The Council will bring together Muslim leaders, public office holders and representatives of Islamic organisations for a two-day programme focused on prayer, consultation and issues affecting Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, will convene a Special National Prayer for Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, September 30, followed the next day by the Council’s General Assembly, its highest decision-making organ.

The national prayer, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Abuja National Mosque Complex, will provide an opportunity for Muslims to collectively seek Allah’s guidance, protection, peace and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens.

The Council will then hold its General Assembly at the same venue on Thursday, October 1, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The General Assembly is the largest gathering of the NSCIA and serves as a broad platform for consultation, reflection and consideration of issues affecting the Council, the Muslim Ummah and the nation.

The Assembly is headed by Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and includes the Deputy President-General (North) and Shehu of Borno, HRH Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, CFR; Deputy President-General (South), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, FCS; Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, FNAL; and Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu.

Muslim public office holders, including governors, members of the Legislature, ministers, heads of government agencies and chief executive officers, will also form part of the Assembly.

The Assembly will also include representatives of the 36 State Councils for Islamic Affairs and the Federal Capital Territory, representatives of Islamic organisations, members of the General Purpose Committee (GPC) and Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC), as well as prominent Muslim personalities from across Nigeria.

The NSCIA has called on all invited members, representatives and stakeholders to make adequate arrangements to participate in both programmes and contribute to their success.

The Council has urged Muslims across Nigeria to use the occasion of the national prayer to seek continued peace, unity, security, good governance and sustainable development in the country.