Gov Yusuf vows decisive action after bandit attacks in four Kano LGAs

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned the recent bandit attacks reported in four Local Government Areas of the state, assuring affected communities that his administration is taking necessary measures to strengthen security and protect lives and property.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.

The affected areas include Chiromawa in Garun Mallam Local Government Area, Beli in Rogo, Bebeji and communities around Gwarzo.

Governor Yusuf expressed sympathy with the victims and families affected by the attacks, describing the incidents as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

He assured the affected communities that the government would take all necessary measures, in collaboration with security agencies, to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.

The Governor said relevant authorities have been directed to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms in the affected areas.

He urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and avoid actions that could further heighten tension, assuring them that the government is working closely with security agencies to address the situation.

Governor Yusuf also appealed to residents to cooperate with security personnel and provide credible information that could assist in preventing further attacks and apprehending the perpetrators.

He commended security personnel for their efforts and urged them to sustain intelligence-led operations to protect vulnerable communities across the state.

The Governor prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, speedy recovery for the injured and the safe return of any abducted persons.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents and ensuring peace and security across Kano State.

Jiga-jigan NDC magoya bayan Gawuna na shirin komawa APC

……Sun kai ziyarar nuna goyon baya ga Gwamna Yusuf da Mataimakinsa

Wasu daga cikin jiga-jigan jam’iyyar NDC da ake alakanta su da tsohon Mataimakin Gwamnan Kano, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, sun fara shirye-shiryen komawa jam’iyyar APC.

Tawagar ta kai ziyarar nuna goyon baya ga Gwamnan Kano, Abba Kabir Yusuf, da Mataimakinsa, Murtala Sule Garo, a wannan Talatar da yamma.

Tawagar, wadda babban aminin Gawuna, Hon. Muhammad Badaru Umar, ya jagoranta, ta ƙunshi Hon. Ali Datti Yako, Mataimakin Shugaban NDC na Jihar Kano; Hon. Mansur Isa Gawuna; Hon. Uba Tanko Mijinyawa (Uba Danzainab); Hon. Aminu Umar Faruk; Hon. Sani Jibrin; Hon. Salisu Muhammad; Hon. Musa Sani Indabo; Hon. Muhammad Kabir Bala; Hon. Hassan Abba Abdullahi da Comrade Abdurrahman Muhammad.

Da yake bayani kan dalilin ziyarar, Hon. Muhammad Badaru Umar ya ce ƙaunar ci gaban Jihar Kano ce ta sa suka ga ya dace su gana da Gwamna Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Ya ce suna son ganin Kano ta ci gaba, yana mai bayyana ziyarar a matsayin wani ɓangare na tuntuba da tattaunawa kan makomar siyasa da ci gaban jihar.

A nasa bangaren, Hon. Ali Datti Yako ya ce kowa ya san irin ƙoƙarin da Gwamna Abba Kabir Yusuf ke yi wajen sauya fasalin Kano.

“Dukkanmu mun san cewa Gwamna Yusuf yana aiki tuƙuru wajen sauya fasalin Kano,” in ji Ali Datti Yako.

Ziyarar na zuwa ne a daidai lokacin da ake samun sauye-sauyen siyasa a Kano, yayin da manyan ’yan siyasa ke ci gaba da sake tsara matsayinsu gabanin zaɓen 2027.

Ana ganin shirin komawar waɗannan jiga-jigai zuwa APC a matsayin wani babban sauyi da zai iya ƙara wa jam’iyyar ƙarfi a Kano.

Sai dai, kawo yanzu, tawagar ba ta bayyana takamaiman ranar da za ta ayyana komawarta APC a hukumance ba.

NDC loses bigwigs in Kano as Gawuna’s team set to rejoin APC

…… Pays solidarity visit to Governor Yusuf and his Deputy

A team loyal to former Kano State Deputy Governor, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has paid a solidarity visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his Deputy, Comrade Murtala Sule Garo, ahead of their planned defection from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.

