Solemn prayers mark President’s 74th birthday
Islamic leaders across country yesterday offered special prayers for national peace, unity and progress as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his 74th birthday. It was a solemn gathering at the
- Stories by Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
Islamic leaders across country yesterday offered special prayers for national peace, unity and progress as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his 74th birthday.
It was a solemn gathering at the National Mosque in Abuja.
The prayer session was led by the Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, alongside prominent traditional rulers and Islamic scholars from across the country.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, 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 Muslim faithful before departing the venue.
The gathering, which attracted governors, ministers, political leaders and worshippers, focused on seeking Allah’s guidance, wisdom, good health and strength for the President as he continues to steer the affairs of the nation.
Describing the occasion as a solemn spiritual session rather than a celebration, the Etsu Nupe stressed the importance of sustained prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and development.
He also appealed for increased government support for the upkeep and welfare of the National Mosque.
The Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Chindo Yamusa, commended the President’s efforts at addressing economic challenges and supporting subnational governments, noting that interventions in salary payments and infrastructure development were already yielding positive outcomes, particularly in Nasarawa State.
Read Also: Fed Govt awards N2.2bn grants to 45 students of higher institutions
Islamic scholars drawn from various sects across the country offered prayers for the President’s well-being and the stability of Nigeria.
The session featured the recitation of the complete Holy Qur’an 111 times by more than 300 scholars, alongside special supplications for national progress.
Conveying the President’s appreciation, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, thanked religious leaders and participants for their prayers and continued support.
He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to national unity and development, underscoring the need for sustained prayers for the success of his administration.
The event concluded with a closing prayer by Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari, who prayed for enduring peace, prosperity and stability in Nigeria.
A similar prayer session organised by the Arewa Think Tank was held in Kaduna in honour of the President.
The event was attended by former Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Muktar Ramallan Yero; Senator Tijjani Kaura Tafida, who represented Senator Abdulaziz Yari; the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Haruna; representatives of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and Kebbi State Governor Nasiru Karan Gwandu, as well as the Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu.
