Muhammed Bello

Muhammadu Bello, who lived from 3 November 1781 to 25 October 1837, was the second Caliph of Sokoto, reigning from 1817 until his death, and the son and primary aide of Usman dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate and its first caliph. He was also an active writer of history, poetry and Islamic studies, and during his reign he encouraged the spread of Islam through the region, expanded education for both men and women, and established Islamic courts. He was succeeded by his brother Abu Bakr Atiku and then by his own son, Aliyu Babba.