The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has appointed five additional resident and visiting Imams to serve at the National Mosque in Abuja, bringing the total number of Imams at the mosque to eight.
The new appointees, announced during a press briefing at the mosque’s boardroom on Tuesday, include Prof. Ilyasu Tochukwu Usman (visiting Imam, Enugu State), Prof. Luqman Zakariyah (resident Imam, Osun State), Sheikh Abdulkadir Salman PhD (visiting Imam, Kwara State), Barr. Haroun Muhammed Eze (resident Imam, Enugu State), and Prof. Khalid Aliyu Abubakar (visiting Imam, Plateau State).
The Secretary-General of NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, highlighted that the appointments aim to strengthen the mosque’s religious affairs unit and enhance its role as a hub for worship, training, learning, and scholarship.
He further noted that the selection process, which involved the General Purpose Committee and the National Fatwa Committee, ensured the new Imams were endorsed as eminently qualified, both in character and scholarship.
Prof. Oloyede stated, “This auspicious occasion is a milestone not only in the annals of the Abuja National Mosque but also in the life of the entire Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, on whose behalf the NSCIA holds the mosque in trust.”
He also reflected on the council’s promise, made in November 2017, to appoint more Imams from the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones.
According to him, the unveiling of the five additional Imams is a fulfillment of that commitment and part of the broader vision to further develop the National Mosque.
Since its establishment in 1984, the National Mosque has served as a spiritual and administrative center for the Muslim faithful in Nigeria.
Prof. Oloyede emphasized that the appointments align with the NSCIA’s objective of appointing individuals who exemplify both scholarship and moral integrity to oversee spiritual activities.
He also hinted at plans for more appointments to further bolster the leadership of the mosque’s religious affairs unit.
The appointments were made under the leadership of the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The new Imams join the existing team comprising Prof. Ibrahim Makari (visiting Imam), Prof. Muhammad Kabir (visiting Imam), and Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura.
The announcement marks another step in the NSCIA’s efforts to ensure the National Mosque remains a beacon of Islamic faith, education, and community development.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
