The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar III, on Friday urged Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies in the fight against insecurity by providing them with credible information on suspicious movements.
He made the call in Bauchi during the opening ceremony of week-long 2022 National Qur’anic recitation competition hosted by Bauchi State government in collaboration with Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.
According to him, credible information will go a long way in assisting security agencies to respond effectively to threats to lives and property.
Sultan, represented by Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, also called on the citizenry to pray for divine intervention as the country works hard to overcome its security challenges.
“Today, the world is faced with so many challenges hence; I urge all the Muslim Ummah to rededicate themselves to the teaching and learning of the Qur’an.
“We have to apply the teaching of the Qur’an to our daily life
“Today, we are confronted with so many challenges ranging from kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, robbery, banditry, Boko Haram, cultism, cattle rustling, and communal clashes everywhere.
“The only permanent solution to these problems is not for us to just sit down. We must pray to the Almighty Allah to restore permanent peace to our states and the nation,” he said.
Sultan, who is also President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) appealed to traditional institutions organise prayers for the country.
“We don’t always have to expect something from the government or somebody, we have to do it because we have to protect our Emirates, country, states and all Nigerians,’’ he said.
He appreciated Gov. Bala Mohammed for hosting this year’s edition of the event and prayed to God to reward him abundantly.
In his remarks, Mohammed said the state was happy to be associated with the 36th edition of the competition.
He said the 2022 event was the third time Bauchi state would host the competition.
Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Baba Tela, said “the history of the Quranic education is synonymous with the history of Islam everywhere.
“As a tradition, every Muslim child is expected to be well trained in reading, writing, reciting and memorising the glorious Quran from a very tender age, even before enrolment into the conventional elementary education’’, he said.
He said it was unfortunate that some people now give priority to western education over Islamic education and called for reorientation on the good teachings of the Qur’an.
NAN
