The Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, alongside other prominent traditional rulers and Islamic scholars, led special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday as he marked his 74th birthday at the National Mosque in Abuja.
President Tinubu arrived at the mosque shortly after 3:00 p.m., participated in the special prayers, and later observed the Asr prayer with Muslim faithful before leaving the venue.
The prayer session, which attracted governors, ministers, politicians, and worshippers from across the country, focused on seeking Allah’s guidance, wisdom, good health, and strength for the President as he leads the nation.
The Etsu Nupe described the gathering as a solemn spiritual exercise rather than a celebration. He emphasised the need for continuous prayers for national peace, unity, and development.
He also appealed for government support towards the maintenance and welfare needs of the National Mosque.
The Emir of Keffi, Chindo Yamusa, commended the President’s efforts to address economic challenges and support states. 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 offered prayers for the President’s well-being and for the country’s stability. The session featured the recitation of the complete Holy Qur’an 111 times by over 300 scholars, along with special supplications for Nigeria’s progress.
Conveying the President’s appreciation, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin thanked the religious leaders, government officials, and attendees for their prayers and support.
He said President Tinubu remains committed to national unity and development, and stressed the importance of continued prayers for the success of his administration.
The event concluded with Professor Imam Ibrahim Maqari offering prayers for lasting 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.
In attendance were former Governor of Kaduna State, Mukhtar Ramallan Yero, and Senator Tijjani Kaura Tafida, who represented Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
Also present were His Royal Highness Mohammed Haruna, Emir of Wase; representatives of Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State; Governor Nasiru Idris Gwandu of Kebbi State; and Comrade Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS).