The team, led by a close ally of Gawuna, Hon. Muhammad Badaru Umar, included Hon. Ali Datti Yako, NDC Vice Chairman, Kano State; Hon. Mansur Isa Gawuna; Hon. Uba Tanko Mijinyawa (Uba Danzainab); 

Others include Hon. Aminu Umar Faruk; Hon. Sani Jibrin; Hon. Salisu Muhammad; Hon. Musa Sani Indabo; Hon. Muhammad Kabir Bala; Hon. Hassan Abba Abdullahi; and Comrade Abdurrahman Muhammad.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Muhammad Badaru Umar said their decision to meet Governor Yusuf was driven by their passion for the development and progress of Kano State.

He said the team considered it necessary to engage with the Governor and his Deputy as part of their consultations and efforts towards contributing to the development of the state.

On his part, Hon. Ali Datti Yako said the people of Kano are aware of the efforts being made by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to transform the state.

“Everyone knows that Governor Yusuf is working tirelessly to transform Kano State,” he said.

The visit comes amid ongoing political realignments in Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections, with prominent political figures continuing to reassess their political affiliations.

The anticipated return of members of Gawuna’s political team to the APC is expected to further strengthen the party in Kano, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

The delegation also expressed solidarity with Governor Yusuf and his Deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, reaffirming their interest in the continued development and progress of Kano State.

IT IS OVER: Gov Yusuf Ends 50-Year BUK Land Crisis Ushering Progress for 6,000 Families - By Abba Anwar

Fifty years of litigation, mistrust, protests and painful loss came to an end yesterday as the Kano State Government formally resolved the protracted land dispute between Bayero University Kano and the people of Rimin Zakara, Rijiyar Zaki and adjoining communities.

At a historic meeting attended by government officials, university authorities, traditional rulers and community representatives, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf declared the crisis over and unveiled a settlement built on “... justice with compassion” that protects both institutional development and innocent families."

Commissioner for Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Nura Iro Ma'aji, represented the Governor, Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abdujjabbar Muhammad Umar was there, Prof Ahmad Muhammad Tsauri, represented the Vice Chancellor of BUK and the people of Rimin Zakara, were led to the venue by Alhaji Baba Habu. 

The exceptional effort is a clear testimony that Governor Yusuf's administration is a peace-loving one which chooses resolution over confrontation. 

Just as he said the settlement reflects the core philosophy of his administration, in an effort to confront inherited problems, restore institutions, protect ordinary citizens and deliver practical solutions to a lingering crisis. Which sometime in the past claimed innocent lives. 

“We are not here to recount the history of Rimin Zakara. We are here to close it. For almost half a century, this crisis survived successive administrations. When we assumed office, we made a simple commitment, that we would not run away from difficult problems simply because they were inherited," he emphasized. 

The Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Umar, explained that a High-Level Committee was constituted after violent confrontations in early 2025 made it clear the dispute had become “... a serious issue of justice, public security, institutional development and community stability.”

He hinted that, after verifying more than 6,000 claims, examining historical records and conducting surveys, the Executive Council approved a settlement guided by one principle, that is to protect BUK, compensate genuine victims, restore peace and bring the dispute permanently to an end. 

Under the informed terms of peace, it was positioned that, it would be land for BUK, plots and compensation for the People. An excellent crisis resolution strategy, commended by all and sundry. 

The agreement made sure that BUK is protected. Where more than 85 per cent of Bayero University Kano’s landholding is preserved for future academic, research, residential and infrastructural development. The University made a significant sacrifice by accepting the excision of portions of land originally reserved for expansion.

Agreement further paved way for community resettlement. Where residential plots have been reserved and allocated to verified beneficiaries in the approved Rimin Zakara/Rijiyar Zaki and Jajira/Garun-Iya schemes.

Part of the agreement maintains that compensation should be ongoing. As monetary compensation for eligible claims and structures is being processed by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. Government has committed Billions of Naira for compensation, resettlement, planning, surveying and infrastructure.

