The Muslim News Nigeria team joined the Turkish community and other well-wishers in Abuja on Wednesday night to commemorate the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.
The celebration marked the historic proclamation of the Republic in 1923, honouring the nation’s enduring legacy of resilience, unity, and progress.
It also paid tribute to the visionary leadership and sacrifices of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of modern Türkiye. READ MORE HERE
Led by its Publisher, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar, the Muslim News delegation joined Türkiye’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Mehmet Poroy, senior embassy officials, Nigerian ministers, parliamentarians, and other distinguished guests at the colourful event, which radiated pride and a deep sense of national identity.
Highlights of the evening included the delivery of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official message by Amb. Poroy, rich networking opportunities, and a delightful array of Turkish cuisine. READ MORE HERE
Publisher congratulates Türkiye, urges Nigeria to draw inspiration from Its progress
Speaking after the event, Alhaji Abubakar congratulated the government and the good people of Türkiye on the occasion of the Republic’s 102nd anniversary, describing it as a “landmark celebration.”
He expressed gratitude to the Turkish Embassy in Abuja for inviting the Muslim News team to the commemorative reception, calling it a great honour.
“In line with the tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him), which encourages Muslims to honour invitations from fellow brothers, especially for feasts, our team at Muslim News Nigeria was delighted to participate in the celebration,” he said.
Alhaji Abubakar noted that the anniversary celebration went beyond dining and socialising, highlighting its significance in reflecting on the sacrifices of Türkiye’s founding fathers and the legacy they left behind.
“Over the past three to four decades, Türkiye has recorded tremendous achievements and has emerged as a major global power. Economically and militarily, Türkiye is among the strongest — a key NATO member and an influential peace broker across the world,” he said, praising President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s consistent efforts in promoting peace in crisis regions.
It is worth recalling that President Erdoğan was named Muslim News Nigeria’s Global Muslim Personality of the Year for three consecutive years — an honour recognising his unwavering commitment to defending Islam, advocating for oppressed Muslims worldwide, and promoting justice and humanity at large.
Alhaji Abubakar called on Nigeria to learn from Türkiye’s development path, saying, “We want to see a Nigeria that is economically robust and militarily strong. Nigeria should rise to play a leading role on the global stage.”
On his part, Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo, a member of the Muslim News Nigeria board and Senior Correspondent with The Nation newspaper, described the evening as a memorable one, praising Türkiye’s open and collaborative foreign policy.
Happy 102nd Republic Day, #Türkiye! 🇹🇷
On this historic occasion of the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, @muslimnews_NG extends warm congratulations to President Tayyip Erdoğan & the resilient people of Türkiye#TurkUnity #Ataturk #25yıldıretkinlik pic.twitter.com/q4r6qFGhHL
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) October 30, 2025
“The night brought together over 500 guests from various walks of life to celebrate Türkiye. It reflects the country’s openness and goodwill towards the global community.
“When you open your doors for others to celebrate with you, it shows transparency and a desire for your national policies and values to be seen, understood, and embraced by the world,” he noted.
Also speaking, Hajiah Shakirat Adunola, a member of the Muslim News Nigeria board and a reporter with The Guardian newspaper, highlighted the culture of respect and equal treatment on display at the event, describing it as a true testament to Türkiye’s renowned hospitality.
Looking back, she said missing such a key event would have been a deep regret.
“I was particularly struck by the atmosphere of inclusivity and warmth, where every guest, regardless of background, was treated with equal respect and consideration.
“There was a palpable sense that everyone was valued equally, which truly elevated the experience,” she added.
Hajia Adunola expressed profound appreciation to the Republic of Türkiye, saying it was a great pleasure to experience authentic Turkish cuisine for the first time — a culinary journey she described as truly delightful.
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