SOKOTO, NIGERIA — In a major step toward fostering inter-regional unity and cross-cultural diplomacy, the Amanyanabo of Elem-Kalabari, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, paid a high-profile courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, at his palace in Sokoto.

The traditional ruler was accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking dignitaries and traditional chiefs, including Alabo Prince Tonye Princewill, the Polo’Dabo of Da Ogo and Paramount Head of the Da Ogo Group of Houses.

During the audience, Dokubo-Asari presented a Leadership Award to the Sultan in recognition of his steadfast leadership, commitment to national peace, and efforts to promote harmonious relationships across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.

In his response, the Sultan expressed sincere gratitude for the visit, the recognition award, and the invitation. Emphasizing that leadership is a sacred responsibility, the Sultan lauded the efforts to strengthen cultural ties between Northern Nigeria and the Niger Delta region. He assured the delegation of his continued support and expressed his intention to attend the landmark ceremony in Rivers State.

Born Melford Dokubo Goodhead Jr. into the royal Amakiri dynasty of the Kalabari Kingdom, Dokubo-Asari is a prominent Nigerian political activist, former Niger Delta struggle leader, and natural ruler. A devout Muslim who adopted the name Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari, he founded the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF) and became one of the central figures advocating for resource control and civil rights in the Niger Delta. In recent years, he has transitioned into business, security-sector participation, and traditional governance, ascending the throne as the Amanyanabo of Elem-Kalabari in Rivers State.

His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto. As the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslim community and head of the Sokoto Caliphate, he is one of the most influential traditional and religious figures in Africa. A retired Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III is widely respected globally for his peacebuilding initiatives, advocacy for interfaith dialogue, and efforts to enhance security and development across Nigeria.