Governor Yusuf warned henceforth that the decision to compensate was humanitarian, not a validation of illegal sales. “Thousands of people bought land in good faith from persons who had no lawful authority to sell it. Many invested their life savings. The strict application of the law without regard to these circumstances could throw thousands of families into a catastrophic situation.”

Only a government with human face can think this way. Or similarly. This good work on compassionate ground means a lot for electoral victory, come 2027. In fact some of the people who made speeches from the part of the community leaders, made it very clear that, their votes and those they control, would be in favour of Governor Yusuf. This was said without any hesitation, whatsoever. 

What is worth celebrating in the resolution of Governor Yusuf's 50-year BUK-Rimin Zakara land dispute is while Kano State has resolved its land dispute, several other states continue to grapple with age-long land conflicts that have lasted five decades and more without final resolution. This speaks volumes about Governor's capacity, clean mind and strong political will in serving his people. 

For example in Cross River/Ebonyi there is Adadama vs Amaegwu dispute. It is a story of a farmland dispute dating back to 1960. In April 2025, the crisis claimed 11 lives and displaced over 2,000 people. Despite a 2024 communique by both state governments, violence has continued. Which shows how strong is Kano’s strategy. 

In Ebonyi–Ezza vs Ezillo/Iyionu, it is a land dispute of over 50 years old, with a major serious clash in 2008 that displaced communities for 18 years. In March 2026, displaced persons petitioned Gov. Nwifuru for resettlement. Clashes and abductions were still reported in 2024. These are the kind of scenarios Kano’s current administration averted. Kudos Mr Governor! 

The Ogun/Oyo–Odeda boundary dispute that was rooted in colonial 1926 boundaries. In May 2025, the Ogun State House of Assembly again urged the National Boundary Commission to urgently delineate the border after allegations of forceful land acquisition and tampering with boundary pillars. Serious clashes were witnessed which caused some loses. In Kano, under Governor Yusuf, similar ugly situation has been averted. 

While Imo–Mgbirichi/Abakuru vs 34 Artillery Brigade caused serious misunderstanding, where land acquired in 1977/78 is the causative agent. Communities protested in 2024 over alleged encroachment “up to backyards of houses.” A Defence Headquarters delegation visited in 2024 for dialogue, but the dispute remains unresolved. Kano's Model is therefore one of the best in the country. 

Kano’s settlement therefore stands out as one of the few instances where a decades-old land crisis has been decisively closed through compensation, resettlement and legal backing. A vote of confidence and thank is naturally directed at Commissioner Umar. 

His genuine commitment and political will as copied from the Governor, gave him all the necessary guts and straightforwardness in mending the tore parts of Rimin Zakara and its surroundings, as related to BUK, as an institution. 

 

To unveil some of the commendable strategic points to the gathering, the Commissioner added that government would reissue compensation cards directly to verified beneficiaries and that anyone who exploited the process badly would face legal action. Campassion not weakness indeed. 

The resolution followed lawful process that was backed by Law and enforced for development. The settlement is reinforced by the judgment of High Court No. 11 in Suit No. K/M1638/2026 delivered on 18th August 2026, which declared the acquisition lawful and directed government to compensate verified claims. What the state is currently doing is just that. 

Part of the resolution process suggests that with effect from 31st August 2026, all land within BUK’s demarcated boundaries would be protected exclusively for the university. Government infrastructure corridors will also be secured. The Governor warned that “Our compassion must never be mistaken for weakness." And that obstruction or fresh encroachment would be met with firm enforcement.

In what I termed as from crisis to progress: the bigger vision, it is noteworthy to know that the Governor linked the resolution to his administration’s wider development agenda, emphasizing that peace is the foundation for progress.

Touching other areas he acknowledged that "... In Education, we declared a State of Emergency. In Health, we introduced free caesarean-section services. In Water, we approved ₦21.89 billion for Challawa and Tamburawa plants. In Agriculture, we gave ₦1 billion in free fertiliser to 52,800 farmers. In Roads, we are rehabilitating 17 metropolitan roads."

