By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Association of Nigerian Imams has organised a special prayer session for peace in Minna, the Niger State capit...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Association of Nigerian Imams has organised a special prayer session for peace in Minna, the Niger State capital, as part of efforts to address the country’s growing security challenges.
Speaking at the event, the General Secretary of the Association, Dr Umar Farooq Abdallah, who is also the Chief Imam of Bosso Estate and host of the programme, said Nigeria is facing grave challenges marked by bloodshed that is difficult to comprehend.
He explained that the Association deemed it necessary to mobilise communities to seek divine intervention through prayers.
“We held similar prayer sessions in Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states, and today we are in Niger State. Before Ramadan, we plan to hold another session in either Bauchi or Jos, Plateau State,” he said.
Dr Abdallah expressed optimism that God would accept their prayers and bring an end to the country’s security crisis.
“We have tried force and weapons without achieving the desired results. We believe that if we return to God sincerely, we will succeed,” he added, while calling on government authorities to also seek divine guidance.
Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State, who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, commended the Association for organising the prayer session in the state.
He noted that Niger State is among those heavily affected by insecurity but assured that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, is doing its best to address the situation.
“The governor remains committed despite the challenges. Security is a collective responsibility, and everyone has a role to play. Our administration is focused on peace, unity and meaningful development in Niger State,” the deputy governor said.
He called on residents to continue supporting the government, expressing confidence that the security challenges would soon be overcome with God’s grace.
The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, who chaired the event, described the initiative as commendable and assured participants of the Assembly’s support for efforts aimed at restoring peace.
“The Assembly is monitoring the measures taken by the governor and is satisfied with the steps so far. We will continue to support the government in its quest to bring relief to the current situation,” he said.
Also speaking, Hon. Isma’ila Modibbo, a former Chairman of Rafi Local Government and member representing Rafi, Munya and Shiroro Federal Constituency, emphasised the importance of prayer, citing previous instances where prayers yielded positive results.
He urged both Muslims and Christians to unite in seeking divine intervention, expressing confidence that God would respond to sincere supplications.
The National Vice Chairman of the Association and Sarkin Malaman Adamawa, Sheikh Muhammad Mustapha, said the prayer initiative has been held across several states in the country to promote unity and collective supplication.
“Even as Ramadan approaches, we will continue organising prayer sessions in approved states and take advantage of the fasting period to intensify prayers before and after Sallah,” he said.
The prayer session, held at the Central Friday Mosque in Minna on Wednesday, was attended by prominent Islamic scholars, representatives of religious organisations and senior officials of the Niger State Government.
.jpeg)
No comments