From Muhammad Gazali Garba
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday paid homage to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, stating that the visit is a “long-overdue opportunity” to personally appreciate the monarch for his unwavering support, fatherly guidance and prayers for the administration of her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The First Lady was received on arrival at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, alongside the Deputy Governor, Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and other top government officials.
She subsequently proceeded to the Sultan’s Palace, where she paid a courtesy and homage visit to the Sultan before continuing with her official engagements in the state.
Speaking at the palace, Senator Tinubu said she had long desired to visit the Sultan to personally thank him for his steadfast support, wise counsel and prayers since the inception of the present administration.
She recalled that although she visited Sokoto during the 2023 presidential campaign, she was unable to meet the Sultan because he was out of the country at the time.
“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 symbol of peace, unity and national cohesion whose leadership has continued to foster harmony and stability across the country.
She also recalled the Sultan’s visit to Ile-Ife during the conferment of a traditional title on her by the Ooni of Ife, describing the gesture as a remarkable demonstration of goodwill that strengthened her resolve to reciprocate the courtesy by visiting Sokoto.
Senator Tinubu further reminisced about her first meeting with the Sultan many years ago in Dubai during the commissioning of the Burj Khalifa, noting that the cordial relationship established then has continued to flourish over the years.
She prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the Sultan long life, sound health and continued wisdom in the discharge of his responsibilities, while also praying for lasting peace, unity and prosperity in Sokoto State and Nigeria.
The First Lady expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the warm reception accorded to her and members of her delegation despite his family engagement, and thanked the women of Sokoto State, members of the Sultanate Council and the people of the state for their hospitality.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu welcomed the First Lady to the Seat of the Caliphate on behalf of the government and people of Sokoto State, describing her visit as a great honour and a testament to the cordial relationship between the Presidency and the state.
He commended Senator Tinubu for the impactful interventions of the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that the programme has continued to improve the lives of women, youths, children and other vulnerable groups through economic empowerment, educational support, healthcare services, humanitarian assistance and other people-centred initiatives across the country.
Governor Aliyu said the initiative complements the efforts of governments at all levels in improving the welfare of Nigerians and lauded the First Lady for her compassion and commitment to national development.
He also paid glowing tribute to the Sultan of Sokoto, describing him as a father figure whose moral authority, exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to peace, unity and national cohesion continue to inspire millions of Nigerians.
The governor noted that although the First Lady’s visit was private, it provided an opportunity to acknowledge the Sultan’s invaluable contributions to religious harmony, peaceful coexistence and national stability.
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 pleasant weather ahead of the visit, which he described as a sign of divine favour.
The Sultan said the First Lady 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 Sultan prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and protection for the First Lady, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation, while wishing her a successful stay in Sokoto State.
The visit underscored the cordial relationship between the Presidency, the Sokoto State Government and the Sultanate Council, while reaffirming the vital role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, national unity and sustainable development.
