-Sokoto monarch attributes economic gains to unity efforts; new Kaduna facility to aid orphans and less privileged.
By OBSERVERS TIMES
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to religious tolerance and national unity, linking these efforts to recent economic improvements in Nigeria.
The Sultan’s endorsement came on Saturday during the commissioning of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Darul’Ilm Centre for Islamic Studies in Kaduna. The facility, designed to serve orphans and the less privileged, was built and donated by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi
Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Dr. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, flanked by the Emir of Zazzau, HRH Amb. Nuhu Bamali, and the deputy governor, Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe (L), formally commissioning the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Centre for Islamic Learning built by friends of the DG, Department of State Services, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, at the weekend in Kaduna
Addressing attendees, Sultan Abubakar urged Nigerians to prioritize national unity over religious and ethnic divisions, citing unity as a cornerstone for the economic success of advanced nations. “The coming together of people of different faiths and ethnicities will bridge gaps, foster unity, and reduce Nigeria’s challenges,” he stated, also noting the presence of heads of other security agencies as a reflection of synergy within the security sector.
Representing the DSS DG, retired DSS director Ahmed Zannah explained that the Service’s mandate includes countering threats such as espionage, insurgency, and terrorism. He emphasized education as a crucial tool for mitigating discontent and enhancing internal security. “Part of my strategy involves enhancing security through both conventional and non-conventional means, including Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives like this center,” Zannah added.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, highlighted the critical role of education in Nigeria’s future.
He praised President Tinubu’s support for faith-based education and school feeding programs.
Edun expressed optimism about Nigeria’s demographic potential, stating, “By 2050, 25% of the global workforce will be African, with many from Nigeria.” He acknowledged current challenges but pointed to signs of progress, including “economic growth, rising foreign reserves, stabilizing inflation, and declining food and energy prices.”
