Notable Kwara leaders, representing the state government on Friday, joined Muslim worshippers at the Ilorin Central Mosque, in the north central state capital, Ilorin, for the Special Juma’ah Service marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Nigeria gained independence on 1 October, 1960 and every 1st of October is set aside for nationwide reflection and celebration.
The delegation was led by the Senior Adviser and Counsellor to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Alhaji Sa’adu Salahu.
Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari was also present amidst other traditional chiefs and religious leaders.
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The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dazuki, who presided over the congregation, prayed for sustainable peace, unity, and continued progress of the country, asking Muslim Ummah to always support those in positions of authority to succeed.
He also asked Allah to continue to guide and grant all leaders success, with particular reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
Addressing reporters after the prayer, Alhaji Salahu said Nigeria has continued to unite and evolve for which he noted is worth praising God.
He urged all Nigerian citizens to sustain their support and prayers for the government at all levels as they work harder for peaceful coexistence, and for a brighter future for the younger generation.
“We have every reason to thank God and to celebrate our independence anniversary 66 years after. We have secured a lot of progress. We have made a lot of progress. We recall at independence, we were talking about groundnuts and at a time, we were talking about crude oil, but today, Nigeria is leading in technology in Africa,” Salahu told reporters.
“We are making progress in terms of economic reforms, security, and human capital development. Nigeria remains the best in Africa.”
Other members of the team were Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe; Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Shehu Ndanusa Usman; Special Adviser on Media, Alhaji Bashir Adigun; Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam), Alhaji Ibrahim Danmeigoro; Special Adviser on Party Affairs, Hon. Moshood Alaka; and Special Assistant on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Abdullateef Adebara.
