The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerians to reconsider negative narratives surrounding insecurity in the country, stressing that security challenges are not exclusive to Nigeria.

The monarch acknowledged that Nigeria continues to face security threats but maintained that several other countries across the world are equally confronted with similar challenges.

He urged Nigerians to focus on reducing insecurity and creating an environment where citizens can carry out their daily activities without fear or disruption.

The Sultan made the remarks on Monday during the closing ceremony of activities marking his 20th anniversary on the throne and the 13th Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodio Week in Sokoto.

The event was organised by the Sultanate Council in partnership with the Sokoto State chapter of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), under the theme, “The Sokoto Caliphate: An Egalitarian Model for Peace, Justice, Unity and Sustainable Development.”

While acknowledging the security challenges affecting Sokoto and other parts of the country, Abubakar noted that insecurity was also a concern in countries such as Iran, the United States, Germany and France.

He emphasised that although Nigeria was not exempt from security threats, the priority should be to minimise them and ensure that residents can pursue their legitimate activities without hindrance.

The Sultan also urged state governors to remain committed to providing good governance, observing that no administration could satisfy every citizen, regardless of its achievements.

Reflecting on his two decades on the throne, the monarch described himself as a soldier of Islam and peace, explaining that promoting peaceful coexistence among communities remained a major part of his responsibilities.

He noted that his commitment to peace had continued from his military career into his present role as a traditional and religious leader.

Abubakar further stressed that Islam does not support forceful conversion or the imposition of religion on others, urging Muslims to reflect the teachings of their faith through good character and conduct.

He also cautioned Nigerians against insults, abusive exchanges and hostility, particularly on social media, calling for mutual respect and understanding among citizens.

According to him, Nigerians belong to one family and should treat one another with dignity, regardless of their differences.

The monarch added that the traditional institution did not consider itself superior to other members of society, stressing that all human beings are equal before Almighty Allah.

Earlier, the guest lecturer, Dr Dawud Abdallah, Director of the Middle East Monitor (MEMO), London, called for greater recognition of the historical contributions of African Muslims who were taken into slavery in the Americas.

Delivering a lecture titled “The Religious and Intellectual Traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate: Changing the Condition of Africans in the Diaspora,” Abdallah argued that the history of slavery had often failed to adequately recognise the religious heritage and intellectual contributions of enslaved African Muslims.

He maintained that Muslim Africans played significant roles in resisting slavery and pursuing freedom across different parts of the Americas.

In his remarks, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal congratulated the Sultan on his 20th anniversary on the throne, describing his reign as one characterised by humility, unity, stability, religious tolerance and national cohesion.

Lawal said the monarch’s guidance and interventions had remained important to the country, particularly in addressing security and socioeconomic challenges.

He called on Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders and youth organisations to work towards strengthening peaceful coexistence, discouraging extremism and promoting values such as honesty, compassion and respect for human life.

Similarly, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, represented by his deputy, Idris Mohammed Gobir, congratulated the Sultan on the milestone.

He commended the monarch’s contributions to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national development, noting that the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the intellectual heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate and its relevance to contemporary governance.