Sultan of Sokoto advises Africa to learn from wisdom of past emperors

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has advised African countries to look inward in the hiding treasures of wisdom of its past to get solutions to the challenges facing the continent.

Abubakar III, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), gave the advice at a three-day international symposium on Friday in Abuja.

“The Islamic African Heritage: Memory and History”, was organised by a Moroccan based Islamic group, Mohammad VI Foundation For African Oulema.

The traditional ruler noted that Islamic heritage in Africa was very rich and deep, adding that there is huge collections of manuscripts in private and public universities, and libraries and research centres.

“At a time where Africa needs fresh ideas for its rejuvenation, we need to look inward in the hiding treasures of wisdom of our past.

“This will enable us to get the impetus to chart a new course that will address and solve the many problems facing us today.

“I am confident that in the rich legacies of ours, we shall found that which our grandfather’s found which make them build the great empires of the great of the past and contributed to humanity like all other civilisations,” he stated.

While commending the foundation and organisers of the symposium, Abubakar III however urged them to ensure maximum interactions to deliver the much expectations of muslims, not only in Africa but across the world.

Earlier, the Secretary-General of the foundation at the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr Si Mohammed Rifki, said the symposium was a concrete step in the fulfilment of one of the foundation’s objectives.

“In keeping with the pledge to implement the proposals and recommendations adopted by the members of the
Committee for the revival of the African Islamic heritage, with all its chapters.

“The symposium will therefore address a topic of paramount importance. This is one of the heritage themes adopted by the committee as a target programme.”

Also, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, expressed optimism that the symposium would find lasting solutions to the persisting African political and socioeconomic issues, and also strive for peaceful coexistence.