Sultan, Ooni Urge Unity, Peace At ACF’s 25th Anniversary

Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have renewed calls for unity, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, and urged them to embrace diversity as a source of national strength.

Delivering his goodwill message at the 25th anniversary celebration of the apex northern socio-cultural group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna yesterday, the sultan said Nigerians of all backgrounds, Christians, Muslims, traditionalists and people of diverse ethnic groups, must always remember that they are bound by a common destiny under one nation.

He said despite the country’s diversity, Nigerians must learn to be “united without being uniformed,” stressing that the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, was right when he argued that Nigeria must understand its differences rather than ignore them.

According to him, recognising and respecting differences is the only way to build a society anchored on dignity, mutual respect and national cohesion.

“Once we understand who we are, we will be able to work with one another with all dignity,” he said.

The sultan urged Nigerians not to allow differences tear the country apart, warning that antagonism, divisiveness and bitterness only weaken collective progress. He advised leaders and followers to consistently support governments at all levels while working and praying for the country’s stability.

He noted that many of the speeches delivered at the event contained the critical truths Nigeria needs to internalise to move forward, stressing that the real work lies in the implementation of solutions, not the repetition of problems. “What we lack is always implementation,” he said.

The Sultan expressed optimism that the next 25 years of ACF would see improved engagement, deeper reflection and stronger efforts to address the North’s challenges.

He commended the ACF leadership for organising what he described as a successful and unifying programme.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who described himself as “a friend of the North,” said traditional institutions had a sacred responsibility to promote peace, cohesion and healthy relationships across communities.

He said the North, like Nigeria as a whole, remained greater than any individual or group, and must be treated as a collective heritage that deserves continuous protection and positive rebranding.

The Ooni acknowledged that security had become the most pressing challenge confronting the region but cautioned against dwelling solely on the negative, urging Nigerians to also highlight the North’s strengths, opportunities and cultural influence just as other nations promote their global image despite internal issues.