In a compelling address delivered on Monday at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna State, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, issued a clarion call to Nigerians, warning that the unchecked use of social media, pervasive corruption, and an unbridled pursuit of illicit wealth are systematically eroding the discipline within families and weakening the moral fabric of Nigerian society. Speaking at the opening ceremony of Exercise Haske Biyu 2025, themed “Family and National Security,” the revered monarch underscored the pivotal role of the family unit as the bedrock of societal stability and national security. His speech was a blend of historical reflection, critical analysis of contemporary challenges, and a roadmap for addressing the threats undermining the family institution in Nigeria.
The Family as the Cornerstone of National Security
The Sultan began his address by emphasizing the centrality of the family unit in the architecture of national security. He described the family as “the smallest but most vital foundation of society,” arguing that its strength or weakness directly influences the stability of communities and, by extension, the nation. According to the monarch, the family is the primary institution where values such as integrity, discipline, respect, and responsibility are first instilled in individuals. These values, he noted, form the moral compass that guides citizens in their interactions with one another and with the state.
Drawing from historical precedent, the Sultan referenced the Sokoto Caliphate, a significant Islamic empire in pre-colonial Nigeria, to illustrate the importance of structured family systems in governance and societal stability. He highlighted the writings of Sheikh Abdullahi, a prominent scholar during the Caliphate, whose works on child upbringing served as a social policy framework to guide governance. These writings emphasized the role of parents in nurturing disciplined and morally upright children, who would grow to become responsible members of society. The Sultan urged Nigerians to draw lessons from their rich cultural and historical heritage rather than relying solely on external models that may not align with the nation’s unique socio-cultural context.
The monarch’s emphasis on the family as a critical unit of national security is rooted in the understanding that societal stability begins at the grassroots level. Strong families produce individuals who are law-abiding, community-oriented, and committed to the collective good. Conversely, weak family systems, characterized by neglect, dysfunction, or lack of moral guidance, contribute to social disorder, crime, and insecurity. The Sultan’s message resonates in a country grappling with multifaceted security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, many of which can be traced to breakdowns in social cohesion and moral values.
The Threats to Modern Families
The Sultan identified several contemporary threats that are undermining the family institution in Nigeria. Chief among these is the unregulated use of social media, which he described as a double-edged sword. While acknowledging the benefits of digital connectivity, he expressed concern over the proliferation of harmful online content that exposes young people to negative influences, including violence, immorality, and radical ideologies. The accessibility of unregulated digital platforms, he argued, is eroding parental authority and exposing children to values that contradict the moral teachings traditionally imparted within the family.
Another significant threat highlighted by the Sultan is the scourge of drug abuse, which has become a growing menace in Nigeria. The abuse of substances, particularly among the youth, not only undermines individual health and productivity but also destabilizes families by fostering addiction, financial strain, and domestic violence. The Sultan noted that drug abuse often goes hand in hand with the breakdown of family discipline, as addicted individuals are less likely to adhere to societal norms or contribute positively to their communities.
The pursuit of illicit wealth was another critical issue raised by the monarch. He decried the growing culture of materialism and corruption, where individuals prioritize financial gain over ethical conduct. This unhealthy quest for wealth, he argued, is tearing at the moral fabric of society, as it encourages dishonesty, greed, and a disregard for the well-being of others. Within families, this trend manifests in parents neglecting their responsibilities to pursue wealth, leaving children vulnerable to negative influences and devoid of proper guidance.
A Call for Comprehensive Reforms
To address these challenges, the Sultan proposed a multi-pronged approach aimed at strengthening the family institution and, by extension, national security. His recommendations were both practical and far-reaching, addressing systemic issues while emphasizing the need for collective action.
Strengthening Marriage Counseling Systems: The Sultan advocated for robust marriage counseling programs to equip couples with the skills and knowledge needed to build strong, stable families. He emphasized that marriage is the foundation of the family unit, and supporting couples through counseling can help address issues such as communication breakdowns, financial stress, and conflicting values. By fostering healthy marriages, society can create an environment where children are raised with love, discipline, and moral clarity.
Reforming Basic Education to Prioritize Values: The monarch called for a reformation of Nigeria’s basic education system to prioritize the teaching of moral and civic values. He argued that schools play a critical role in reinforcing the values instilled at home, and the current curriculum must be reoriented to emphasize character development alongside academic learning. This reform, he noted, would help produce citizens who are not only knowledgeable but also ethically grounded and committed to the common good.
Intensifying Anti-Drug Campaigns: Recognizing the devastating impact of drug abuse on families and society, the Sultan urged the government and relevant agencies to intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking and addiction. He called for well-funded, community-based anti-drug campaigns that educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse and provide support for those struggling with addiction. Such campaigns, he argued, should involve families, schools, religious institutions, and community leaders to create a holistic approach to prevention and rehabilitation.
