NSCIA Prays For Peace, Stability As Nigeria Marks 66th Independence Anniversary

Muslim and traditional leaders have offered special prayers for peace, security and stability in Nigeria as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The prayer, organised by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, was held at the National Mosque Complex, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The gathering brought together Islamic scholars, imams, traditional rulers and Muslim representatives from across the country, with insecurity, poverty, hunger and economic challenges featuring prominently in prayers and discussions.

In his welcome address, the NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, said the programme was part of the Council’s responsibility towards national development and provided an opportunity to pray for Nigeria, its leaders and the religious community.

Oloyede, however, stressed that prayer must be accompanied by a stronger relationship with Allah, urging Muslims to improve their relationship with their Creator and uphold their responsibilities to the nation.

“We owe it a duty, a religious duty indeed, to pray for Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s linguistic diversity was no barrier to collective supplication, explaining that while Arabic remained required for certain canonical acts of worship, Muslims could make personal supplications in languages through which they could best express themselves.

The national prayer was followed by a lecture delivered by Sheikh Professor Khalid Aliyu Abubakar on “The Importance of Nation-Building and the Values of Prayers.”

Sheikh Khalid said nation-building required the active contribution of citizens and institutions, urging Nigerians not to remain detached from the challenges confronting the country.

Drawing on Islamic teachings and Prophet Ibrahim’s supplication for the security and wellbeing of a community, he called on Nigerians to contribute positively to their communities and the wider society.

He also urged religious leaders to guide Muslims towards constructive participation in national development while continuing to pray for peace, security, economic prosperity and the wellbeing of families and communities.

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Professor) Saka Adelola Matemilola, said traditional rulers had a crucial role to play in maintaining peace because of their close links with communities and the respect they command.

The monarch urged traditional rulers to remain non-partisan, particularly during periods of political tension, saying their influence should be deployed to promote balance and prevent disagreements from escalating into conflicts.

He also identified poverty and economic deprivation as factors capable of contributing to insecurity and social problems, urging traditional rulers to work with political leaders and communities to address the challenges.

Oba Matemilola further called on the next generation of Islamic scholars to combine religious knowledge with good character and exemplary conduct.

At the National Mosque, Imam Eze Haroun said the gathering offered an opportunity to commit Nigeria and its people to Allah and seek divine intervention in the country’s difficulties.

“We are praying that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala should come in and take control and bring back peace, bring back stability, bring back development to our nation,” he said.

He also stressed the need for guidance and sincerity among Nigeria’s leaders, while highlighting the significance of Islamic and traditional leaders coming together from different parts of the country.

The special prayer marked the first part of a two-day NSCIA programme at the National Mosque Complex.

The Council’s General Assembly, its highest decision-making organ, is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, at the same venue.

The Assembly is expected to bring together members of the Council, representatives of State Councils for Islamic Affairs and Islamic organisations, Muslim public office holders and other prominent Muslim personalities for consultations on issues affecting the Muslim community and the country.