By John Dike, Osogbo
Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on eminent Nigerians to build legacies that will outlive them, stressing that society can only grow when leaders invest in impactful projects that continue to serve humanity long after they are gone.
He made the remarks on Saturday at the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the official launch of Ojaja University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
He described philanthropy and service-oriented institutions,vsuch as the newly founded university, as the kind of legacies that stand the test of time and remain etched in the memory of future generations.
The event drew a massive crowd, with people gathering from early morning in excitement to witness what many described as a historic celebration. The atmosphere was lively, filled with unity, cultural pride, and hope for the future.
The Ooni of Ife, visibly joyful, delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected his passion for education, development, and the empowerment of the youth.
His enthusiasm underscored the significance of the day as he celebrated both a decade on the throne and the birth of an institution dedicated to knowledge and innovation.
In his goodwill message, the Sultan expressed gratitude to the Almighty for blessing the nation with leaders like the Ooni, leaders, he said, who dedicate themselves selflessly to the welfare and upliftment of their people.
He noted that there was no rivalry between them, only mutual respect, appreciation, and a shared sense of purpose.
Reflecting on a lecture earlier delivered by the University’s Pro-Chancellor, the Sultan said the message was insightful and timeless, capturing the essence of leadership and responsibility. He fully aligned with the professor’s views, describing the paper as deeply relevant to Nigeria’s present realities.
He also spoke about his close personal relationship with the Ooni, revealing that both leaders frequently discuss national issues privately and reach understanding long before matters become public. This, he explained, is why he never responds to negative commentary.
According to him, criticism is part of leadership. “If you hold any position, no matter how small, people will talk about you. It is only when you are insignificant that nobody cares to speak,” he said. He advised leaders not to dignify negativity with responses.
The Sultan further emphasized the importance of support from family, friends, and community, noting that no leader can achieve anything meaningful in isolation.
He called for continuous prayers:
Prayers for one another, for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Governors and leaders at every level especially prayers for traditional rulers, whom he described as the closest to the people and most aware of their daily struggles.
The event ended on a note of celebration and renewed hope, with many attendees describing it as an inspiring reminder of the value of good leadership, unity, and the enduring power of legacy.
