Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its economic and security challenges under the incorruptible leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Abubakar stated this on Friday in Abuja at an Islamic programme organised by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to mark Nigeria’s 56th Independence Anniversary.

The Sultan said the reality of today was glaring in the economic sabotage and restiveness in some parts of the South as well as armed robbery and kidnapping in other parts of the country.

In spite of the difficulties that the country may be going through, one thing is gratifying; our country is blessed with a leadership that command the respect of the international community based on high ethical principles, “ Abubakar said.

He therefore, urged Nigerians to remain committed to the Nigerian nation and be confident in the ability of elected leaders to sail the country through its turbulent times.

The sultan also appealed to Nigerians to work for the greatness of the country and pray for its development, saying “ the need of the day is for us to work and pray“

Guest Lecturer, Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji, commended President Buhari for waging the war against corruption in the country.

Adedimeji said the current economic recession facing the country was as a result of moral crisis which has eaten deep into the fabric of the society.

He called on Nigerians to embrace the “Change Begins With Me’’ campaign of the Federal Government, adding that“ Allah will not change the condition of people until they change what is in them.“

Meanwhile, a Special Independence Anniversary Jumma’at Prayer was observed at the Abuja National Mosque.

Worshippers prayed Allah to enhance peace, harmony and bring an end to economic recession facing the nation.

The prayer was led by the Deputy Chief Imam of the national mosque and Prof. Taofeeq Abdulazeez of University of Abuja.

The prayer was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Service Chiefs, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and Minister of State Environment, Usman Jibrin.

Others are the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Water Resources, Adamu Sule, Minister of Communication Technology, Adebayo Shittu, FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello among others.