President Bola Tinubu on Sunday received in audience the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, at the State House, Abuja, in what officials described as a private engagement.

The meeting, which lasted less than 30 minutes, reflected ongoing consultations between the Presidency and traditional and religious leaders across the country.

The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), was represented at the meeting by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.

Details of the discussions between the President and the Sultan’s delegation were not disclosed as of press time.

The visit came only days after Tinubu hosted traditional and religious leaders from across the country for an interfaith Ramadan and Lenten breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa.

Sources said the meeting forms part of a series of engagements the President has been holding with key national stakeholders on issues of public interest.

In recent weeks, Tinubu has also held consultations with prominent figures including former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd).

Gowon, who spoke to journalists after his own meeting with the President on Saturday, expressed confidence in the administration’s efforts to address Nigeria’s challenges.

According to him, the federal government is making efforts “all round” to tackle issues affecting the country’s political, economic and security sectors.

The Sultan of Sokoto remains one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional leaders and the spiritual head of Muslims in the country through the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

Sunday’s visit further highlights the continued interaction between the Presidency and influential traditional and religious institutions, particularly during the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons, which hold deep spiritual significance for many Nigerians. (Arise News)