Nigerian Army Chief Visits Sultan of Sokoto to Strengthen Ties Amid Rising Insecurity

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, to reinforce civil–military collaboration amid heightened insecurity in northern Nigeria. Shaibu emphasized the importance of community involvement and working with traditional institutions to enhance national security. The Sultan commended the Army’s efforts while urging respect for human rights and stronger civilian engagement. The visit follows the US Christmas Day airstrike on ISIS bases in Sokoto, carried out at Nigeria’s request, highlighting ongoing security challenges in remote regions.

Ramadan 2026: Sultan of Sokoto Declares December 22, 2025, as First Day of Rajab 1447 AH in Nigeria

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447 AH in Nigeria. The announcement followed the absence of any confirmed crescent sighting reports across the country on Saturday, December 20, 2025, prompting the completion of 30 days of Jumada Assaniya. Rajab, one of Islam’s four sacred months, holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims as a period of reflection, increased devotion, and preparation ahead of the holy month of Ramadan in 2026.

BREAKING: It is totally wrong for Christians to be dragged or subjected to sharia law or court, - Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar says

Sultan Praises Ooni for Launching Ojaja University’s Ile-Ife Campus

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for establishing the Ile-Ife campus of Ojaja University, describing it as a legacy project that will uplift communities. Speaking during the sod-turning ceremony marking the Ooni’s 10th coronation anniversary, the Sultan urged Nigerians to pray for national and traditional leaders.
The Ooni highlighted the university’s rapid growth since its acquisition in 2022 and reaffirmed his commitment to youth development. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, revealed that the new campus will serve as a cultural and creative hub, hosting programmes in arts, culture, media, and creative technologies.


#OjajaUniversity

#OoniOfIfe

#SultanOfSokoto

“I urge the NSA not to look back. You’ll have criticism, you’ll have critics — let them talk, but listen. Those you’ll bring close to you, like President Sowore, bring him close. When I say ‘president’, it is president with a small letter p. It’s only President Tinubu who has a capital letter P. There is nothing wrong in Sowore saying his mind. The more you allow someone to have a say, the better for you and for him. The moment you turn down somebody and you tie him, you allow him to go haywire.” — Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto

Sultan of Sokoto Defends Sowore, Warns Government Against Silencing Critics

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerian authorities to stop repressing activist Omoyele Sowore, stressing that dissenting voices strengthen democracy. Speaking at a National Peace Committee event in Abuja, the Sultan praised Sowore’s resilience, playfully referring to him as “President Sowore” and praying he might one day lead Nigeria. He cautioned the government against muzzling critics and emphasized that free expression is vital for peace and accountability. His remarks have since sparked nationwide debate on leadership, democracy, and political tolerance.

Islamism isn’t aimed at seizing power — Sultan of Sokoto says, stressing that Islam is about promoting good governance in society.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to rise above religious divides and embrace unity in order to build a stronger country.

He made this call in Abuja on Friday during the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor.

The Sultan explained that Islam should not be misconstrued as a quest for political power but rather as a faith built on justice, fairness and good governance. “Islamism is not aimed at seizing power at any particular forum. Islam is after good governance in society,” he stated.

He cited the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure, noting that Muslims gave him full support without bias. “President Goodluck Jonathan was President; we gave him 100 per cent support.

Throughout his presidency, nobody said anything negative against him; he knows that, and he is here. So, Islamism is not what you think it is. It is a wrong notion… We’re after good governance,” the monarch said.

The Sultan, regarded as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, also emphasized that Islam has a clear code of conduct that rejects v+olence and fanaticism. “We have ways and means of life. Anybody coming outside these to say things that he really doesn’t know about is not for Islam because Islam abhors extremism. You cannot be an extremist and then claim to be a good Muslim,” he stressed.

He cautioned Nigerians to be mindful of their words when discussing insecurity, warning that careless statements could further divide the country. Instead, he called for unity, saying: “Let’s come closer as one big family with different backgrounds to forge ahead to make this country a better country, because there is nothing anybody can do.”

According to him, his interventions on governance and national issues are never targeted at individuals but are guided by the conviction that religion must always promote justice, peace and social harmony.

If Nigeria’s Population Growth is Not  Tackled, By 2050, Boko Haram will be Child’s Play — Fmr. President Obasanjo.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed serious concern about Nigeria’s rising population, warning that unchecked growth could have dire consequences for the nation.

Speaking in Sokoto at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat, Obasanjo stressed the role of education and knowledge as vital tools for national progress.

“By the year 2050, people like the Sultan will be here. I am not praying to be here 25 years from now,” he remarked.
“We will have the problem of 400 million Nigerians that have to be provided with food, work, that have to be satisfied. If we fail to prepare for that, Boko Haram of today will be a child’s play. We have to take care of it now.”

The former president further urged Nigerians to value the country’s unity in diversity and resist divisive external narratives.
“If our diversity is taking along with good governance with everybody being included, then we will get there.
Not will we be respected, we will be counted among the leading nations of the world.”

He also commended Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah for initiating the ICT project, describing it as a facility for all Nigerians regardless of “religion, ethnicity, or gender.”

Also speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, expressed appreciation to Obasanjo for attending and called on citizens to emulate his commitment to unity. He stressed the need for Nigerians to come together in tackling insecurity and driving development.

Representing Governor Aliyu, Alhaji Aminu Dikko, the Chief of Staff to the Sokoto State Government, lauded both Obasanjo and the Catholic Diocese for the initiative. He assured that the state government remains dedicated to expanding technology education and creating opportunities for future generations.

“Nigeria’s Strength Lies in Unity” — Obasanjo Declares in Sokoto

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described himself as “one of the greatest beneficiaries of Nigeria’s diversity,” stressing that the country’s strength rests in its ability to harness unity in diversity.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat in Sokoto, Obasanjo noted that Nigeria thrives when leaders embrace honesty, inclusiveness, and good governance.

> “Nigeria is not a difficult country to govern if leaders are honest with themselves, with God, and with the people,” he said.

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Obasanjo recalled how he sought counsel from elders across the North, South, East, and West since 1979, using their wisdom to sustain unity.

At the event, he commended Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for promoting peace and unity in the state. He also praised Bishop Matthew Kukah for spearheading the ICT project and Aare Afe Babalola for his support.

The ICT Centre will provide training in computer literacy, coding, data science, and digital skills for all Nigerians, regardless of background.

In his remarks, the Sultan hailed Obasanjo’s commitment to unity, while the state government pledged continued investment in technology-driven education.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has warned that justice in Nigeria is increasingly becoming a “purchasable commodity,” where the poor are victims and the rich evade accountability.

Justice is Increasingly Becoming Purchasable Commodity In Nigeria

~ Sultan Of Sokoto says

"For how long will these senseless killings continue on Nigerian soil? Why is it still so difficult for our security agencies to prevent such devastating attacks on our people?"

~ Sultan of Sokoto, expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence in Benue State.

#BenueKillings #SultanOfSokoto #InsecurityInNigeria #StopTheViolence #NigeriaCrisis #ProtectNigerians #PeaceAndSecurity