President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined Nigerians in celebrating the 70th birthday of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, describing the revered monarch as one of the country’s key voices for peace, unity and stability.

In a birthday message issued on Monday, Tinubu praised the Sultan’s decades of service and his nearly 20 years on the throne, saying his leadership has extended beyond the traditional institution to national affairs, interfaith relations, education and humanitarian causes.

The President described the milestone as a celebration of “a life lived in service, wisdom and grace,” noting that the Sultan had consistently used his position to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage Nigerians to look beyond their religious, ethnic and political differences.

Tinubu conveyed his personal congratulations as well as those of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians to the Sultan and his subjects in Sokoto State and across the country.

“Today, I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a remarkable milestone for a remarkable person,” the President said.

He commended the Sultan for preserving the intellectual, spiritual and cultural traditions associated with the Sokoto Caliphate while adapting the institution to the demands of contemporary Nigeria.

According to Tinubu, the monarch’s leadership has been particularly significant during periods of tension and uncertainty, when his interventions have helped encourage dialogue, restraint and reconciliation.

“You have been a stabilising voice in times of turbulence, a bridge-builder across faiths and communities, and a moral compass not only for our Muslim ummah, but for our entire nation,” he said.

The President said he had personally come to appreciate the Sultan as a leader capable of combining firmness with compassion and conviction with an enduring commitment to national unity.

Tinubu also highlighted the Sultanate’s involvement in education, interreligious dialogue and humanitarian initiatives, as well as the monarch’s advocacy for peaceful coexistence, the girl-child and the dignity of Nigerians.

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He said the Sultan’s influence had grown beyond the boundaries of religion, ethnicity and geography, with his counsel commanding respect among Nigerians from different backgrounds.

“At 70, you remain a towering figure of conscience and counsel. Your palace in Sokoto has become a sanctuary for dialogue, and your words carry weight in every corner of this country,” Tinubu stated.

The President further praised the monarch for providing reassurance during periods of national difficulty and encouraging reconciliation when disagreements threaten to deepen divisions.

He said the Sultan’s role in comforting communities during crises and reminding citizens of their shared identity remained crucial to Nigeria’s nation-building efforts.

Tinubu also acknowledged the Sultan’s cooperation with his administration, particularly in areas involving peace, security, community development and the spiritual wellbeing of citizens.

“As President, I deeply value your partnership in nation-building. Your security support, community development, and the spiritual well-being of our people strengthen the fabric of our republic,” he said.

The President prayed for the Sultan to be blessed with many more years in good health, wisdom and strength, while expressing hope that his continued reign would bring greater benefits to the Sokoto Caliphate and Nigeria as a whole.

“May your reign continue to be a source of blessing, guidance and honour,” Tinubu said, wishing the Sultan a rewarding new decade.

The birthday celebration comes as the Sultan remains one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional and religious leaders, frequently playing a prominent role in national conversations on peace, security, interfaith relations and social cohesion.