Sultan turbans Murtala Dan’iya as Dallatun
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Sunday turbaned the Dallatun Sokoto, Alhaji Murtala Abdulkadir Dan’Iyan Jarman Sokoto as new Dallatun Sokoto in a historic ceremony that celebrated the enduring significance of traditional institutions, distinguished service and commitment to humanity.
The ceremony, held in Sokoto, attracted prominent traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, religious scholars, community leaders and other distinguished personalities, reflecting the widespread recognition of the Dallatun Sokoto’s contributions to society.
The conferment of the prestigious traditional title represents a significant milestone in the life of Alhaji Murtala Abdulkadir, whose dedication to philanthropy, community development and the welfare of the less privileged has continued to earn him admiration across the state and beyond.
Speaking at the occasion, Sultan Abubakar III emphasised the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, discipline and harmonious coexistence among the people.
The Sultan stressed that traditional titles were not merely symbols of honour and prestige but carried enormous responsibilities, particularly in the areas of community service, moral leadership and the preservation of cultural heritage.
He urged the newly turbaned Dallatun Sokoto to regard the honour as a renewed call to greater service, reminding him that the dignity of traditional leadership was best demonstrated through humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.
The monarch further underscored the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate, noting that the institution of traditional leadership remained an important pillar of societal stability, peaceful coexistence and the promotion of enduring values.
The Jarman Sokoto, Alhaji Dr Umarun Kwabo AA, in his remarks, described the turbaning as a well-deserved recognition of the Dallatun Sokoto’s outstanding contributions to the development of the community and the advancement of humanitarian causes.
Kwabo said the traditional institution remained committed to identifying and honouring individuals whose exemplary conduct, dedication to public service and commitment to the common good continued to strengthen the unity and progress of the Sokoto Caliphate.
He urged the newly turbaned titleholder to sustain his humanitarian activities, stressing that the honour bestowed upon him should inspire greater dedication to the service of God, humanity and the traditional institution.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, who holds the traditional title of Katukan Sokoto, also congratulated the Dallatun Sokoto on his elevation, describing the occasion as a moment of pride for the people of Sokoto State.
Dingyadi noted that traditional institutions continued to play a vital role in strengthening national unity, promoting peaceful coexistence and encouraging responsible leadership, particularly at a time when the country required greater cooperation among its citizens.
He commended the Sultan for sustaining the rich traditions of the Sokoto Caliphate and urged the newly turbaned Dallatun Sokoto to utilise his position to promote peace, compassion and development in the society.
The minister further called on traditional titleholders to complement government efforts by supporting initiatives that promote social welfare, economic empowerment and the protection of vulnerable members of the community.
The turbaning of Dan’Iyan Jarman Sokoto also highlighted the growing importance of philanthropy and community service in addressing the challenges confronting disadvantaged citizens, particularly orphans, widows and other vulnerable groups.
For the Dallatun Sokoto, the traditional honour represents not only personal recognition but also an enduring responsibility to uphold the values of the Sokoto Caliphate, promote social harmony and remain committed to the welfare of the people.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the Sultan, the Sokoto Caliphate, Sokoto State and Nigeria, with participants expressing hope that the newly turbaned Dallatun Sokoto would continue to distinguish himself through exemplary leadership, humanitarian service and unwavering dedication to the advancement of poorest of the poor.
