A Personal Tribute to His Royal Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, on His 65th Birthday – By Alex Otti 

A Personal Tribute to His Royal Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, on His 65th Birthday – By Alex Otti

Your Royal Highness,

It gives me great pleasure to celebrate you today as you mark your 65th birthday—a milestone that offers all who know and admire you the opportunity to reflect on a life of uncommon courage, brilliance, and service.

Over the years, I have come to know you not only as an exceptional traditional ruler and statesman but also as a friend and brother whose intellect, sincerity, and commitment to the greater good have remained constant. Our many conversations on leadership, economic transformation, and nation-building have always reinforced my belief that Nigeria is richly blessed with men and women who are willing to speak the truth, challenge convention, and work for a better future.

You have consistently demonstrated that leadership is not merely about occupying high office; it is about the courage to stand by one’s convictions, even when doing so comes at a personal cost. Whether as Chief Risk Officer of UBA, CEO of First Bank, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria or as the 16th Emir of Kano, your legacy has been defined by integrity, scholarship, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice and national development.

Beyond your public accomplishments, I have always admired your intellect, warmth, generosity of spirit, and remarkable ability to connect with people from every background. Your friendship has been one I deeply value, and I remain grateful for the wisdom you so readily share and the example you continue to set for our generation of leaders.

As you celebrate this special birthday, I join your family, the people of the Kano Emirate, friends, and admirers across Nigeria and beyond in thanking Almighty Allah for your extraordinary life and enduring contributions to our nation.

My prayer is that Allah (SWT) continues to bless you with excellent health, renewed strength, abundant wisdom, and many more years of purposeful service. May He grant you peace, fulfilment, and the grace to continue inspiring our nation with your vision, courage, and steadfast leadership.

Happy 65th Birthday, my brother. Your best days still lie ahead.

With warm regards and highest esteem,

Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR
Governor, Abia State
July 31, 2026.