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Tag: Imam

  • Imams hold special prayers for Tinubu, Namadi, national peace, unity

    Imams hold special prayers for Tinubu, Namadi, national peace, unity

    Hundreds of Islamic scholars under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Imams on Wednesday converged on the Dutse Emir’s Palace Juma’at Mosque, Garu, Jigawa State, to offer special prayers for divine guidance and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umar Namadi, and other Nigerian leaders.

    The scholars recited the complete holy Quran for more than 1,000, prayed for wisdom and success for the President and state governors, Malam Umar Namadi, in addressing the nation’s socio-economic and security challenges with a focus on peace, unity, and sustainable development.

    The special prayer session was held under the leadership of the National Chairman of the Association, Sheikh Muhammad Adam, and was attended by the Jigawa State Secretary to the Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Mohammed Hamim Nuhu, and the Dutse local government council chairman, Dr Sibo Abdullahi, as well as national and state executive members of the association.

    Speaking to journalists after the prayer, Sheikh Adam said the initiative was part of a nationwide programme tagged National Prayer for Peace, Unity and Divine Guidance, organised to seek Allah’s intervention in the affairs of the country.

    He said the prayer exercise was timely, noting that Nigeria was at a critical stage where strong leadership, collective resolve, and divine guidance were required to overcome prevailing challenges.

    According to him, Nigeria remains “a nation blessed with abundant resources and resilient people,” stressing that through prayer, humility, and unity of purpose, the country could achieve peace, justice, and prosperity.

    Sheikh Adam said the association deliberately included prayers for President Tinubu and Governor Namadi, noting that effective leadership at the federal and state levels was key to improving security and social development.

    Read Also: Ekiti youths to stage 10,000-man march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    The National Chairman disclosed that the prayer programme, which was kick-started in Kano State on January 15, 2026, is being observed across the nineteen northern states of the federation, with the participation of Imams, traditional rulers, and civil society representatives.

    He added that the Jigawa State chapter was hosting the prayer session on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

    The association also called on Nigerians of all faiths to join in prayers for national healing, unity, and lasting peace, especially in areas affected by conflict and insecurity.

    Also speaking during the special prayer, the emir of Dutse, Alhaji Mohammed Hamim Nuhu, called on the Imams to double their effort on preaching the importance of peace and unity, as it has been the bedrock of all development.

    Alhaji Mohammed Hamim Nuhu warned Muslims against bad comments against leaders, saying, “As you all know, it is prohibited by God Almighty. Be prayerful and make good prayers for the country and leaders, which would be reflected on you.”

    He commended the organizers of the prayer, the Imams who give their time to attend the prayer season.

  • CAN mourns Imam who saved 262 Christians during 2018 killings

    CAN mourns Imam who saved 262 Christians during 2018 killings

    The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday commended the bravery of late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi who saved 262 Christians during a violent massacre in 2018 in Plateau. 

    CAN hailed Abdullahi for standing firmly on the side of humanity when it mattered most. 

    While paying tribute to whom it described as an extraordinary religious leader whose life and actions remain a profound testimony to courage, compassion, and our shared humanity, CAN said his death his painful. 

    Abdullahi died at 92.

    A statement by the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, reads: “The late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi will forever be remembered for his rare moral bravery and selflessness at a time of grave danger. By choosing to protect innocent lives at great personal risk, he saved 262 Christians during a violent massacre in 2018.

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    “His actions transcended religious boundaries and powerfully affirmed that the sanctity of human life is sacred above all else.

    “This singular act of heroism did more than save lives. It reinforced hope, strengthened interfaith harmony, and reminded our nation that peace is possible when conscience, love, and faith guide our actions. In a world often divided by suspicion and hatred, the Imam stood as a bridge-builder and a living symbol of what true religion represents.

    “It was in recognition of this exceptional service to humanity that CAN honoured him with an award during its Sapphire Anniversary celebrations in 2021. While plaques may fade with time, his legacy will endure as a shining example for religious leaders, communities, and generations to come.

