The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its economic and security challenges under the incorruptible leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He stated this on Friday in Abuja at an Islamic programme organised by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to mark Nigeria’s 56th Independence Anniversary.

The Sultan said that the reality of today was glaring in the economic sabotage and restiveness in some parts of the South as well as armed robbery and kidnapping in other parts of the country.

“As people of faith, it is our unshakeable belief that Nigeria will certainly overcome the problems facing it if we do the needful.

“We have every reason to be hopeful that the current work being done by the leadership of this country, under the incorruptible President Buhari, will rescue the country.

“In spite of the difficulties that the country may be going through, one thing is gratifying; our country is blessed with a leadership that command the respect of the international community based on high ethical principles.”

He therefore, urged Nigerians to remain committed to the Nigerian nation and be confident in the ability of elected leaders to sail the country through its turbulent times.

The sultan also appealed to Nigerians to work for the greatness of the country and pray for its development, saying “the need of the day is for us to work and pray.”

“It is axiomatic that work without prayer is half-empty and prayers without work is half-full.

“It is by combining the two that we are going to succeed as a nation united under God, the Almighty Allah.”

The Guest Lecturer, Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji, Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, commended President Buhari for waging the war against corruption in the country.

Adedimeji said the current economic recession facing the country was as a result of moral crisis which has eaten deep into the fabric of the society.

He called on Nigerians to embrace the ‘Change Begins With Me’ campaign of the Federal Government, adding that “Allah will not change the condition of people until they change what is in them.’

Meanwhile, a Special Independence Anniversary Jumma’at Prayer was observed at the Abuja National Mosque.

Worshippers prayed Allah to enhance peace, harmony and bring an end to economic recession facing the nation.

The prayer was led by the Deputy Chief Imam of the national mosque and Prof. Taofeeq Abdulazeez of University of Abuja.

The prayer was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Service Chiefs, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Minister of State Environment, Alhaji Usman Jibrin.

Others are the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Alhaji Raji Fashola, Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Adamu Sule, Minister of Communication Technology, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, FCT Minister, Malam Mohammed Bello among others. (NAN)

•Photo shows Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III.

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