The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said Nigeria will remain as one, despite the violent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the country as well as agitation for self-determination by some ethnic groups.
He urged the authorities of the National Youth Service Corps to step up its unifying role against the backdrop of the ethnic tensions in the country.
A statement by the spokesperson of the NYSC, Mrs. Abosede Aderibigbe, on Tuesday quoted the Sultan as saying these during a courtesy call on him by the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. General Sule Kazaure, in his palace in Sokoto.
“We believe in Nigeria; we believe we can build it together irrespective of our diverse ethnic backgrounds. The two major religions teach us to be our brother’s keeper,” the sultan added.
“Here in Sokoto, we will continue to do what is right; we will continue to be hospitable to everyone irrespective of what happens elsewhere. Other states should replicate what we do here.”
He reminded Kazaure of the enormity of the responsibilities of his new office, and urged him to try not only to build on the achievements of his predecessors, but surpass them.
The Sultan assured that the NYSC would continue to enjoy support of the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, adding that “corps members would be taken care of and accepted as our children.”
