Tinubu prays God’s intervention over Nigeria’s challenges
Son of the President, Yinka Tinubu (left); Vice President Kashim Shettima; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Deputy Senate President, Jubril Barau; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and Chief Executive Officer, Oando, Wale Tinubu during the Jumat prayer to mark President Tinubu’s 73th birthday at the National Mosque, Abuja… on Friday.
Tinubu prays God’s intervention over Nigeria’s challenges.
President Bola Tinubu on Friday sought divine intervention in tackling the myriad of pressing challenges besetting Nigeria, including ensuring national stability, fostering peace, and safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens.
President Tinubu had joined fellow Muslims at the National Mosque in Abuja for a special prayer session for the nation ahead of his 73rd birthday on Saturday, March 29. He also used the occasion to thank God for preserving him in the onerous task of piloting the affairs of the nation.
Speaking shortly after he emerged from the Mosque, where he observed two Rakat Jumaat prayers to commemorate his 73rd birthday, the President said: “I prayed for our country to stabilise, keep in peace and safeguard all the citizens.”
On his 73rd birthday, the President expressed joy and gratitude to Almighty Allah for safeguarding him throughout his life and for answering his prayers.
He said: “I feel good; I feel happy and we give thanks to Almighty Allah that has protected us so far. May He (SWT) continue to answer our prayers and accept our ibadah. That is key and very important to all of us; a prayer for our country to stabilise, keep in peace and safeguard our people.”
President Tinubu added that he found renewed inspiration to recommit himself to serving and upholding his dedication to the Nigerian nation.
“Well, the word for all of these is hard work; you work harder, you pray harder. That is the inspiration that I got from all of these. We thank God Almighty that at this stage we are in it.”
Tinubu’s birthday coincides with the peak of the holy month of Ramadan and comes two months before his administration’s second anniversary.
The President had in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, invited the public to also join the prayer session in spirit by offering prayers at their respective places of worship or wherever they may be, reinforcing a nationwide commitment to unity and shared destiny.
He expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and goodwill as his administration works to advance economic reforms, strengthen national security, and expand opportunities for all citizens.
He stated: “I am deeply thankful to Allah for the gift of life and the privilege to serve this great nation. As I mark another birthday and look forward to our second anniversary, my heart is filled with Renewed Hope for Nigeria. I urge all citizens to pray for divine guidance, unity, and healing for our land. Together, we shall overcome challenges and build a nation where every citizen thrives.”
Meanwhile, the candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the last governorship election in Ondo State, who is also a member of the TakeItBack Movement, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, has said that Tinubu’s call for prayers for his administration amounts to consciously plundering them to mass pains and hardships.
He said the plea, “is to say the least, audaciously embarrassing; an injurious confidence to inflict the wounds and rub salt on same”, noting that Nigerians must trash his pleas and reply with organised mass actions.
Ajayi noted that the gradual decline in the effects of religion as a tool usually used by the ruling class is a testament to rising social consciousness.
“Religious leaders should just start looking towards the examples of Latin America where churches helped against the imperialists and their national bad regimes. The people are hungrier than ever as food subsidies have been removed too.
“The wicked resort to sharing disgraceful crumbs as palliatives is an attempt to distract the new austerity for the masses as they have imposed for the past two years. Muslims, Christians and indeed, all Nigerians should come together to lead the country to a new world,” he said.
By Terhemba Daka, Sodiq Omolaoye (Abuja) and Gbenga Akinfenwa (Lagos)