While he further elaborated that "This is the same spirit in which we approached BUK–Rimin Zakara. We are rebuilding confidence in government’s capacity to solve difficult problems," he then commended BUK’s Vice-Chancellor, Governing Council and management for their “... patience, maturity and genuine commitment to peace... ” and urged Rimin Zakara, Rijiyar Zaki communities, traditional and religious leaders to safeguard the agreement.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Ma'aji,, got a standing ovation when he said, "Today, by the grace of Almighty Allah, a crisis of five decades has an end. Now is the time to move from crisis to development, and from dispute to progress.”

With this all-encompassing peace deal of 50 years long, there are attendant benefits attached to it. 

The resolution will definitely yield security and stability. While ending the decades of confrontation, litigation and community tension, peace will now reign in the community and other surrounding communities. This is peace at work. 

As a cool way for institutional growth, BUK can now proceed with lecture theatres, laboratories, hospitals and hostels without encumbrances. Resolution gives peace a chance. Corridor for shelter and livelihood now comes to the fore. Thousands of families who bought land in good faith now have legal plots and a path to compensation.

Through the Commissioner for Land, Umar, the thrust of urban planning strategy can now proceed without any hindrance from these communities. The era of proper layouts, roads and infrastructure without illegal sub-division, that remained elusive for decades, is now in place. And indeed investor confidence is restored. Where a clear legal boundary restores confidence in land administration and public institutions in Kano. Weldone the people's Governor. 

Both BUK and Rimin Zakara representatives, Prof Tsauni and Habu, commended the effort of the the Commissioner for Land, Umar, in his unrelenting efforts during the crisis and during the resolution exercises. Assuring that the Commissioner got the courage as a result of the goodwill spirit he got from the Governor. Letters of Grant were distributed to the members of the communities affected. As compensation and other verifications are on top gear. 

Anwar writes from Kano

Tuesday, 1st September, 2026

KNSG Declares Tuesday,1st September, 2026, A Public Holiday

Kano State Government has declared Tuesday, 1st September, 2026, corresponding to 19th Rabi’ul Awwal, 1448 AH, a public holiday to mark the 7th day of Eid-ul-Maulud, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

According to statement by the Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has called on the Muslim Ummah to deeply reflect on the teachings and exemplary life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The Governor emphasized that the life of the Prophet serves as a timeless guide for promoting peace, justice, humility, and compassion in both personal and communal life.

“The Prophet’s teachings are a beacon of mercy and righteousness that should be reflected in our everyday lives,” he added.

Governor Yusuf further urged the Muslim community to remain steadfast in adhering to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

“In the face of current moral and social challenges, it is vital for Muslims to return to the essence of Islam by reflecting the moral character of the Prophet Muhammad. His life is a model of integrity, honesty, and service to humanity,” he said.

While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Maulud celebration, the Governor urged them to use the occasion to pray for peace and prosperity in Kano State and the nation at large.

Gov. Yusuf congratulates Yari on appointment as APC campaign DG

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has congratulated former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, on his appointment as Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Friday.

Governor Yusuf described Senator Yari’s appointment as a testament to his vast political experience, leadership qualities and commitment to national development.

He said Yari’s experience in governance and legislative leadership would be valuable in coordinating the party’s campaign and mobilising support ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Governor expressed confidence in Yari’s ability to deliver on the responsibility entrusted to him, urging him to remain focused on the unity and progress of the party.

Governor Yusuf prayed to Almighty Allah to grant Senator Yari wisdom, strength and good health as he takes on the new assignment.

Kano OGP Secretariat, UN Women Seek Partnership on Gender-Responsive Governance - By Kabir Abba Kabir

The Kano State Open Government Partnership (OGP) Secretariat has engaged UN Women Nigeria on areas of strategic collaboration aimed at promoting inclusive, accountable and gender-responsive governance in the state.

The engagement, held in Abuja, was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor on Open Government and Head of the Kano State OGP Secretariat, Hon. Musaddiq Kabir Adam.

