By Rasheeda Yahaya 

?The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has convened a national prayer session at the National Mosque, Abuja, bringing together Islamic scholars, chief imams, and community representatives from all six geopolitical zones to seek divine intervention for peace, security, economic prosperity, and responsible leadership in Nigeria.

Organized under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, the gathering served as a unified platform for national reflection and spiritual dedication across political divides.

?Speaking at the event, the Secretary-General of the NSCIA and immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized that the initiative was a religious and civic duty rather than a political affair.

He urged Nigerians to continuously pray for divine guidance for national leaders and political participants, regardless of their party affiliations.

Echoing this sentiment, Imam of the National Mosque and Deputy National Legal Adviser of the NSCIA, Imam Harun Mohammed Eze, noted that prayers were specifically offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the National Assembly, the judiciary, and other public office holders, while highlighting the urgent need for sincerity, commitment, and spiritual guidance in governance to alleviate widespread challenges such as insecurity, hunger, and poverty.

?The widespread participation of prominent clerics including representatives of Chief Imams from Offa, Delta, Imo, and Borno States, the Mufti of Ilorin, the Sarkin Malami of Sokoto State, the President of the League of Imams and Alfas of South-West Nigeria, and the Wakili Musulumi of Yorubaland demonstrated a strong sense of Muslim unity and national solidarity.

Delivering a keynote admonition, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, also an Imam at the National Mosque, called on citizens to remain steadfastly committed to education, peace, economic growth, and the overall well-being of families and communities, reinforcing the NSCIA's message of recommitting Nigeria and its leadership to divine guidance for a more stable and prosperous future.