By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has congratulated His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing him as an outstanding statesman, spiritual leader and patriot whose life has been dedicated to the service of Nigeria and humanity.

In a goodwill message signed by the President of AANI, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, the association noted that the Sultan’s seven decades of life have been marked by courage, wisdom, humility and unwavering commitment to peace, national unity and development. According to AANI, the milestone presents an opportunity to celebrate not only his age but also his remarkable contributions to the country.

The association highlighted the Sultan’s distinguished career, from his service in the Nigerian Army, where he attained the rank of Brigadier General and participated in national and international peacekeeping missions, to his ascension to the throne of the Sokoto Caliphate in 2006. It stated that throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, patriotism and dedication to humanity.

AANI further commended the Sultan for his role as a respected traditional and spiritual leader whose interventions on national issues have promoted peace, justice, religious tolerance, interfaith harmony and responsible leadership. The association noted that his advocacy for dialogue and peaceful coexistence has earned him widespread respect across religious, ethnic and regional divides within and beyond Nigeria.

The association also acknowledged the Sultan’s invaluable contributions to AANI as an alumnus of the National Institute and Chairman of the AANI Heritage Council. It described his leadership in preserving the institution’s values, traditions and legacy as a testament to his commitment to nation-building and the promotion of ideals capable of fostering a stronger and more united Nigeria.

While celebrating the Sultan as a distinguished soldier, revered monarch, elder statesman and custodian of national heritage, AANI prayed for Almighty Allah to grant him continued good health, wisdom, strength and divine guidance. The association also wished him many more years of impactful service to Islam, Nigeria and humanity, while praying for enduring peace and prosperity for the nation and the Sokoto Caliphate.