The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111, has called on the three Caliphate Governors of Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara to emulate governance qualities of their Kebbi State counterpart in terms of structural development, respect for traditional institutions, and social engagements that cut across the State.
The Sultan who was in Kebbi State last Saturday as the Chairman of the occasion marking the maiden institution of the annual Malam Abdullahi Fodio Annual Lecture to be hold annually in remembrance of Malam Abdullahi Fodio, a scholar, reformer, and jurist during his era, was also a junior brother of the renown Islamic leader, reformer and Jihadist, Shehu Usman Dan Fodio.
Sultan Saa’d Abubakar 111 commended Comrade Nasiru Idrisfor his unique and unified approach to politics, urging the Sokoto State government in particular to emulate Kebbi State as he praised the presence of three former Kebbi State governors seated alongside the current governor during the Malam Abdullahi Fodio Annual Public Lecture, describing it as a remarkable display of unity beyond political differences.
The Sultan highlighted the event as a symbol of Nigeria’s diversity and unity, with traditional rulers from across the country in attendance. He noted that such gatherings reflect love, tolerance, and mutual respect among Nigerians, regardless of culture, tribe, or religion barriers.
Speaking on leadership and governance, the Sultan advised Nigerians to pray for their leaders instead of criticizing and abusing them, he emphasized the importance of offering truthful advice. He urged leaders to prioritize justice, fear Allah in their actions, and remember their accountability to their Creator.
“Leadership is about doing the right thing for the good of the people you lead,” the Sultan stated, calling on leaders to uphold justice and serve with integrity.
Kebbi State Governor Comrade Nasir Idris, during his speech, used the occasion to rename the State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, after the renowned Islamic Scholar and reformer Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio.
The name of the University would now be Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero. This, according to him, is to keep the name for the younger generations.
This announcement underscores the Governor’s commitment to preserving the legacy of prominent historical figures who have significantly contributed to education and societal development.
Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio, a brother and close ally of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, was instrumental in the advancement of knowledge, reform, and leadership during his era.
This renaming is expected to inspire students and the academic community to emulate the virtues of scholarship and moral excellence embodied by Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio.
“This is the highest that we have for our late scholar, Mallam Abdullahi Fodio, and the Kebbi State Government will, Insha Allahu, do the needful to ensure that the necessary process is done in this direction and also to ensure that the name has come to stay, ” the Governor added.