According to a statement issued by the Publicity and Communication Officer of the Secretariat, Kabir Abba Kabir, the meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to identify areas of mutual interest and strengthen collaboration in line with the principles of the Open Government Partnership and UN Women’s mandate of promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

The discussions centred on strengthening women’s meaningful participation in governance, promoting gender-responsive approaches to public policy and decision-making, enhancing citizen engagement, and creating mechanisms through which women and other traditionally underrepresented groups can participate effectively in the design, implementation and monitoring of government programmes and services.

The two institutions also explored possible areas of joint initiatives, including women’s policy dialogue, women and youth participation, community-level engagement and monitoring, institutional capacity building, and platforms for citizens to provide feedback on public programmes and services.

The Secretariat said the engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting transparent, participatory, inclusive and responsive governance processes that reflect the needs and priorities of women and girls.

It further expressed its readiness to establish a strong and sustainable institutional partnership with UN Women, leveraging the expertise, networks and strengths of both organisations to develop practical and measurable interventions capable of improving governance outcomes across Kano State.

The Secretariat said it looks forward to continued engagement with UN Women towards translating the identified priorities into concrete areas of collaboration and mutually beneficial initiatives that would strengthen inclusive governance and advance the participation and empowerment of women and girls in Kano State.

Bello Sharada: A Great Writer, A Bookish Soul, Gone Too Soon - By Abba Anwar

I received the information about the sad and peaceful passing of a great writer and one of the bookish minds amongst his peers, whose writings, as a commentator, cut across our culture, governance, politics, geography and religious thought, as very shocking and unbearable! 

Before the few paragraphs coming below, let me express my condolences to his immediate family first, then the former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Malam Aminu Gusau, Malam Abubakar Mujahid, Malam Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, Malam Nura Adam Galadanchi, Malam Nafi'u Zangon Barebari, Malam Ibrahim Ado-Kurawa, Malam Ahmad Shu'aibu, Malam Muhammad Bakari Mika'il, all workers and volunteers of Al-Tajdid Hausa newspaper and all workers of Al-Tajdid Pharmacy, Sabon Titi.

A great loss of this magnitude is heartbreaking and very difficult to cope with. I first came to know Bello Sharada for close to three decades now. When struggle was the order of the day. Our youthful exuberance was glaringly visible and energizing.

From day one I understood that Malam Bello had a flair for writing. Especially on Islamic revivalism and struggle. Since then I knew he loved reading, reading and more reading. At later days, apart from comments on Islamic development, he also resorted to further engage in social and political commentary. Especially after the return of democracy in the country, in 1999.

As calmed and reserved as he was, he still liked discussions on politics, economy and governance. He didn't hide his feelings about our nation, at the level of leadership and followers. Not minding whose ox was gored. So long as he believed with an opinion, after thorough research and discussions, he wrote his inner feeling for the public. Go and check some of his writings. 

He did not hold back in amplifying what his conscience was clear on. As typical writers behave, they highlight certain traits that go down well with you today. And tomorrow they articulate what may not be palatable for your table. You know why? They don't look at personalities, but other abstract realities. They observe attitudes, behaviors and realities. 

Malam Bello was an embodiment of simplicity, good human relations, upright, and open discussions around many issues. The way he talked to other people gave insight of the kind of person he was. Very polite and selectively reserved. He related with people with respect and embracing engagement. 

The way he handled Al-Tajdid newspaper was amazing and appealing. The editorial contents were catchy and convincing. As a religious source for information around us, then, amongst Hausa readers, there was semblance, to a higher degree, of objectivity and fairness in its reportage and other analyses. 

He was glued to Al-Tajdid newspaper, that came to newsstand to offer an alternative to Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky's Al-Mizan, that was managed by a good friend of mine Malam Danjuma Katsina. Whether Al-Tajdid was able to counter Al-Mizan to size, was a different story for another day. But today we are mourning the demise of our good friend of great substance. 

