Sultan to leaders: Be symbol, beacon of hope for Nigeria’s unity

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar on Friday urged leaders in the country to be symbol and beacon of hope for Nigerians in the spirit of justice, equity and fairness to strengthen the bond of unity in diversity among the citizenry.

Abubakar who spoke in his palace when he received ýa delegation of top members and officials of the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) on a courtesy call led by its BOT Chairman, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) represented by Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, said it was cardinal for leaders to own up to their responsibility as a reflection of positive attitudes in fostering the desired unity for the collective existence of the country.

‘’ Without justice, we can’t have a just and developed society’’, he stressed.

However, the courtesy visit was part of activities lined up for the association’s annual lecture preceding its centennial celebration in 2021.

The religious monarch who described Barewa College Old Boys Association as a unique and structured composition and a shining example of true symbol of unity added BOBA is shining for what Nigeria should be. Is a family full of fun, love and peace. That is how Nigeria should be.

‘’It’s unfortunate that Nigeria is characterised by so many misinformation, negative writings on media platforms which are not healthy for our unity and image as a country.”

National President of the association, Dahiru Ibrahim told Abubakar that they were in the palace to pay respect and show recognition to him as one of them, describing as unequal the humility and treatment given them by the monarch.

Alhaji Umar Mutallab the immediate past President and representative of the association’s BOT, General Gowon (rtd), ýsaid there was the urgent need for the establishment of a premier unity college in the northern region that would foster ties and unity among diverse settings.

Receiving the delegation at his Samaý Road Sokoto residence, Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari who spoke through his eldest son, Bala, acknowledged the giant strides of BOBA in uniting Nigeria through its purposeful vision.

The former president who is over 93 wished the association a peaceful and successful events in the caliphate.