The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced plans to hold a special national prayer for Nigeria in Abuja on September 30. The event, scheduled to take place at the Abuja National Mosque Complex, will bring together traditional rulers, political leaders, and Muslim dignitaries. The prayer session, set to run from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, will be led by the NSCIA President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The NSCIA has mobilized Muslim governors, members of the National Assembly, ministers, and other public officials to participate in the gathering. Emirs and representatives of Islamic organisations and State Councils for Islamic Affairs are also expected to attend. According to the council, the national prayer is an opportunity for Muslims to collectively seek divine intervention for the country, with a focus on peace, security, unity, good governance, and national progress.
The NSCIA Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, announced the programme in a statement on Tuesday, urging invited participants and Muslims across the country to make arrangements to attend. The national prayer will precede the council’s General Assembly, scheduled to take place at the Abuja National Mosque Complex on October 1. The General Assembly is expected to bring together a wider cross-section of Muslim leadership.
The October 1 meeting will feature key Muslim leaders, including the Deputy President-General (North) and Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, and Deputy President-General (South), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo. Other notable attendees include the Secretary-General, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, and Deputy Secretary-General, Prof Salisu Shehu. Representatives of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as Muslim governors, lawmakers, and ministers, will also be in attendance.
According to the NSCIA, the General Assembly will provide a platform for consultation and deliberation on matters affecting the NSCIA, the Muslim Ummah, and the country. The council has urged participants to attend both engagements and called on Muslims nationwide to use the occasion to pray for the country. The events are expected to draw a large gathering of Muslim leaders and dignitaries.
The Abuja National Mosque Complex has been chosen as the venue for both events, which will bring together a wide range of Muslim leaders and dignitaries. The NSCIA has extended invitations to Muslim governors, lawmakers, ministers, and heads of government agencies, as well as Islamic organisations. The council is optimistic about the potential impact of the national prayer and General Assembly.
The national prayer and General Assembly are significant events for the Muslim community in Nigeria, providing an opportunity for collective prayer and discussion on issues affecting the country. The NSCIA has played a key role in organizing the events, which are expected to promote unity and cooperation among Muslim leaders.
Key points
- The NSCIA national prayer will focus on peace, security, unity, good governance, and national progress.
