Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and government, expressing appreciation to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his steadfast support and guidance to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The First Lady made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto on Saturday, describing the revered monarch as a respected national leader whose counsel has continued to provide direction to the current administration.
Senator Tinubu said her visit was to personally thank the Sultan for his unwavering support since the inception of President Tinubu’s administration and to acknowledge the longstanding relationship between their families.
“I have come to express my appreciation to His Eminence for his continued support and constant guidance to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since inception,” the First Lady said.
She noted that beyond his traditional role, the Sultan has consistently demonstrated patriotism by offering wise counsel on issues affecting national peace, unity and development.
Reflecting on the enduring relationship between the two families, Senator Tinubu said the Sultan has always remained a trusted voice whose advice has helped shape the administration’s approach to governance.
“The Sultan is always pointing the administration in the right direction. Our families have shared a long relationship over the years, and I considered it important to come personally to thank him for his support, prayers and fatherly guidance,” she added.
The visit comes as the First Lady continues to promote humanitarian and social intervention programmes under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a platform designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government through targeted interventions for women, children, youths, the elderly and other vulnerable groups across the country.
Responding, the Sultan of Sokoto, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), stressed the need for Nigerians to continually seek divine intervention in addressing the country’s security and socio-economic challenges.
The monarch said leaders at all levels must remain committed to promoting peace and unity while encouraging citizens to pray for the nation.
“As leaders, there is a need to keep seeking divine intervention, especially for those group of people who have been perpetrating evil in the land. My prayer is that those people would come to true repentance and live appropriately,” the Sultan said.
The Sultan also commended Senator Tinubu for the growing impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing its programmes as practical interventions that have positively affected millions of Nigerians across the federation.
According to him, the initiative has continued to complement government efforts in improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens through healthcare, education, economic empowerment and social support programmes.
“The various interventions of the Renewed Hope Initiative have touched the lives of millions of Nigerians. The impact is visible across the country, and we appreciate the commitment to improving the welfare of ordinary citizens,” he stated.
Also speaking during the visit, Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, welcomed the First Lady to the state and thanked her for paying homage to the revered traditional ruler.
The governor applauded the First Lady’s commitment to humanitarian service through the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that the programme has continued to make meaningful contributions to the lives of Nigerians, particularly women, children and young people.
“We appreciate Your Excellency for this visit to our revered monarch. The interventions under the Renewed Hope Initiative are people-centred and aimed at improving the lives of women, youth, children and families in general. These programmes have continued to bring hope to many Nigerians,” Governor Aliyu said.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would continue to complement the Federal Government’s efforts at improving the quality of life of citizens through inclusive social investment programmes.
The visit ended with special prayers led by Islamic scholars at the Sultan’s Palace.
The Sultan requested the Ulama to offer prayers for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Governor of Sokoto State, himself and the people of Sokoto State, praying for enduring peace, security, unity and prosperity across the country.
The visit underscores the continued engagement between the Presidency and traditional institutions as part of broader efforts to strengthen national cohesion, foster dialogue and support programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda.