Oluremi Tinubu Pays Homage to Sultan, Hails His Wisdom and Support

By Muhammad Gazali Garba

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

The First Lady was received at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Deputy Governor Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and other senior government officials. She later proceeded to the Sultan’s Palace, where she paid a courtesy visit before continuing with other official engagements.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Tinubu said she had always desired to personally thank the Sultan for his consistent prayers, wise counsel and encouragement since the inception of the current 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. She described the monarch as a symbol of peace, unity and national cohesion whose leadership continues to promote harmony and stability across Nigeria.
The First Lady also remembered the Sultan’s visit to Ile-Ife during the conferment of a traditional title on her by the Ooni of Ife, describing it as a remarkable gesture of goodwill that inspired her to return the courtesy. She further reflected on their first meeting in Dubai during the commissioning of the Burj Khalifa, noting that the cordial relationship established then has continued over the years. She prayed for Allah to grant the Sultan long life, good health and wisdom, while also praying for lasting peace, unity and prosperity in Sokoto State and across Nigeria.
Senator Tinubu thanked Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the warm reception despite his family engagement and expressed appreciation to the women of Sokoto State, members of the Sultanate Council and the people of the state for their hospitality.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu welcomed the First Lady on behalf of the government and people of Sokoto State, describing her visit as a great honour and a reflection of the cordial relationship between the Presidency and the state. He commended her for the impactful interventions of the Renewed Hope Initiative, saying the programme has continued to improve the lives of women, youths, children and other vulnerable groups through empowerment, education, healthcare and humanitarian support. He also praised the Sultan for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to peace, unity and national cohesion, noting that although the visit was private, it provided an opportunity to acknowledge the monarch’s immense contributions to religious harmony and national stability.
In his response, the Sultan of Sokoto warmly welcomed Senator Tinubu, describing her visit as a homecoming. He thanked Almighty Allah for blessing Sokoto with abundant rainfall and pleasant weather ahead of the visit, describing it as a sign of divine favour. The Sultan recalled that he had known Senator Tinubu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nearly two decades, dating back to the President’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State. He commended the First Lady for her humility, dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Initiative, while praying for Allah’s continued guidance and protection for her, President Tinubu and the nation. The visit reaffirmed the strong relationship between the Presidency, the Sokoto State Government and the Sultanate Council, while highlighting the important role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, national unity and sustainable development.