As quintessential as he was, Malam Bello, was always in the social media and in the air via radio stations, creating awareness on many issues affecting our society. Be it from the lens of our religion or our culture, governance and leaders, followers and other societal settings. His major and particular interest was to see that our people are informed and wise enough to understand realities of life. 

There was a scenario between the two of us when he once met me in my office, when I was the Features Editor of Triumph Newspaper, around 2005 and 2006, that time Al-Tajdid Islamic movement was, I think 10 years of 15 years at the time, I can't remember the years vividly, he brought literature on how the movement started up to the time he met me in the office.

For younger readers, Al-Tajdid was a splinter group, exited from Sheikh Zakzaky's movement many decades ago. The group then was led by people like Malam Abubakar Mujahid Zaria, Malam Aminu Gusau, Malam Ahmad Shu'aibu, Malam Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, Malam Nura Adam, Malam Nafi'u Zangon Barebari, amongst others.

Back to my office. When Malam Bello met me he put all the papers about Al-Tajdid history and said "Malam Abba we are celebrating the birth of Al-Tajdid. We need an article to be written by you, the Editor, and published in tomorrow's or next tomorrow's Triumph Newspaper please. I know you can do it. So I will tell my people that I gave you. So that they can expect it probably tomorrow."

We laughed and he left. To Allah be the glory I worked hard and made sure it was published the following day. The very time he came calling I was busy editing four pages of articles for the following day publication. Because I always edited four pages daily. For the Daily paper and sometimes, but in rare cases, one or two pages for the Sunday Triumph. 

But Allah Helped, I went through the literature brought by Malam Bello, I was able to finish the write - up and went back to three out of the four articles. Because Malam Bello's work replaced the fourth page. 

May Allah forgive all his shortcomings and accept all his good deeds. May Allah reward him with Jannatul-Fiddaus. May Allah guide his family as he exited from this world. 

To the family specifically, please don't let his library, his study room die a natural death. 

Allah Ya jikan Malam Bello Sharada. 

Anwar writes from Kano 

Sunday, 30th August, 2026

Gov. Yusuf Condoles Sheikh Abba Koki Over Mother’s Death

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences to renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abba Adam Koki, over the death of his beloved mother.

In a condolence message issued by his Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in Kano on Thursday, Governor Yusuf described the deceased as a mother who devoted her life to nurturing her family and contributing to the moral and religious upbringing of her children.

Governor Yusuf acknowledged the profound role of mothers in shaping families and society, noting that the death of a mother is a deeply painful experience that leaves an enduring void in the lives of her children and loved ones.

The Governor, on behalf of the Government and the good people of Kano State, sympathised with Sheikh Abba Koki, his family, relatives and the wider community over the painful and irreparable loss.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus, and reward her for her good deeds and sacrifices during her lifetime.

Governor Yusuf also prayed to Allah to grant Sheikh Abba Koki and members of his family the strength, patience and fortitude to bear the huge loss.

Governor Yusuf congratulates Sultan of Sokoto at 70

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

Governor Yusuf described the Sultan as a respected traditional and religious leader whose decades of service have contributed immensely to the promotion of peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

The Governor commended Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III for his wisdom, humility and commitment to the affairs of the Muslim Ummah, particularly his efforts towards strengthening unity among Muslims and fostering dialogue and understanding across religious and ethnic divides.

He said the Sultan’s leadership of the Sokoto Caliphate and the NSCIA has continued to provide guidance and stability on matters affecting the nation, while his interventions on peace, security and national development have earned him respect within and outside Nigeria.

Governor Yusuf said Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III’s 70th birthday is not only a celebration of his personal milestone but also an opportunity to acknowledge his contributions to the country and humanity.

He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the Sultan continued good health, wisdom, strength and long life in the service of Islam, humanity and Nigeria.

The Governor also wished His Eminence many more years of impactful leadership and prayed that Allah continues to guide him in his responsibilities as the spiritual and traditional leader of the Sokoto Caliphate.