Tambuwal: Leadership, Values of Sokoto Caliphate Panacea for Nigeria, Africa Problems
PRESS RELEASE
Tambuwal: Leadership, Values of Sokoto Caliphate Panacea for Nigeria, Africa Problems
Remedies for the subsisting problems bedeviling Nigeria and Africa can be found in the enduring legacies of the 18th century Islamic reawakening led by Sheikh Usmanu Danfodio that traversed much of sub-Saharan Africa.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this on Tuesday at a public lecture in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar on the throne at Sokoto International Conference Center, Kasarawa.
“I dare say, there is no better source of guidance for Nigeria and indeed, West Africa, out of the difficulties we face than the example from the life of the founder of the spiritual, sociopolitical civilization that spanned the entire subcontinent, which is the Sokoto Caliphate,” the Governor said.
He advised youths, Ulama, women and all other members of the society to remain focused and emulate the life style of simplicity and hard work exemplified by the Sultan in the last 15 years of his stewardship as spiritual leader of the Muslims in Nigeria for the benefit of Islam and the country at large.
According to him, the Sultan has worked for the promotion of unity and peace, ensuring the involvement of the Ulama, business community, NGOs, community leaders and youths towards the success of people oriented programs at state, national and global levels.
The governor also said the Sultan as a father and leader, has also contributed immensely to the development of Sokoto state, the country, Islam, and the global community in so many ways.
He listed one of these contributions as: far reaching interventions in the operations of the Zakat and endowent initiatives, “which, in fact, are being pursued by the state government with the aim of anchoring the social and economic advancement of our society on our cherished norms and values.”
Tambuwal explained that Sokoto Caliphate, which the Sultan symbolizes in all its ramifications, has remained a role model and guide for exemplary leadership, not only in the administration of justice, but all other human endeavors.
He further said: “the erudite presentation by the revered Islamic scholar, Mufty Ismael Mink has, Masha-Allah, inspired in us, a renewed spirit of self worth, as inheritors of a great virtuous order and points for us, the right direction towards the exalted position envisioned by our forefathers.
“The promotion and sustenance of the enviable legacy of the Caliphate is the focus of our government. We have, indeed, been able to record appreciable progress in human resource development, infrastructure, amenities and healthcare, in fulfilment of our mandate and in line with the standard of development set by of the founding fathers of the Caliphate'' he added
The governor on behalf of the entire people of the state expressed appreciation to the Sultan, along with his council and all the subjects of the Sokoto Caliphate, for his laudable role in the successes it has recorded so far.
In his addres, Sultan Saad Abubakar attributed the successes achieved in his 15 years on throne to Allah and the collective efforts of the entire muslim, saying that he will continue to consult stakeholders before taking any decision.
The Sultan instituted five awards to distinguished personalities in the name of his ancestors and their order of ranking, namely: Shehu Usman Danfodiyo Leadership Award, Abdullahi bn fodio Scholarship Award, Sultan Muhammadu Bello Governance Award, Nana Asmau Social Development Award and Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar (III) Peace Building Award.
Each of the N1 million prizes were won by the maiden recipients: Professor Shehu Saeed Galadanchi, Sheikh Ahmad Lemu (post humous), the Shehu (Emir) of Borno, Abubakar Mustapha bn Umar Garbai, Professor Sadiya Umar Bello and Chief Lateef Adegbite in the order of the awards ranking above respectively.
A public lecture, titled: ‘Religious Understanding and Tolerance for Peaceful Coexistence in a Developing World,’ was presented by renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Mufti Isma'il bn Musa Menk of Zimbabwe.
The lecture dwelled extensively on the oneness of Allah, brotherhood, Iman and Amana; and-using of social media in promoting Islam.
Muhammad Bello
Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor
Nov. 3, 2021
Sokoto
