Oluremi Tinubu visits Sultan, hails monarch’s guidance

From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday paid a homage to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, during her official visit to Sokoto State, describing the visit as a long-overdue opportunity to personally appreciate the revered monarch for his unwavering support, fatherly guidance and prayers for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The First Lady was received on arrival at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, alongside the Deputy Governor, Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and other top government officials.

She subsequently proceeded to the Sultan’s Palace, where she paid a courtesy and homage visit to the Sultan before continuing with her official engagements in the state.

Speaking at the palace, Senator Tinubu said she had long desired to visit the Sultan to personally thank him for his steadfast support, wise counsel and prayers since the inception of the present administration.

She recalled that although she visited Sokoto during the 2023 presidential campaign, she was unable to meet the Sultan because he was out of the country at the time.

“This visit is long overdue. I came here simply to thank His Eminence for everything he has done since the beginning of this administration.

“He has consistently supported the government with prayers, wise counsel and encouragement,” she said.

The First Lady described the Sultan as a symbol of peace, unity and national cohesion whose leadership has continued to foster harmony and stability across the country.

She also recalled the Sultan’s visit to Ile-Ife during the conferment of a traditional title on her by the Ooni of Ife, describing the gesture as a remarkable demonstration of goodwill that strengthened her resolve to reciprocate the courtesy by visiting Sokoto.

She further reminisced about her first meeting with the Sultan many years ago in Dubai during the commissioning of the Burj Khalifa, noting that the cordial relationship established then has continued to flourish over the years.

She prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the Sultan long life, sound health and continued wisdom in the discharge of his responsibilities, while also praying for lasting peace, unity and prosperity in Sokoto State and Nigeria.

The First Lady expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the warm reception accorded to her and members of her delegation despite his family engagement, and thanked the women of Sokoto State, members of the Sultanate Council and the people of the state for their hospitality.

Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu described her visit as a great honour and a testament to the cordial relationship between the Presidency and the state.

He commended Senator Tinubu for the impactful interventions of the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that the programme has continued to improve the lives of women, youths, children and other vulnerable groups through economic empowerment, educational support, healthcare services, humanitarian assistance and other people-centred initiatives across the country.

Governor Aliyu said the initiative complements the efforts of governments at all levels in improving the welfare of Nigerians and lauded the First Lady for her compassion and commitment to national development.

He also paid glowing tribute to the Sultan of Sokoto, describing him as a father figure whose moral authority, exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to peace, unity and national cohesion continue to inspire millions of Nigerians.