The Governing Board of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) 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, CFR, on his 70th birthday.
The Guild also extended Eid-el-Maulud goodwill to Muslims across Nigeria and the world, urging them to reflect on the virtues of peace, compassion, justice, tolerance and love for humanity associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
In a statement issued by the Secretary of the GIMP-Nigeria Governing Board, Pastor (Barr.) Samuel Egburonu, the Sultan was described as an exceptional traditional ruler, statesman and bridge-builder whose commitment to interfaith dialogue has earned him respect across religious communities.
Egburonu said the Sultan’s 70th birthday, coming during the Eid-el-Maulud season, offers an opportunity to celebrate his contributions to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and national unity.
He said, “His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has distinguished himself not merely as the custodian of a great traditional institution and leader of the Nigerian Muslim community, but also as one of Nigeria’s foremost advocates of interfaith harmony and national unity.”
According to him, the Sultan has remained committed to constructive dialogue between Muslims and Christians at a time when religious and ethnic differences are sometimes exploited to create division.
“Through his words, interventions and engagements, His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that religion should be a force for reconciliation rather than conflict, and an instrument for building bridges rather than walls between communities,” he added.
GIMP-Nigeria also commended the Sultan for his sustained engagement with Christian leaders and other faith communities, saying his approach has strengthened the culture of interfaith diplomacy in Nigeria.
The Guild urged Muslims to draw inspiration from the teachings and exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad by promoting mercy, justice, peaceful coexistence and concern for others.
“As Muslims commemorate the birth and exemplary life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, GIMP-Nigeria calls on all Nigerians to embrace the values that unite us and reject every form of religious hatred, intolerance and violence,” Egburonu said.
He also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, the media and political leaders to work together to build a more peaceful and united Nigeria.
GIMP-Nigeria prayed for God’s continued blessings, good health, wisdom and strength for the Sultan as he enters his seventh decade.
The Guild wished Muslims across Nigeria and beyond a peaceful and spiritually rewarding Eid-el-Maulud celebration.
Happy 70th Birthday, Your Eminence, and Eid-el-Maulud Mubarak to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.