    “CAN believes that such courage deserves not only remembrance but amplification. We therefore call for continued honour to his memory, including engagement with his family and broad public recognition of his noble sacrifice, so that his story may inspire unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence across our nation.

    “As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well lived in service to God and humanity. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his community, and all who were touched by his remarkable example. May his legacy continue to speak where words fall short”.

  • Appointment of new Imam: You lack power to sack religious leaders, Oyo monarch knocks Soun 

    Appointment of new Imam: You lack power to sack religious leaders, Oyo monarch knocks Soun 

    The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has thrown his weight behind the embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Talihat Yunus Ayilara, saying traditional rulers lack the power to sack religious leaders.

    Recall that the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye had on Friday appointed Habib Ayilara as the Chief Imam for his palace, a move interpreted by the Muslim community in the town as a plot to replace Tahilat Ayilara as the Chief Imam.

    Ayilara has been embroiled in a controversy with Oba Olaoye in recent times.

    The crisis has led to a legal suit, which is being heard by an Oyo State High Court. The suit seeks the removal of Tabilat Ayilara as the Chief Imam.

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    Also, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) criticised Soun’s move, describing it as a “subterfuge to weaken Islam, a stratagem to enslave Muslims and a chicanery to exploit the Muslim population of Ogbomoso.”

    But a statement on Tuesday by Oba Alao urged MURIC to sheathe its sword, stressing that stakeholders in Ogbomoso will not allow anything that can divide the Ogbomoso Muslim community.

    “My attention and those of elders and critical stakeholders in Ogbomoso has been drawn to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)’s criticism of the appointment of Habib Ayilara as the Palace Chief Imam by His Royal Majesty Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, on Friday.

    “MURIC’s concern about the controversy is well noted. I, however, urge MURIC to sheathe its sword as various stakeholders in Ogbomoso are on top of the issue. Ogbomoso is a peaceful place where people of different religious beliefs cohabit in love.

    “As a major stakeholder in Ogbomoso Zone, and the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, I can confirm that stakeholders in Ogbomoso land are working hard to ensure that the Muslim community in Ogbomoso is not allowed to be divided.

    “I am assuring MURIC and other Nigerians are concerned about the ugly development that we will not sit by and allow the promotion of division in the Ogbomoso Muslim community.

    “Besides, there is a pending suit on the matter in the court of law which means that Sheik Ayilara remains the Chief Imam except the court decides otherwise. I call on those fanning embers of division to desist, otherwise, they will meet their Waterloo.

    “As a foremost traditional ruler, I am fully aware that monarchs do not have executive power over Chief Imams or other religious leaders. Our roles over religious groups, associations, and others in our kingdoms are advisory. Only the government has the constitutional right to remove a properly installed religious leader, and such a decision must follow a constitutional process.

    “As obas, we are custodians of our culture and traditions, rightly promoting our values and heritage. Traditional rulers in Oyo State are not partisan on religious affairs.

    “Aside from community leaders, the Oyo State Government does not interfere in religious issues. It is fair to both Muslim and Christian communities.

    “Traditional rulers should be guided so they won’t fan the ember of division in their kingdoms. We should stand on the path of truth.

    “I, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, stand with the only Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara. Let him continue to perform his duties as the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso because he is the one chosen by the Muslim community.

    “MURIC and all Muslim stakeholders have no reason to worry because there is a pending lawsuit on the issue, and stakeholders in Ogbomoso are with the Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara.”

  • Imams, Islamic scholars to Buhari: wipe out terrorist activities in Nigeria

    Imams and Senior Islamic scholars from the 36 states of the Federation at the FCT on Friday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to leave no stone unturned towards wiping out terrorists activities in the country.

