The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has held a national prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja, seeking divine intervention for peace, security, economic prosperity and responsible leadership in Nigeria.
The Secretary-General of the NSCIA and immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said the gathering was a religious and national responsibility rather than a political event.
Oloyede explained that the National Mosque had provided a platform for Muslims across political divides to unite in prayer for the country and its leadership.
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He urged Nigerians to pray for divine guidance for the country’s leaders and all those participating in political activities, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Also speaking, the Imam of the National Mosque and Deputy National Legal Adviser of the NSCIA, Imam Harun Mohammed Eze, said the prayer was organised under the leadership of the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
Imam Eze disclosed that prayers were offered for divine intervention in challenges confronting the country, including insecurity, poverty, hunger and other socioeconomic difficulties.
He said prayers were also offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the National Assembly, the judiciary and other political leaders.
The cleric stressed the need for sincerity, commitment and divine guidance among those entrusted with public responsibilities.
Imam Eze noted that the participation of Islamic scholars and religious leaders from the six geopolitical zones demonstrated Muslim unity and a collective commitment to Nigeria.
In his admonition, another Imam of the National Mosque, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, urged Nigerians to remain committed to education, peace, security, economic prosperity and the well-being of families and communities.
The prayer session was attended by prominent Islamic scholars and leaders, including representatives of the Chief Imams of Offa, Delta, Imo and Borno States, the Mufti of Ilorin, the Sarkin Malami of Sokoto State, the President of the League of Imams and Alfas of South-West Nigeria and the Wakili Musulumi of Yorubaland.
The prayer, held to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, brought together Islamic scholars, chief imams, traditional leaders and representatives of Muslim communities from the six geopolitical zones.
The NSCIA said the national prayer provided an opportunity for Muslims to recommit Nigeria and its leadership to Allah while seeking divine guidance and intervention in addressing the challenges facing the nation.
