Sultan At 70: Olanrewaju Recalls Jaji Friendship, Hails Leadership

Retired Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, former Minister of Communications and former General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army, has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a patriot, peacebuilder and nation-builder.

Olanrewaju recalled his relationship with the Sultan during their days at the Nigerian Army Infantry Centre and School, Jaji, Kaduna State, where their military careers brought them together.

He said he served as a directing staff at the Staff College when the then military officer, Sa’ad Abubakar, was undergoing a course at the Nigerian Army Infantry Centre and School.

According to the retired general, their relationship soon went beyond the formalities of military training, with their shared passion for football helping to strengthen their bond and friendship.

Olanrewaju said the Sultan demonstrated discipline, courage and leadership qualities during his military career, attributes which later shaped his rise through the ranks to become a Brigadier General and eventually the Sultan of Sokoto.

He said his admiration for the Sultan had grown over the years, particularly because of the responsibilities associated with the traditional institution and his efforts to promote peace and national unity.

“I admire his spirit of leadership and, more importantly, his commitment to nation-building,” Olanrewaju said.

The retired general commended the Sultan for consistently advocating dialogue, religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity, describing his transition from a distinguished military career to the traditional institution as remarkable.

Olanrewaju, who also served as Acting Military Governor of the old Ondo State, said their shared military background had provided a common understanding of patriotism, discipline and service to the nation.

He prayed for the Sultan’s continued good health, wisdom and strength, wishing him many more years of impactful service to Nigeria and humanity.

Olanrewaju expressed confidence that the Sultan would continue to contribute to peace, unity and stability in the country as he begins another decade of his life.