Islamic leaders, traditional rulers and scholars on Sunday offered special prayers for Nigeria’s peace and progress as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his 74th birthday.
The prayer session, held at the National Mosque Abuja, was led by the Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, alongside other prominent monarchs and clerics.
President Tinubu arrived at the mosque shortly after 3:00 p.m., where he joined the special prayers and later observed the Asr prayer with worshippers before departing.
The gathering, attended by governors, ministers, political figures and faithful from across the country, focused on seeking divine guidance, wisdom, good health and strength for the President as he leads the nation.
Speaking at the event, the Etsu Nupe described the occasion as a solemn spiritual exercise rather than a celebration, stressing the importance of sustained prayers for national unity, peace and development. He also appealed for increased government support for the upkeep and welfare of the National Mosque.
In his remarks, the Emir of Keffi, Chindo Yamusa, commended the administration’s efforts to address economic challenges and support subnational governments. He noted that interventions in salary payments and infrastructure development were already yielding positive outcomes, particularly in Nasarawa State.
Islamic scholars from various sects across Nigeria also offered prayers for the President and the nation’s stability. The session featured the recitation of the Holy Qur’an 111 times by over 300 scholars, accompanied by special supplications for Nigeria’s continued progress.
Conveying the President’s appreciation, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin thanked religious leaders and participants for their prayers and support. He reiterated the President’s commitment to national unity and development, emphasising the need for continued intercessory prayers for the success of the administration.
The event concluded with prayers for lasting peace, prosperity and stability led by Professor Ibrahim Maqari.
Meanwhile, a separate prayer session organised by the Arewa Think Tank was held in Kaduna in honour of the President.
Dignitaries at the Kaduna event included former Governor Muktar Ramallan Yero, Senator Tijjani Kaura, who represented Abdulaziz Yari, as well as the Emir of Wase, Mohammed Haruna.
Also represented were Governor Uba Sani and Governor Nasiru Karan Gwandu, alongside the Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Issa Aremu.
The prayer gatherings underscored the role of faith-based interventions in promoting national cohesion and support for leadership during a critical period in Nigeria’s development.
