President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a stabilising voice, bridge-builder and moral compass for the nation.

In a statement issued on Monday, President Tinubu said the Sultan’s seven decades represented “a life lived in service, wisdom and grace,” marked by devotion to peace, religious harmony, education and humanitarian service.

“Today, I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a remarkable milestone for a remarkable person: His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, on his 70th birthday,” the President said.

The President conveyed the felicitations of his family, the Federal Government and Nigerians to the revered monarch and his subjects in Sokoto State and other parts of the country.

“Your Eminence, on this day I offer my warmest congratulations to you and your teeming subjects in Sokoto and beyond, on behalf of myself, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The President praised the Sultan’s leadership since ascending the throne nearly two decades ago, saying he had upheld the intellectual, spiritual and cultural heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate.

“Your seventy years are a testament to a life lived in service, wisdom and grace. For nearly two decades on the throne of your forebears, you have embodied the finest traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate: scholarship, humility and an unwavering commitment to peace,” he said.

He said the monarch had repeatedly intervened at critical moments in the country’s history, using his office and influence to encourage restraint, understanding and national cohesion.

“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,” the President said.

The President described Sultan Abubakar as a leader who combines candour with compassion and conviction with a deep commitment to national unity.

“I have come to know you as a leader who speaks truth with compassion, who counsels patience without weakness, and who champions unity without compromising conviction,” he said.

The President also commended the Sultanate’s contributions to education, interreligious engagement and humanitarian intervention under the monarch’s leadership.

“Under your guidance, the Sultanate has continued to promote education, interfaith dialogue and humanitarian service. Your advocacy for peaceful coexistence, for the girl-child, and for the dignity of every Nigerian reflects the very best of our shared values,” he said.

He said the Sultan’s influence transcended religion, ethnicity and geography, adding that his counsel continued to command respect across the country.

“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,” the President said.

The President lauded the monarch’s capacity to bring reassurance during difficult periods and promote reconciliation whenever disagreements threatened the country’s cohesion.

“In moments of grief, you comfort. In moments of division, you unite. In moments of doubt, you remind us of our common humanity and our common destiny as one people under God,” he said.

The President said he valued the Sultan’s partnership with the federal administration, particularly his contributions to peace, security, grassroots development and the spiritual welfare of Nigerians.

“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. Nigeria needs more of the wisdom you so generously offer,” he said.

He prayed for long life, good health and renewed strength for the monarch, expressing hope that his reign would continue to benefit the Sokoto Caliphate and the country.

“On this landmark birthday, I pray that Allah will continue to grant you many more years in good health, sound mind and continued strength. May He preserve you for your family, for the Sokoto Caliphate and for Nigeria. May your reign continue to be a source of blessing, guidance and honour. Your Eminence, congratulations once again. May this new decade of your life be your most rewarding yet,” he said.