Nigeria@66: Muslims unite in prayers for peace, stability, prosperity

* From the National Mosque to state capitals, Imams, FG and governors focus on peace, accountability, patriotism and shared prosperity

As Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday, October 1, Muslim faithful across the country have used special Juma’at services to pray for peace, stability and prosperity, while Muslim scholars and government representatives called for national unity, responsible leadership, good citizenship and practical action.

Muslim News gathered that the special prayers, held on Friday, September 25, at the National Mosque and central mosques across the country, formed part of the Federal Government’s low-key programme for the anniversary.

The anniversary is being marked under the theme, “From reforms to stability, consolidating Nigeria’s renewed hope for shared prosperity.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, after weeks away on medical leave, is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on October 1

National Mosque: Imam focuses on knowledge, integrity, unity

At the National Mosque in Abuja, the focus of the special khutbah delivered by the Imam, Professor Luqman Zakariyah, went beyond prayers for Nigeria. He challenged both government and citizens to recognise their responsibilities in building the country.

Prof. Zakariyah identified knowledge, responsible management of resources, sincerity in the discharge of duties and love for one another as important foundations for national development.

He particularly called on government to strengthen education, arguing that education should not be limited to university certificates but should also transmit Nigerian culture and values to younger generations.

The Imam also linked inadequate knowledge and awareness to some of the country’s security challenges, including banditry, terrorism and extremism.

He urged citizens to protect public infrastructure and use national resources responsibly rather than allowing waste and mismanagement to undermine development.

His message extended to the workplace, where he called on workers and employers to honour their responsibilities.

The reverred Muslim scholar emphasised punctuality, discipline, respect and sincerity in the discharge of duties, presenting integrity as a national obligation rather than merely a personal virtue.

Prof. Zakariyah also placed national unity and inclusion at the centre of his message, urging Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to work together and stressing that the country belongs to all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional differences.

He called on Muslims and Christians to demonstrate the values of their faith through responsible citizenship.

He subsequently prayed for Nigeria’s leaders, asking Allah to grant them wisdom and bring an end to insecurity and other challenges confronting the country.

FG: Hope, reforms and shared prosperity

The Federal Government’s message at the National Mosque was closely connected to the anniversary theme. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, told Nigerians that the country was moving towards greater development and prosperity and urged them not to lose hope despite the difficulties of recent years.

The President described Nigeria at 66 as a mature nation whose journey since independence had included both challenges and opportunities.

His message sought to place the current economic reforms within a longer national journey, while appealing for patience and continued faith in the country’s future.

Lagos: Unity and shared responsibility

In Lagos, the Special Juma’at service at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, produced perhaps one of the clearest messages about the relationship between government and citizens.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, identified disunity and the absence of a shared national purpose as major obstacles to Nigeria’s progress.

Hamzat argued that Nigeria has the human talent, resources and capacity required for development but needs citizens to work together rather than allowing ethnic, religious and other divisions to weaken the country.

The Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Yunuss Al-Imam, reinforced the message by urging Nigerians to reject tribalism and religious intolerance and promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

“I want to urge the congregation to shun tribalism, religious intolerance and traditional conflicts, and instead embrace peace, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence for the progress and development of society,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Imams, Dr. Sa’ed Ahmad, encouraged citizens to use the Independence anniversary for reflection, gratitude and prayer, while taking responsibility for their individual contributions to national development.

Kaduna: Trust and accountability

At the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna, the emphasis was on trust, truthfulness and integrity in public and private life.

The Deputy Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdullahi Aliyu, reminded political leaders and citizens that positions of authority and material possessions are temporary and constitute trusts for which people will ultimately be accountable.

He applied the principle of trust to both governance and commerce, urging Nigerians to examine whether honesty, fairness and responsibility guide their actions. The special prayers also sought peace, stability and economic prosperity for Nigeria and Kaduna State, with prayers for President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.

Ogun: Peace, responsible citizenship and economic relief

At the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, the Ogun State Government’s message centred on peace, responsible citizenship and maintaining hope despite economic difficulties.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, called on Islamic scholars and religious leaders to use their pulpits to promote peace, tolerance, honesty, compassion and responsible citizenship.

The sermon by Alfa Mohammed Begori also addressed the economic pressure facing Nigerians, with a call on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to reduce the cost of fuel and essential commodities.

Kwara: Peace, unity and support for leadership

At the Ilorin Central Mosque, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dazuki, focused his prayers on sustainable peace, unity and continued national progress.

The service also emphasised the role of citizens in supporting those entrusted with public responsibilities, with the Muslim faithful urged to pray for and support leaders so that they can succeed in their responsibilities.

Rivers: Patriotism and national values

In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara used the special Juma’at service at the Rivers State Central Mosque in Port Harcourt to call for patriotism, peace, unity and loyalty to Nigeria.

Represented by the Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Muslim Pilgrims Board, Alhaji Abdurrazaq Cline Diepriye, the governor urged citizens to uphold the founding values of the nation and remain committed to peaceful coexistence.

Cross River: Inclusion and peaceful coexistence

At the Izala Central Mosque in Calabar, the Cross River State Government highlighted inclusion, unity and peaceful coexistence.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Apostle Frank Umo, assured Muslims that they remained an integral part of the state and pointed to government empowerment initiatives involving members of the Muslim community.

The government also urged citizens to remain patient with ongoing reforms while working collectively to protect the state and the country.

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