The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, pledged that Islamic leaders will continue to draw political leaders’ attention to the hardship Nigerians face and urge them to take measures to improve citizens’ welfare.
The monarch said religious leaders were aware of the concerns being expressed by Nigerians and would continue to engage those in authority on the need to address the challenges confronting ordinary citizens.
He spoke at the grand finale of the centenary celebration of Az-Zumratul Adabiyyatul Kamaliyyah School of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ilorin, Kwara State, founded by the late Sheikh Muhammad Kamaldeen Al-Adabiyy, the first Mufti of Ilorin.
“As leaders of Islam, we are always aware of all the issues people are raising in the public domain. We will do our best and bring attention to the leaders on what they should do for the common man on the street,” the Sultan said.
His remarks come amid continuing concerns over the rising cost of living, with increasing food prices, transportation fares and fuel costs putting pressure on household budgets.
Days before the event, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan, called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to reduce food and transportation costs.
In a communiqué issued after its General Assembly in Abuja on October 8, the council urged the government to accelerate interventions aimed at easing the economic burden on Nigerians.
The Federal Government has maintained that it is implementing measures to cushion the effects of rising petrol prices without reinstating the fuel subsidy removed in 2023.
Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele recently announced a 30-day petrol price relief arrangement at NNPC Retail stations, which the government said would be funded through NNPC Retail’s margin rather than public funds.
Speaking further, the Sultan expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its challenges, stressing that every problem had a solution.
“We know the problems in this country, and we know that there is no problem without a solution,” he said, urging Nigerians to pray for divine intervention.
He also called on citizens to pray for President Bola Tinubu, state governors, local government chairmen and other political leaders, expressing hope that they would make decisions that improve the lives of Nigerians.
The monarch urged Muslims to uphold good character and promote peaceful coexistence across religious and social divides.
“You cannot be a good Muslim if you don’t love your neighbour. You have to love whoever Allah brought to you as your neighbour,” he said.
He further cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be recruited as political thugs, bandits or terrorists for the political or financial interests of individuals.
The Sultan described the centenary celebration as an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s achievements and consider ways to strengthen its contributions to education and moral development.
He commended the school’s leadership and pledged to explore opportunities to support its growth through engagement with government and other stakeholders.
The event was attended by prominent traditional rulers, Islamic scholars and political figures, including the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; and former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Others included the General Overseer of Az-Zumratul School, Sheikh Mustapha Kamalu-deen Al-Adabby, and the Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen.
The week-long celebration of the institution’s founding and legacy concluded with the grand finale in Ilorin on Sunday.
