By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Huffazul Qur’an and Scholars Association, Niger State Chapter, has conducted special prayers for newly sworn-i...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Huffazul Qur’an and Scholars Association, Niger State Chapter, has conducted special prayers for newly sworn-in local government chairmen and commissioners in the state.
The prayer session was held at the Shakwata Friday Mosque, the hometown of the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area, Hon. Mustapha Jibrin Alheri.
In a statement, the state chairman of the association, Gwani Sheikh Hussaini Abubakar Shakwata, who is also the Chief Imam of the Shakwata Friday Mosque, said the Qur’an recitation and special prayers were organised in view of the prevailing security challenges in the state.
According to him, the prayers were aimed at seeking divine intervention and guidance for the newly sworn-in leaders to enable them to shoulder the responsibilities entrusted to them.
He explained that the association regularly conducts similar prayers, particularly at the main Friday Mosque in Minna, but noted that Shakwata was chosen on this occasion because one of the elected local government chairmen is a native of the community.
“This Friday Mosque is one of the centres where we regularly conduct Qur’anic recitations, with 71 Alaramma participating in the exercise,” he said.
Also speaking, Ambassador Sheikh Musa Adamu, Imam of the household of former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and North-Central Coordinator of the association, said the recitation marked the conclusion of a statewide exercise.
He disclosed that a total of 1,111 complete recitations of the Holy Qur’an had been conducted across Tsangaya schools in the state, with 11 recitations concluding the exercise in Shakwata.
“Our prayer is that God guides these leaders and grants them the wisdom and strength to implement policies that will bring development to Niger State,” he said.
He also offered prayers for the governor, the President, and other leaders across the country, urging Nigerians to continue praying for peace, security, and national development.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. Its peace and progress are our collective responsibility,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Hausa community and the District Head of Shakwata, Dan Azumi Muhammad thanked God for the emergence of Hon. Mustapha Alheri as Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area and expressed gratitude to the people of the area for electing him.
He said the choice of Shakwata Friday Mosque for the closing prayers was deliberate, noting that the community is a model of peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups, including Hausa, Gbagyi, Nupe, Kambari and Dakarkari.
“Our unity, despite our diversity, is the foundation of the development we are witnessing today,” he said.
Dan Azumi also commended Hon. Alheri’s leadership, recalling his previous service as Commissioner for Health and describing him as a dedicated public servant who has brought his experience to bear in promoting development and tackling youth gang violence in Chanchaga Local Government Area.
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