Enforcing Stricter Control of Harmful Digital Content: The Sultan emphasized the need for stricter regulation of online content to protect young people from harmful influences. He called on the government to collaborate with technology companies and stakeholders to develop mechanisms for monitoring and filtering digital content that promotes violence, immorality, or radicalization. While acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression, he stressed that such freedoms must be balanced with the need to safeguard societal values and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Ensuring Access to Quality Education: The Sultan underscored the importance of education as a tool for empowering individuals and strengthening families. He appealed to the government to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background. He particularly highlighted the issue of out-of-school children, which remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, especially in the northern region. The monarch called for adequate funding for agencies tasked with addressing this issue, emphasizing that education is a fundamental right and a critical component of national security.
The Role of Leadership and Political Will
The Sultan directed a poignant appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Nigerian leaders, urging them to recognize the intrinsic link between family stability and national security. He argued that the challenges facing Nigeria—ranging from insecurity to economic instability—are not due to a lack of ideas or solutions but rather a lack of political will to implement them. The monarch called for sincerity and commitment in addressing the root causes of societal decay, emphasizing that rebuilding the family institution is the surest way to guarantee a secure and prosperous future for Nigeria.
He further urged leaders to lead by example, demonstrating integrity and accountability in their personal and public lives. The Sultan noted that corruption and unethical behavior among leaders set a poor precedent for the rest of society, undermining efforts to instill discipline and values within families. By prioritizing the welfare of citizens and investing in policies that strengthen families, leaders can create a ripple effect that fosters social cohesion and national stability.
Historical Lessons and Cultural Relevance
The Sultan’s reference to the Sokoto Caliphate was not merely a nostalgic nod to history but a deliberate call to draw inspiration from Nigeria’s cultural heritage. The Caliphate, established in the early 19th century by Usman dan Fodio, was renowned for its emphasis on education, justice, and moral governance. The writings of Sheikh Abdullahi, which the Sultan cited, provided a blueprint for raising children with strong moral and intellectual foundations, ensuring that they grew into responsible citizens who contributed to the stability of the empire.
By invoking this historical example, the Sultan challenged Nigerians to look inward for solutions rather than adopting foreign models that may not align with the country’s cultural and religious values. He argued that Nigeria’s rich history offers valuable lessons for addressing contemporary challenges, particularly in the areas of family upbringing and societal governance. This approach aligns with the broader movement toward decolonizing African education and governance systems, emphasizing the importance of context-specific solutions.
The Broader Implications for National Security
The Sultan’s address highlights a critical but often overlooked aspect of national security: the role of social and moral cohesion in maintaining stability. In recent years, Nigeria has faced a range of security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. While these issues are often addressed through military and law enforcement measures, the Sultan’s speech underscores the need for a more holistic approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity.
A stable family unit serves as a microcosm of a stable society. When families are strong, they produce individuals who are less likely to engage in criminal behavior or be swayed by extremist ideologies. Conversely, dysfunctional families, characterized by neglect, abuse, or lack of guidance, create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by criminal elements or radical groups. By strengthening families through education, counseling, and community support, Nigeria can build a more resilient society capable of withstanding internal and external threats.
Moreover, the Sultan’s emphasis on education and anti-drug campaigns points to the importance of investing in human capital as a long-term strategy for national security. Educated and empowered citizens are more likely to contribute to economic development, social harmony, and political stability. Similarly, addressing drug abuse reduces the social and economic costs associated with addiction, freeing up resources for other critical areas such as healthcare and infrastructure.
A Prayer for Nigeria’s Future
In closing, the Sultan offered a prayer for Nigeria’s leaders, urging them to approach their responsibilities with sincerity and a commitment to rebuilding the family institution. He described this as the cornerstone of a secure and prosperous Nigeria, emphasizing that no amount of military might or economic progress can substitute for the moral and social stability that strong families provide. His prayer was both a spiritual invocation and a call to action, reminding leaders and citizens alike of their shared responsibility to nurture the next generation.
The Sultan’s message is a timely reminder of the interconnectedness of family, society, and national security. In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological advancements and shifting cultural norms, his call to return to foundational values resonates deeply. By addressing the threats of unregulated social media, drug abuse, and corruption, and by investing in education and family support systems, Nigeria can chart a path toward a more stable and prosperous future.
Conclusion
The Sultan of Sokoto’s address at the AFCSC in Jaji was a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on the state of Nigerian society and the critical role of the family in addressing its challenges. His warnings about the dangers of unregulated social media, corruption, and the pursuit of illicit wealth serve as a wake-up call for all Nigerians to take collective action. By strengthening families through education, counseling, and community engagement, and by fostering a culture of integrity and accountability, Nigeria can build a more secure and prosperous future. The Sultan’s message is not only a diagnosis of the nation’s ailments but also a prescription for healing—a call to return to the values that have historically sustained societies and to invest in the institutions that will shape the next generation.
