By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Nigeria’s foremost Islamic and traditional leaders on Sunday gathered at the National Mosque to offer special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he marked his 74th birthday.
The gathering was described as a solemn spiritual exercise rather than a celebratory event.
The President arrived at the mosque shortly after 3:00 p.m., joining Muslim faithful for the prayer session before observing the Asr prayer and departing quietly.
The gathering drew a cross-section of Nigeria’s political and religious elite, including governors, ministers and prominent clerics, all united in supplication for the nation’s peace and the President’s stewardship.
The prayer session was led on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto by the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, who underscored the importance of sustained prayers for Nigeria’s unity, stability and development.
He stressed that the occasion was not one for festivity, but a moment of spiritual reflection and intercession for the country’s leadership.
The Etsu Nupe also used the occasion to call for increased government support towards the upkeep and welfare of the National Mosque, highlighting its significance as a unifying religious institution.
In his remarks, the Emir of Keffi, Chindo Yamusa, commended President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenges.
He noted that recent interventions, particularly in salary payments and infrastructure development, were beginning to yield tangible results, citing improvements in Nasarawa State as a case in point.
The event featured extensive spiritual activities, including the recitation of the Holy Qur’an 111 times by more than 300 Islamic scholars drawn from different sects across the country.
Special prayers were offered for the President’s health, wisdom and strength, as well as for Nigeria’s continued progress and stability.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, expressed appreciation to the religious leaders and attendees for their prayers and unwavering support.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fostering national unity and advancing development across the federation, while urging Nigerians to continue offering prayers for the success of the government.
The session concluded with a final supplication led by Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari, who prayed for enduring peace, prosperity and stability in the country.
Meanwhile, a parallel prayer session organised by the Arewa Think Tank was held in Kaduna in honour of the President.
The event attracted notable figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Muktar Ramallan Yero and Senator Tijjani Kaura Tafida, who represented Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
Also in attendance were the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Haruna, representatives of Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, Kebbi State Governor, Nasiru Idris, and Comrade Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies.
