The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to sustain prayers.
He also called for continued commitment toward national progress during his Eid-el-Fitr message.
Abubakar made the call on Friday in Sokoto, emphasising the need for genuine unity and stronger dedication among leaders in addressing persistent national challenges and finding lasting, inclusive solutions for development.
He commended Islamic scholars for educating the public during Ramadan Tafsir and preaching sessions, urging them to sustain the efforts and intensify both individual and collective prayers for the country’s peace.
The Sultan encouraged Nigerians to embrace positive changes in attitudes, expressing optimism that the country’s best days lied ahead if citizens remained committed to unity, discipline, and shared national responsibility.
He urged citizens to remain God-fearing in conduct, adhere strictly to religious teachings, and demonstrate patriotism in contributing meaningfully to national development and peaceful coexistence across communities in the country.
Abubakar also commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State and President Bola Tinubu for implementing policies and programmes that had directly impacted citizens, while urging sustained efforts to address pressing challenges.
“In Sokoto, government has spent significantly on free feeding programmes, and no amount spent on people is wasted, but more empowerment and poverty reduction initiatives are still needed.
“We are aware leaders are doing their best to ease hardship, but more must be done, especially in addressing security challenges currently affecting many communities across the country,” the Sultan added.
He urged citizens to continue supporting government efforts, expressing confidence that positive developments would soon emerge, bringing relief and renewed hope that would be widely welcomed and celebrated by the people.
Abubakar stressed the need for Muslims to continue praying for leaders, noting that sincere prayers remained vital in supporting governance and achieving the desired progress and stability in any society.
He thanked the Muslim community for their dedication to propagating the true essence of Islam and urged them to remain steadfast in faith, expressing hope that the nation’s challenges would soon subside.
Responding, Aliyu commended the Sultan’s foresight and leadership, noting that his guidance encouraged political leaders to remain focused, while assuring stronger collaboration with the Sultanate Council.
Aliyu congratulated the Sultan on the successful completion of Ramadan fasting and appreciated scholars for their preaching and prayers, which he said contributed significantly to national unity and development.
He thanked citizens for supporting governments at all levels and urged continued collaboration, particularly with security agencies, to effectively tackle banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminal activities nationwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sultan prayed alongside governor and other dignitaries at Fakon Idi Eid ground, before later receiving traditional Sallah homage at his palace.