    The group, who was led to the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja by Professor Shehu A. S. Galadanci, the Murshid, National Mosque Abuja, noted that apart from terrorists activities in the North East, there have been increasing kidnapping, raping and illicit drug consumption in other parts of the country.

    At the closed doors meeting, he also congratulated the President on his reelection as President of the country.

    A copy of the presentation to the President reads “In this verse Almighty Allah has clearly told the Believers; that it is He and He alone that gives power (Mulk) to whom He likes and strips off power away from whom He pleases.

    “He does what He likes and nobody has power to prevent the happening of what He does.

    “We thank the Almighty for gracefully and graciously placing Your Excellency in this exalted and elevated position as the leader, the President of this country. Thanks be to Him also for giving us this wonderful country with numerous bounties such as fertile land, minerals and human resources.” he said.

    Read Also; Buhari meets Imams, Islamic scholars in Aso Rock

    He went on “This group of ‘Ulama’ who represent the entire ‘Ulama’ in this country are here today to congratulate Your Excellency Sincerely for your overwhelming victory at the Presidential poll that took place a few weeks ago.

    “This victory, no doubt demonstrates that the desire of the majority of Nigerians is to ensure the continuity of your administration to the next level.

    “We pray that Almighty Allah will grant you the ability to continue with the excellent work you have been doing in the country

    “Your Excellency Mr. President praise be to Almighty Allah for giving you health, power, wisdom, courage, determination and fear of Allah to make possible for you to bring many changes in the country. The many projects you started have already yielded fruition.”

    According to him, many Nigerians, a few years, were only sleeping with one eye opened.

    Noting that they now sleep with both eyes closed due to the achievement of the administration in securing the nation, he said that there is still more to be done.

    He said “We thank you for these remarkable achievements. It is true, however, that there are still some pockets of terrorist activities in some remote areas, and we pray that Allah will continue to give you power to annihilate them and wipe them off completely.

    “We wish to request Your Excellency that a few additional terrorist activities that have started to spread in this country such as kidnapping, raping and illicit drug consumption, should be dealt with.

    “We hope you will deal with them in the same way you are dealing with Boko Haram.” he stated

    Noting the achievements of the administration in Agriculture, he said “We now produce what we eat and we eat what we produce.

    “What your government has been able to achieve are indeed numerous, and time may not permit mentioning them at the moment.

    “But a few more must be mentioned in passing: these are fighting against corruption providing infrastructural facilities such as roads, railways and waterways among others; these are conspicuously seen by all.“

  • Imam: Sunset at noon

    Malam Imam Dalhatu Imam,  my good friend,  brother, schoolmate and colleague departed this world in the early hours of Friday, April 26, 2018, after a brief illness.

    I first met him  in Kaduna Polytechnic. We came in the same year but he was a  year ahead of me and we remained very close friends, such that it was said that we belonged to the same school of thought, even though I couldn’t fathom what that meant.

    We became even closer when he was elected president of Mass Communication Students’ Association (MACOSA) and fate had it that I was to succeed him in that position.  Even at that level,  I recall with nostalgia the matured role he played and support he gave me to emerge in that hotly contested election.  It was his  belief and conviction that as aspiring journalists then,  we should bear the light by shedding primordial sentiments that were being pushed by some retrogressive elements . That was your philosophy and what you  stood and fought for all through your short, impactful and eventful life.

    After graduating from school, we parted ways but kept in touch and fortunately, destiny brought us together when you were appointed the Special Adviser on Media & Public Affairs to the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and our relationship continued to blossom within those four years.

    Again, as fate would have it, you moved over to Sokoto with our big brother and leader,  His Excellency, Governor Aminu Tambuwal and again,  I succeeded you in the position you had held in the House of Representatives.

    Dalhatu, you were a friend that stayed closer than a brother.  You were there for me through thick and thin.  Whenever I encountered any challenge or difficulty in my work,  you were the first point of call.  You never hesitated to offer your counsel and suggestions which always helped.

