The Ghanaian Minaret

Abuja, Nigeria: The National Mosque of Nigeria in Abuja has appointed Professor Ilyas Usman, the first Igbo Professor of Arabic language as an Imam.

The Imam from South East joins three other imams in the rotational duty of conducting the Juma’ah and daily obligatory congregational prayers at the 25,000-capacity National Mosque built in 1984 and officially opened to the public in 1991.

The Imams include Prof. Ibrahim Makari, Prof. Muhammad Kabir, and Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura, who is currently indisposed due to ill health.

The South East Muslims Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON) welcomed the appointment, congratulated the Imam, and prayed to Allah for the wisdom and strength to discharge the sacred duty of Imamate.

“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.

“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety,” it said in a statement.

The organisation also commended the leadership of the National Mosque and the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) for promoting inclusivity.

“We pray that this achievement serves as an uplift for the Igbo Muslim community in Nigeria, showcasing their contributions and dedications to Islam and the Ummah at large,” the group said in a statement signed by its Acting National Chairman, Dr. Suleiman Afikpo, and National Executive Secretary, Ustaz Sirajuddeen Ugwu.

Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines have expressed hope that the appointment will inspire peace, unity, and progress in the Muslim Ummah.

Among them is Peter Obi, an influential Nigerian politician who also expressed his excitement and expressed his confidence in Prof. Usman’s ability to lead with integrity and compassion.

“May Allah grant you the wisdom and strength to carry out the special spiritual assignment. And may your exemplary service to Islam, the Muslim community, and the nation help to engender the much-needed peace by deepening spirituality in our national lives,” he added.