Sultan Honours Prof Pantami with Sultanate Traditional Title
In a remarkable appearance after recent rumors regarding his health, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, bestowed upon Professor Isa Ali Pantami the esteemed traditional title of Majidadin Daular Usmaniya.
The rumors had prompted responses from notable figures, including Dr. Muhammadu Jabbi Kilgori, a senior counselor in the Sultanate Council, and the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), who both emphatically denied reports of the Sultan’s passing.
The Sultan’s public engagement on November 2, 2024, at the 11th Shaykh Usman ibn Fodiyo Annual Lecture was therefore met with relief and joy. At the event, Professor Pantami delivered a keynote address titled “Unity as a Panacea to Insecurity and Poverty: Lessons from the Sokoto Jihad Leaders.”
Following the lecture, the Sultanate Council, led by His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, honored Professor Pantami with the title of Majidadin Daular Usmaniya in recognition of his remarkable contributions as a religious and political leader.
The Sultan highlighted Professor Pantami’s active participation in initiatives that align with the Sultanate’s vision of progress and societal welfare.
The Sultan remarked that Professor Pantami has supported the Sultanate through thick and thin for nearly two decades.
“His outstanding contributions to education, public service, and community development in Nigeria are commendable,” he stated.
“Professor Pantami has shown unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of Nigerians,” the Sultan continued. “His efforts in providing scholarships to underprivileged students and facilitating job opportunities for qualified youth have positively impacted numerous families, fostering hope and advancement in various communities.”
The Sultanate Council expressed hope that this recognition would inspire others to partake in similar acts of service, reflecting the ideals of philanthropy and leadership that the Sultanate seeks to uphold.
Representing the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Bello Sifawa, extended gratitude to the Sultanate Council for honoring Professor Pantami. As a close friend and associate, Sifawa noted that he felt equally honored by the award.
In a statement following the ceremony, Professor Pantami expressed his heartfelt thanks for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to furthering his work in education and public service. He emphasized the significance of collective effort in building a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, is the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s over 70 million Muslims and the head of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (Society for the Support of Islam).
The Sultanate of Sokoto, is a significant institution in Nigeria, with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The Sultanate has played a vital role in promoting Islam and Islamic education in the region. The conferment of traditional titles aimed at recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.
