The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has unveiled a book on Islamic reformer Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio and honoured prominent Muslim leaders as part of activities marking his 20th anniversary on the throne.
The monarch also called on religious, traditional and community leaders to promote peace, unity and mutual understanding across Nigeria.
The book, titled Shaykh Uthman Bin Fodio and His Flagbearers: Their Contributions to the Islamic Revivalist Movement, was unveiled on Monday, November 2, at the International Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto State.
The event was held alongside the 13th Sheikh Usman Dan Fodiyo Week, which featured lectures, intellectual discussions and other activities celebrating the legacy of the 19th-century Islamic scholar.
The publication examines the contributions of Dan Fodio and scholars 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.
Sultan honours Muslim leaders
A major highlight of the anniversary celebration was the recognition of prominent Muslim leaders for their contributions to Islamic affairs and society.
Among those honoured were 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 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.
The Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage Muhammad I, was also honoured at the event.
The anniversary lecture was delivered by Dr Dawud A. Abdullah, director of the Middle East Monitor in London.
Speaking on the topic, “The Religious and Intellectual Traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate: Changing the Condition of Africans in the Diaspora,” Abdullah called for greater recognition of the contributions of African Muslims taken into slavery in the Americas.
He said their roles in resisting slavery and pursuing freedom had often been overlooked in historical accounts.
Abdullah also advocated reparations beyond financial compensation, including investment in education and healthcare, scholarships, technology transfer, psychological rehabilitation for descendants of enslaved Africans, debt cancellation and official apologies from Western countries.
Leaders commend Sultan’s contributions to unity
The Emir of Lafia, speaking on behalf of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, described the Sultan as an important figure in sustaining Nigeria’s unity.
He congratulated the monarch on his 20 years on the throne and expressed confidence in his continued leadership.
“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 recalled the historical relationship between Dan Fodio and the leadership of Borno, noting that the Islamic reformer did not wage war against Borno because the Islam practised there was consistent with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal also described the Sultan as “a beacon of unity, stability and peaceful coexistence”.
He commended the monarch’s commitment to peace and urged political, religious and traditional leaders to draw lessons from Dan Fodio’s teachings on justice, education, moral discipline and responsible leadership.
Lawal said ethical leadership and social responsibility were essential to addressing insecurity, poverty and other challenges facing Nigeria.
Sultan urges collective responsibility for peace
The Sultan expressed appreciation to individuals, institutions, religious organisations, traditional rulers and other well-wishers who had supported him throughout his two decades 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 also called for collective responsibility in strengthening national stability, encouraging leaders to use their positions and influence to build bridges among Nigerians.
The anniversary activities featured public lectures, Qur’anic recitation and quiz competitions, intellectual symposiums and the traditional turbaning of 13 prominent Nigerians.
The Sultan ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, becoming the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.
