The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington, says the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, remained a formidable stabilizing factor in Nigeria.

Symington spoke in Sokoto on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy call on the sultan.

Symington said: ”The US is happy with the role the sultan is playing in ensuring sustainable peace and unity in Nigeria, and even beyond.

”The sultan is a father to all Nigerians and he is worthy of emulation by all Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike.

”So, the visit is aimed at appreciating the role of the sultan in bolstering security in the country.”

The US envoy said that his country would sustain the existing mutual relations between it and Nigeria as well as other African nations.

Responding, the sultan commended Symington for the visit, promising to work closely with him to further cement the existing cordial relations between the two countries.

He said he would continue to work selflessly to move the country forward and assured the envoy that Nigeria is now more secured than it was few years back.

Earlier during an interactive session at the Sokoto State University, Symington urged the students to always put Nigeria first.

”You should always think of what you can do for Nigeria and not what Nigeria will do for,” the US envoy said.

He noted that Nigeria occupied a special place in Africa, saying that the diversity of the nation was its comparative advantage.

Symington called for the strengthening of democracy, good governance, justice and equality, as well as providing enabling environment for youth entrepreneurial development.

”The country can also diversify the economy through agriculture, as the sector could provide more job opportunities.

”I have just visited the tomb of Sheikh Uthman Danfodiyo and those of his children, and what should not be buried with him is his hope to
end injustice,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nuhu Yaqub, commended the US Ambassador for the visit, describing it as encouraging for the
university community.

Yaqub said that the university, which opened in October 2013, had 4,250 students, with the first set ready for graduation in October this year.