    Our bond continued to wax strong and even extended to our families. You were with me during my wedding and I am eternally indebted and would forever remain grateful  to you for the brotherly love, friendship and support you gave me both in cash and kind. Although all arrangements had been perfected, Imam chauffeured me and my wife to and from the  church and also to the reception venue. He  was all over the place as the chief event planner.

    Memories of you and your children when you brought them to my house for my daughter’s birthday is still fresh in our hearts.

    Ever smiling and hardly provoked to anger, Imam, you were a fine gentleman, humble,  down to earth, never pretentious, hard working and a visionary whose leadership qualities began to manifest very early in life.

    You were a leader, rare gem,  and a family man who possessed a high sense of reasoning and sound judgement, a good and brilliant writer who, within short  period,  reached the peak of the journalism profession  due to your prowess, humility and brilliance.

    Imam started his  career in New Nigerian Newspapers Kaduna and excelled as sports writer and editor. He would later move to Thisday Newspaper where he rose from  Zamfara State correspondent to Kaduna  Bureau Chief  and then, the Group Political Editor of the paper.

    People knew Imam as a journalist and PR professional but he was also an entrepreneur and an educationist who invested so much  in providing quality and affordable education to children of the less privileged in the society, including scholarship for brilliant and indegent students. Imam was sponsoring not fewer than twenty children in universities, tertiary and secondary schools.

    As I entered the ICU along with others to remove Imam’s body  for his final journey home,  the grim reality of the mystery of life and death dawned on me.

    Just few hours back he was alive,  we cracked jokes, talked and I left him but in a twinkle of an eye there he was laying lifeless. I was once again reminded that death is a necessary end and it comes when it will come. It has taken you away from us.

    We will greatly  and sorely miss you but your  two wives and four children and indeed, your beloved mother,  brothers and sisters who were there with you at the hospital will miss you more.

    His Excellency, Rt.  Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal,  will miss you.  He has lost a trusted and worthy aide,  because while you worked for him,  you gave out your best and helped project him to the world, such that you became a reference point as far as image management in Nigeria is concerned.  You led the way while others followed with your style of writing, innovative approach to issues and your exemplary human relations.

    Of all his sterling qualities, Governor Tambuwal is known more for his courage but he couldn’t hold back his tears when he arrived the hospital to convey your body to your house.  I saw him weeping for your loss and I pray God will comfort him.

    Your relationship with your boss was enviable. I recall you told me how Tambuwal stood by, protected and defended you, even against his political interest and under much pressure from people who saw you as an “alien” who had come from far away Taraba to occupy a very plum position in their state.  Only God will reward Governor Tambuwal for what he did for Imam.

    I still cannot believe that you are gone!

    Myself and Mohammed Isa Funtua were with you on Thursday evening, and a few hours before your death,  myself and Yukubu Tulu  went to visit you and we met your mom beside you.

    You had recovered but had to stay back to rest on doctors’ order. I remember you told us that you switched on your mobile phone to read news during your rest and someone in particular called twice but you couldn’t answer the call and then the person sent a text message in Hausa, saying, “Allah ya mana arziki mu rabu da wulakanci”, which means, “may God make us wealthy so that we won’t be humiliated”.  May God forgive that fellow.

    When all is said and done,  your family, your children and wives will be left alone widowed and fatherless.  I pray God gives us the heart to remember them, especially baby Aminu, who is barely two months old.  Adieu, my brother and friend.

     

    • Hassan writes from Abuja.

  • Assembly asks police to apologise for arrest of Imam, 400 others in Mushin

    Lagos State House of Assembly has demanded an  apology from the police for the arrest and detention of an Imam and 400 residents of Mushin.

    It directed the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Azeez Sanni, to write the police that the apology be published in a national newspaper.

    The clerk will also condole with the police on the death of their officer in the February 28 raid on Alaka during which the alfa and others were arrested.

