From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the newly turbaned 13 traditional title holders to regard their appointments as a call to greater service, commitment and responsibility, rather than merely as symbols of honour.
The Sultan said the traditional titles were conferred on the recipients based on merit, their contributions to society and recognition of their individual achievements.
He stated this while conferring traditional titles on two of his sons, a renowned philanthropist, an Islamic scholar and other prominent personalities on Sunday at his palace in Sokoto.
The two sons, Abubakar Sadiq Abubakar and Shehu Usman Abubakar, were turbaned as Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida and Fagacin Sokoto, respectively, at a colourful ceremony held in Sokoto.
Also turbaned were renowned philanthropist and Islamic scholar, Alhaji Murtala Abdulkadir Dan’iya, as Dallatun Sokoto, and Prof. Mansur Ibrahim as Danmasanin Sokoto.
Others included Alhaji Abubakar Hussaini as Sarkin Bai; Alhaji Aminu Isa-Buhari as Danmalikin Sokoto; Prof. Ishaq Oloyede as Kuliyan Sokoto; Dr. Peter Igho as Kakakin Daular Usmaniyya; and Hon. Almustapha Rabah as Bauran Sokoto.
Others were Dr. Balarabe Kakale as Wakilin Makarantar Daular Usmaniyya; Alhaji Bello Idris as Wakilin Tarihin Daular Usmaniyya; Alhaji Gandi Umar as Sarkin Galmar Sarkin Musulmi; and Alhaji Abdulqadir Bello-Jeli as Sarkin Fuloti Sokoto.
The monarch urged the newly turbaned title holders to regard their appointments as a call to greater service, commitment and responsibility, rather than merely as symbols of honour.
He also encouraged them to use their positions to promote peace, unity, religious tolerance and the development of the Sokoto Caliphate and the country at large.
Speaking to journalists shortly after his turbaning, Dan’iya expressed appreciation to the Sultan for finding him worthy of the traditional title of Dallatun Sokoto.
He described the honour as a great privilege and recognition, pledging to continue contributing to the development of society, particularly in the areas of philanthropy, religious activities and support for the less privileged.
The ceremony attracted prominent personalities from within and outside the country, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, among other dignitaries.
Highlights of the event included a traditional horse durbar and various cultural activities, which added colour to the ceremony.
