By Our Reporter
Islamic leaders, led by the Sultan of Sokoto and represented by the Etsu Nupe, on Sunday held special prayers for Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he marked his 74th birthday at the National Mosque Abuja.
President Tinubu arrived at the mosque a few minutes after 3:00 p.m., where he joined the special prayer session and later observed the Asr prayer alongside Muslim faithful before departing the venue.
The prayer session drew governors, ministers, politicians, and worshippers from across the country. Prayers were offered for Allah’s guidance, wisdom, good health, and strength for the President as he continues to steer the affairs of the nation.
In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe described the gathering as a solemn spiritual exercise rather than a celebration, stressing the importance of continuous prayers for national peace, unity, and development. He also appealed for government support towards the maintenance and welfare needs of the National Mosque.
Similarly, the Emir of Keffi, Chindo Yamusa, commended the President’s efforts to address economic challenges and support state governments. He noted that interventions in salary payments and infrastructure development were already yielding positive results, particularly in Nasarawa State.
Islamic scholars from various sects across Nigeria also offered prayers for the President’s well-being and the country’s stability. The session featured the recitation of the complete Holy Qur’an 111 times by over 300 scholars, alongside special supplications for Nigeria’s progress.
Conveying the President’s appreciation, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, thanked religious leaders, government officials, and all attendees for their prayers and support.
He said President Tinubu remains committed to national unity and development, emphasizing the importance of sustained prayers for the success of his administration.
The event concluded with a closing prayer by Professor Ibrahim Maqari, who prayed for enduring peace, prosperity, and stability in Nigeria.
A separate prayer session organised by the Arewa Think Tank was also held in Kaduna in honour of the President.
Those in attendance at the Kaduna event included former Governor of Kaduna State, Muktar Ramalan Yero, and Tijjani Kaura, who represented Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
Also present were His Royal Highness, Emir of Wase; representatives of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris; and Comrade Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS).