Sultan of Sokoto at 20: MMPN Hails Two Decades of Service, Peace and Unity

The Muslim media practitioners’ organisation celebrates its Grand Patron’s support for Muslim journalists and advocacy for peaceful coexistence ahead of Monday’s anniversary

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his enthronement, which falls on Monday, 2 November. The organisation described his two decades on the throne as a period of service marked by “dignity, wisdom and a strong commitment to peace and unity”.

In a statement dated Sunday, 1 November, and signed by its National President, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, MMPN said the Sultan, who is also President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had devoted the years since 2006 to serving Islam, the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria.

The organisation, which identifies the Sultan as its Grand Patron, expressed appreciation for his support and the confidence he has consistently shown in Muslim media practitioners. It also noted his recognition of the media’s role in promoting public understanding, responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria and beyond.

MMPN said the Sultan had, over the years, used his voice to encourage dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect among Nigerians of different faiths and backgrounds, adding that his messages had offered reassurance during difficult moments and reminded citizens of what binds them together.

It also thanked him for acknowledging that using the media to serve society carries responsibility, saying his encouragement had strengthened members’ resolve to practise their profession with fairness, professionalism and a clear sense of responsibility to the public.

MMPN said it joined the Muslim Ummah, the Sultanate Council, the people of Sokoto and Nigerians across the country in celebrating the milestone. It prayed that Allah would grant the Sultan continued good health, wisdom and strength, and bless him with many more years of service to Islam, humanity and Nigeria.

Sa’ad Abubakar became the 20th Sultan of Sokoto on 2 November 2006, succeeding his elder brother, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido, who died in the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash on 29 October that year.

Before his emergence as Sultan, Abubakar served in the Nigerian Army, rising to the rank of Brigadier-General. His military career included commanding a battalion of African peacekeepers in Chad and serving in ECOMOG operations in Sierra Leone. From 2003 to 2006, he served as Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to Pakistan before retiring from the Army.

Flash News