By PHILOMINA ATTAH

The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) has described His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, as an indispensable bridge-builder and a voice of peace whose leadership continues to unify Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Rev. Simon Dolly-KIF, the Secretary-General of NOCRELA, gave the tribute in a congratulatory statement on Monday in Abuja, to mark the Sultan’s 70th birthday anniversary.

Dolly-KIF noted that attaining seven decades of life remains a remarkable milestone characterised by wisdom, unwavering service, and an enduring commitment to national stability.

“On this historic and glorious occasion of the 70th Birthday Anniversary of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest felicitations,” he stated.

The cleric emphasised that the traditional ruler has distinguished himself not only as a custodian of culture but as a unifying father figure across the nation.

“Your Eminence has distinguished himself as a father of the nation, a respected traditional institution, a voice for peace, and an important bridge-builder across religious, ethnic, and cultural divides.

“Through your years of distinguished leadership, you have consistently championed peace, unity, tolerance, and dialogue for peaceful coexistence, reminding Nigerians that our diversity should be a source of strength rather than division,” Dolly-KIF added.

Praying for the monarch’s continued wellbeing, the NOCRELA scribe urged Almighty God to grant the Sultan sound health, divine protection, and increased wisdom to lead the traditional and Islamic institutions toward greater national unity.

“May your new decade be filled with greater accomplishments, profound fulfillment, and an even more enduring legacy of peace, unity, and national reconciliation.

“May your life continue to be a blessing to generations, and may your leadership continue to inspire peace and unity across Nigeria and beyond,” he said. (NAN)

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