Madina: The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Ulama Team has organized a special prayer for President Bola Tinubu and Nigerian leaders for divine assistance in addressing insecurity and fostering national transformation. Sheikh Afini Yusuf AbduIbari, Chairman of the Council of Imams and Alfas in Etiosa, Lagos State, revealed this initiative during a conversation with newsmen in Madina.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, AbduIbari emphasized that the prayer aimed to support the nation’s leadership, especially the President, who has been actively engaged in his duties since taking office. “The President has hit the ground since he assumed the office, and he has not shown any sign of tiredness today. So, we need to continue to pray for him, and that is the purpose we are here,” he stated. The prayer also sought divine intervention against national insecurity and for the wellbeing of all political leaders.
AbduIbari explained that the ulama participating in the prayer were selected by NAHCON for the enlightenment of pilgrims from the South-West region, including Lagos, Osun, and Oyo States. “We are chosen as ulamas from various parts of the South-West. We are here from Lagos, Osun and Oyo States. All of us are here. So, we gather to pray as ulamas,” he added.
He also praised NAHCON’s improved airlift operation for pilgrims, particularly the achievements of its Madina office in managing pilgrims’ reception, accommodation, and feeding. “By now, we know all the pilgrims that have come to Medina and those who have gone back to Mecca. They are almost 40,000 already. That tells you that the operation is smooth,” AbduIbari noted.
Discussing the responsibilities of the ulama, AbduIbari highlighted their role in educating pilgrims on the pilgrimage’s significance and requirements. He confirmed that these educational efforts were thorough in Madina and would continue in Makkah. “Specifically, the pilgrims have been made to know that they have been called upon to come and perform pilgrimage by Almighty Allah. It means that they are fortunate,” he explained.
Sheikh Ridwan Mustapha Sunusi, another member of the ulama, expressed that the special prayer was intended to support governmental efforts in transforming Nigeria. Sunusi remarked, “We see that the government is trying all its efforts. So, what remains for us is just the prayer so that Nigeria will be good.”
Sunusi also advised pilgrims to comply with the laws and regulations of both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, emphasizing adherence to Islamic laws and the respective national regulations.