The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111, has called on Nigerians to rise above religious and ethnic differences and display a spirit of brotherhood and love to foster unity, peace and development in the country.
He also enjoined Nigerians to patronize made-in-Nigeria products as a sure way to economic recovery, noting that “the more we rely and patronize home-made goods the better for us and our economy”.
The Sultan commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his remarkable leadership style anchored on peace and good governance during his visit to Enugu State to honour the 2015/2016 Nigerian Professional Football (NPFL) Champions, Enugu Rangers International Football club.
He recalled with nostalgia his relationship with the state especially during his career in the military 39 years ago in Nsukka, saying that he had never felt at home anywhere else in the country as he has in Enugu State.
While appreciating how the relationship with the people of the state has been nurtured and sustained over the years, the Sultan applauded Rangers for the remarkable feat, noting that the “Flying Antelopes” are not just a club but a movement and cultural phenomenon that promotes unity.
In his address, Gov. Ugwuanyi after a presentation of the sum of N41, 500,000.00 (Forty One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and a plot of land to each member of the club, expressed gratitude to the management, coaching crew and the players for their sacrifices, hard work and commitment, adding that such feat has revived the famous indomitable Rangers spirit.
The governor while welcoming the Sultan “back home”, also thanked him for the visit and for always being a passionate supporter of the Rangers, saying that his prayers and solidarity with the club throughout the league campaign was significant.
“Ndi Enugu, we have gathered here today in praise and thanksgiving to God who made it possible that after 32 years in the wilderness, our darling Rangers International Football Club of Enugu have again become the Champions of the Nigerian Premier League”, Gov. Ugwuanyi said.
Also speaking, the fiery priest and spiritual director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, appreciated the Sultan for the visit, saying the gesture will go a long way to cement the relationship between the North and the Igbos.
He prayed for the club to ascend to greater heights, commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for achieving what his predecessors were unable to achieve for the state and the Igbo in general.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani, traditional rulers, among others
