An Experience To The Palace Of The Sultan Of Sokoto!

The structure of the building said it all. It was an architectural work that dates back to scores of years ago, yet the simplicity of the palace was it's strength. A visit to the Sultan's palace is obviously not a routine trip. Thus, I was determined to make the most of the opportunity. Fleet of cars graced the vicinity. However, it is apt to mention that none of the cars portrayed a life of luxury. In truism, they were your everyday cars. Remarkably, the enviornment was a busy one. Men dressed in the Hausa attire moved to and fro. Their swiftness and sense of duty underlies the fact that the palace is a company of some sorts. While it will be stating the obvious to say that women were not seen around the palace, one is reminded of the reality in Islam, that the female folks are reduced to articles of procreation. As we entered the exquisite hall, my thoughts hovered carelessly. The edifice was a spell in itself. Unlike, the typical Nigerian politician who takes pride in arriving late for an occasion, the Sultan kept to time. With an entourage of about six, some chanting songs I couldn't decipher, Saad Abubakar 111 arrived. He looked young and full of life. Age was yet to take it's toll. There was a clamness about him that oozes through him, and when he eventually spoke, it was the stuff of dreams. 'Your behaviour is a reflection of the society you live in'. Those were his first few words. He stressed on the need for self employment and the imperatives of reviving the reading culture among youths. His words spilled out like that of a sage. He bemoaned the dearth in vaules that is evident in our society. However, in his moment of oratory prowess, he couldn't shy away from the obvious. The Sultan decried the spate of insecurity in the country. He began to choose his words, careful not to sound too critical of the menace that is Boko Haram. He concluded by expressing optimism that despite the condurum Nigeria finds itself, she will flourish again. I wished this moment will never end, but the Sultan had to go for his prayers. The meal that followed was a treat. We ate to not just satisfy our hunger, but mainly to help our greed. Penultimately, the visit gave me the rare opportunity to understand the Sultanate beyound the gimmicks and sensationalism of the Nigerian press .