The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa'ad Abubakar III, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu's approach to religious tolerance and promotion in Nigeria, attributing the country's recent economic gains to this inclusive stance.
Speaking on Saturday at the commissioning of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Darul'Ilm Centre for Islamic Studies in Kaduna, the Sultan emphasized the importance of overcoming religious and ethnic differences for national development.
"The coming together of people of different faiths and ethnicities will help bridge the gaps of disunity and de-emphasize the problems of this country. The presence of heads of sister security agencies here today shows the synergy amongst our security services," the Sultan observed.
The Islamic center was built and donated by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Tosin Ajayi, specifically to benefit orphans and the less privileged in society.
Represented by retired director Ahmed Zalmar, the DSS boss explained that the initiative aligns with his strategy of reducing discontent among the populace as a counter-subversion measure. He identified education as a key method for achieving this goal.
"It is also part of my policies to improve the nation's internal security architecture through conventional and non-conventional engagements," Ajayi stated, adding that he regularly channels corporate social responsibility funds toward such purposes.
The event was also attended by Finance Minister Wale Edun and Budget and Economic Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu, who highlighted the importance of education for Nigeria's future.
Edun praised President Tinubu's support for faith-based education initiatives and school feeding programs, noting that "By 2050, 25 percent of the global workforce will be African, with many from Nigeria."
The Finance Minister also pointed to signs of economic progress under the current administration, including growth in economic indicators, increasing foreign reserves, stabilizing inflation, and decreasing food and energy prices.
This endorsement comes as President Tinubu continues to navigate Nigeria's complex religious landscape, with his administration emphasizing unity across faith lines as a foundation for national development and economic prosperity.
