Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at his palace in Sokoto, where she described the revered traditional ruler as a symbol of peace, unity and national cohesion whose leadership continues to promote harmony across the country.
The visit, which the First Lady described as long overdue, provided an opportunity for her to personally express gratitude to the Sultan for his unwavering support, prayers and wise counsel to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration since its inauguration. Blueprint reports
The visit also drew commendation from Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who praised Senator Tinubu’s humanitarian interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative and lauded the Sultan’s enduring contributions to peacebuilding and national unity.
Visit to appreciate Sultan’s support
Speaking during the visit, Senator Tinubu said she had always desired to visit the Sultan to personally thank him for the encouragement and support he has consistently extended to the present administration.
She recalled that although she visited Sokoto during the 2023 presidential election campaign, she was unable to meet the Sultan because he was outside the country at the time.
According to her, Saturday’s visit fulfilled a longstanding desire to appreciate the monarch for his fatherly role and continued prayers for the success of the government.
“This visit is long overdue. I came here simply to thank His Eminence for everything he has done since the beginning of this administration.
“He has consistently supported the government with prayers, wise counsel and encouragement,” she said.
The First Lady described the Sultan as a respected national leader whose influence transcends religion and ethnicity, adding that his commitment to peaceful coexistence has continued to strengthen unity across Nigeria.
“The Sultan is a symbol of peace, unity and national cohesion whose leadership has continued to foster harmony and stability across the country,” she stated.
Recalls longstanding relationship
Senator Tinubu also reflected on her long-standing relationship with the Sultan, recalling that they first met several years ago in Dubai during the commissioning of the Burj Khalifa.
She said the cordial relationship established at the time had continued to flourish over the years, culminating in the mutual respect and friendship they enjoy today.
The First Lady further remembered the Sultan’s visit to Ile-Ife when the Ooni of Ife conferred a traditional title on her, describing the gesture as a remarkable demonstration of goodwill and mutual respect.
According to her, the Sultan’s attendance at the event strengthened her determination to reciprocate the courtesy by paying him a visit in Sokoto.
She prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the Sultan good health, long life and continued wisdom in providing leadership to the Muslim Ummah and the nation.
The First Lady also prayed for lasting peace, unity and prosperity in Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole.
Governor hails Renewed Hope Initiative
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu welcomed the First Lady to the Seat of the Caliphate on behalf of the government and people of Sokoto State.
He described her visit as a great honour and another indication of the cordial relationship existing between the Presidency and Sokoto State.
The governor commended Senator Tinubu for the impact of her Renewed Hope Initiative, saying the programme has continued to transform lives across the country through various empowerment and humanitarian interventions.
According to him, the initiative has positively affected women, youths, children and other vulnerable groups by providing economic empowerment, educational support, healthcare services and humanitarian assistance.
Governor Aliyu noted that the programme complements the efforts of governments at all levels in improving the welfare of Nigerians.
He praised the First Lady for her compassion, dedication and commitment to national development, describing her interventions as people-oriented and impactful.
Tribute to Sultan’s leadership
Governor Aliyu also paid glowing tribute to the Sultan of Sokoto, describing him as a father figure and one of Nigeria’s foremost advocates of peace and unity.
He said the Sultan’s moral authority, exemplary leadership and commitment to promoting religious harmony and peaceful coexistence continue to inspire millions of Nigerians.
The governor observed that although the First Lady’s visit was private, it offered another opportunity to acknowledge the Sultan’s invaluable contributions to national stability and interfaith understanding.
He noted that the monarch has consistently used his position to encourage tolerance, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic groups.
Sultan welcomes First Lady
Responding, the Sultan of Sokoto warmly welcomed Senator Tinubu to the Seat of the Caliphate, describing her visit as a homecoming.
He thanked Almighty Allah for blessing Sokoto State with abundant rainfall and favourable weather ahead of the First Lady’s arrival, describing it as a sign of divine favour.
The Sultan stated that Senator Tinubu was not a stranger to Sokoto, recalling that he had known her and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nearly two decades, dating back to the period when the President served as Governor of Lagos State.
“I welcome you home because Sokoto is your home. We have maintained a cordial relationship over the years—from your days as First Lady of Lagos State, through your service as a Senator, and now as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Sultan said.
He commended Senator Tinubu for her humility, dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The monarch also offered prayers for Allah’s continued guidance, protection and wisdom for the First Lady and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as they continue to lead the country.
He further prayed for enduring peace, unity and progress in Sokoto State and Nigeria.
Warm reception in Sokoto
The First Lady arrived at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, to a warm reception led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
She was received alongside the Deputy Governor, Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, members of the Sokoto State Executive Council, traditional rulers and other senior government officials before proceeding to the Sultan’s palace.
The visit further underscored the cordial relationship between the Presidency and the Sultanate Council, while highlighting the importance of collaboration among political leaders, traditional institutions and religious authorities in promoting peace, national unity and sustainable development across Nigeria.