Sultan Sa'ad Abubakar

**Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar: The 20th Sultan of Sokoto and Spiritual Leader of Nigerian Muslims** Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III (born August 24, 1956) is a Nigerian traditional ruler and a prominent Islamic leader. He is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto, the titular head of the Sokoto Caliphate, and serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), making him the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims. He is widely recognized for his advocacy for peace, inter-religious dialogue, and social development across Nigeria and West Africa. **Early Life and Education** Sa’ad Abubakar was born in Sokoto, Northern Region (now Sokoto State), Nigeria, into the family of the 17th Sultan, Sir Siddiq Abubakar III. He began his education at the Sultan's Primary School, Sokoto, and then attended Barewa College in Zaria. Following his preparatory education, he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna in 1975 as a member of the 18th Regular Course. **Military Career Progression** Abubakar pursued a career in the military, graduating from the NDA in 1977 and being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps. His military service spanned over three decades, during which he held various command and staff positions. He rose through the ranks, serving in the elite Armoured Corps. Notable positions held include serving as a commanding officer of the 241 Recce Battalion, a military liaison officer for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and as the Defense Attaché to Pakistan (with concurrent accreditation to Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran). He retired as a Brigadier General in 2006 following his ascension to the throne. **Ascension and Reign** Sa’ad Abubakar was turbaned as the Sultan of Sokoto on November 2, 2006, succeeding his elder brother, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido, who died in a plane crash. Since assuming the throne, his primary focus has been on consolidating peace and fostering unity among Nigeria's diverse religious and ethnic groups. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** As Sultan, he has actively engaged in extensive philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. He frequently speaks out on national issues, particularly advocating for good governance, education, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. His tenure is marked by significant contributions to interfaith harmony through his establishment and participation in various dialogue forums. He holds the prestigious title of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). **Current Status** Sultan Sa'ad Abubakar continues to serve as the Sultan of Sokoto and the foremost spiritual authority for Muslims in Nigeria. He is highly influential in both religious and political spheres, representing the voice of the Muslim community in national discourse and maintaining the historical and cultural heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate. He remains dedicated to promoting education, social justice, and national cohesion.