    The letter, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa directed, should also caution the police against indiscriminate arrest  and detention of people.

    The resolution followed a matter of urgent public importance brought by Sabur Olawale Olayiwola, representing Mushin Constituency I.

    According to Olayiwola, the police raided his constituencies on February 28 after the alleged killing of a police officer in Akala.

    He said the Imam was arrested on his way from the mosque along with over 400 residents.

    The suspects, he said,  were  taken to a mobile court and were about to be taken to Badagry Prison when he intervened. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Adeniji Kazeem, the lawmaker added,  got them released on bail.

    Describing the matter as worrisome, he said, the Commissioner of Police Imohimi Edgal and his men should be  asked to apologise to the affected persons.

    Speaker Obasa, while commiserating with the police on the death of one of their officers, praised Olayiwola and another member Mrs Adefunmilayo Tejuosho for their efforts on the matter.

    “There is need for the police to be civil in their manner. They cannot continue to arrest and detain people anyhow. We commend the gallant men of the police and those, who lost their lives in the cause of protecting the people,  but some of their actions are not good enough.

    “It is not right to arrest people, display Indian hemps before them and detain them without proper investigation,” he said.

    Earlier, Tejuosho said it was painful that the police could treat the imam and others in such a manner.

    The people, she said,  should have been interrogated;  the innocent released and those found culpable  prosecuted.

    Majority Leader Sanai Agunbiade said there was procedure for arresting and detaining suspects.

    He said the display of Indian hemp with the suspects could not be substantiated, adding that suspects should not be presumed guilty before trial.

  • Farewell to people’s Imam

    Farewell to people’s Imam

    The late Chief Iman of Lagos, Sheikah Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, died on September 24 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja. He was 79.

    Sheikh Ibrahim was born on December 7, 1937 (1356AH) into the family of Ibrahim Ankuri of Isale Eko in Lagos.

    His father was Alfa Tijani Ibrahim, who was also one of the former Chief Imams of Lagos. Alfa Tijani became the Imam of Lagos 10 years after Imam Garuba Akinola Ibrahim was born.

    Alfa Tijani died in 1954, six years before Nigeria got her independence. The late Sheikh Ibrahim’s mother was Hajia Ibrahim popularly called as “Iya lle Kewu.”

    Ibrahim’s family is among those entitled to the position of the Chief Imam of Lagos. The family has a history of generations of succeeding Imams in Lagos – from Alfa (Imam) Ibrahim Ankuri to Alfa (Imam) Tijani Ibrahim and Imam Liadi Ibrahim.

    Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim is a descendant of Alfa Nafiu Gana.

    Imam Garuba grew up on Lagos Island. He attended the Ahmadiyya Primary School Elegbata in Lagos. Thereafter, he moved to Government College, Ibadan, Oyo State, for his secondary school education.

    He started elementary Arabic and Islamic education under the tutelage of Alfa Abdul Rahman Suyuti, who he joined to visit some cities in Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

    After acquiring sufficient knowledge, he joined the transport company of former Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Abdul Waheed Elias, called Elias Transport Service.

    He later joined the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) in 1965. He retired after 32 years of service in 1997. While in service, he attended series of courses at home and abroad. He became a Senior Manager at the Currency Department of the company before he retired.

    He was installed the Chief Imam of Lagos on July 4 2000. He succeeded his brother, the late Imam Liadi Alade Ibrahim (OBE), who was the Chief Imam of Lagos between 1959 and 1998.

    Before he became the Chief Imam, Sheikh Mujitaba Giwa acted as the Acting Chief Imam of Lagos.

  • Ramadan: Imam urges feeding of poor, needy

    Chief Imam of Arkilla Juma’at Mosque in Wamakko local government of Sokoto state Sheik Yusuf Alibawa has called on wealthy Muslims to take advantage of the rewards in the month of Ramadan to feed the poor and the needy.

