invaluable support for the Federal Government since President Tinubu assumed office. She recalled that although she visited Sokoto during the 2023 presidential campaign, circumstances prevented her from meeting the Sultan, who was then outside the country, making Saturday’s engagement a deeply fulfilling and symbolic occasion.
“This visit is one I have looked forward to for a long time. 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,” the First Lady stated.
Senator Tinubu described the Sultan as an outstanding statesman and a respected symbol of peace, religious harmony, and national cohesion whose leadership has continued to foster unity across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities. She also fondly recalled the Sultan’s presence in Ile-Ife during the conferment of a traditional title on her by the Ooni of Ife, describing the monarch’s gesture as a remarkable demonstration of mutual respect that further strengthened the cordial relationship between them.
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