    Alibawa, who made the call while delivering the Friday sermon, noted that there were enormous rewards from God for any Muslim who assist those fasting with food.

    He appealed particularly to Muslims not to leave states and local governments alone with the feeding of Muslim Ummah.

    “The Ramadan feeding centres established by the Sokoto state and local governments should not be left to them alone.

    “Wealthy individuals should also use their wealth to open same so they can reap Allah’s mountain of rewards in this holy month,” he stressed.

    Alibawa appealed to Muslim faithful to continue praying fervently for Nigeria anD leaders during and after the Ramadan period for the peace, stability and good democratic governance.

  • Kingibe, Jiga, Imam eye SGF

    Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, Ambassador Baba Jiga, Alhaji Kashim Imam and Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu are among those eyeing SGF in the Buhari Administration, it was learnt yesterday.

    A party source said these eminent Nigerians were leaving no stone unturned to get the position, which is considered a key appointment.

    However, it was learnt that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership wants a candidate from the South. According to the source, the agitation for the zoning of the position to either the Southeast or Southsouth gathered momentum, following the emergence of the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate Leader from the North.

    Kingibe, seasoned diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jiga and Imam are from Borno State. Onu, a former university teacher and Third Republic governor of Abia State, is from Abia State.

    The source said: “The three politicians are eminently qualified for the position. They have experience. But, the President and the party will brainstorm on the appointment and the President will make the right choice.”

     

  • Imam asks Muslims to pray for country at Ramadan

    Imam asks Muslims to pray for country at Ramadan

    The Chief Imam of Apo Legislator’s Quarters’ Jumat Mosque, Sheikh Muhammed Khalid, on Monday urged Muslims in the country to get close to Allah and pray for the country.

    Khalid gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    He said Muslims should see the month of Ramadan as an opportunity to increase their charity giving, spiritual purification and prayers for their fellow Muslims and the country as a whole.

    He urged the Muslims to use the auspicious month for sober reflection, saying that it was a month that all the Muslims all over the world were expected to right their wrongs.

    He also advised Nigerians to engage in more spiritual activities, ask for forgiveness of sins and strive to attain righteousness and piety.

    The imam also advised Muslims to make the Holy Quran their companion.

    He called on Muslims to always do the right thing, not only in the month of Ramadan, but in all other months, to make the society a peaceful place to live in.

    Khalid said fasting in the month of Ramadan was one of the five pillars of Islam, which every true Muslim must be part of.

    He said it was compulsory for all good Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan, except for those exempted by the Holy Quran.
    He said that the exemptions were only for the pregnant women, the aged and the very sick, among others.

    He called on all Nigerians to pray for the country and join hands with the government in tackling insurgency and other anti-social activities.

    Also, Malam AbdulJelil Kilani, Deputy Chief Imam, Islamic Youth League of Nigeria (IYL), Mosque, urged Muslims to show mercy on the less privileged.

    This, he said, would go a long way in reducing their sufferings and conditions of living.

    “ Those that show mercy and tried to reduce the suffering of the less privileged ones during the month of Ramadan, will have abundant reward here and in the hereafter.

    “Those that show mercy on the less privileged will also receive same from those above them,’’ he said.

    He urged Muslims to see the month as a month of sacrifice, spiritual purification and devotion to the worship of the Almighty Allah.

    Kilani warned Muslims not to engage in activities capable of jeopardizing the peace and tranquillity of the country.

    He called on Nigerians to pray seriously for the new government to succeed.

    A Muslim faithful, Malam Muhammed Abdulsalam, said fasting was one of the fundamental principles of Islam that must be obeyed by all Muslims irrespective of their status.

    According to him, every Muslims must fast during the month of Ramadan, except exempted as stated in the holy Quran.

    He urged Muslims to be righteous in whatever they do, not only during the month of Ramadan but always.

    Abdulsalam also urged Muslims to use the month of fasting to increase their charity, spiritual cleansing and closeness to the Almighty Allah.