Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, will lead a national prayer event to seek divine intervention in Nigeria’s many crises.
The event, which brings together both Christian and Muslim leaders, is organized by the National Prayer Forum (NPF).
Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan, Director General of the NPF, announced the initiative during a press briefing in Abuja, with the theme “Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs.”
According to Afolorunikan, the idea behind the prayer session is to unite Nigerians in collective prayer to address economic, security, and social hardships.
“By the end of this prayer session, we believe that with God’s wisdom, our leaders and citizens will find the strength to confront our common enemies,” he said.
The national prayer initiative aims to provide hope for Nigerians facing increasing hardships across the country.
Afolorunikan expressed hope that the event will lead Nigeria into 2025 with renewed stability and purpose.
The prayer sessions will take place at two key locations: the National Mosque in Abuja for Muslims and the National Ecumenical Centre for Christians.
For seven days, Muslims will gather at the National Mosque, where 313 participants are expected to recite the Qur’an daily.
This effort will culminate in a total of 2,191 recitations of the Holy Qur’an as a powerful appeal for Nigeria’s stability.
Afolorunikan emphasized the significance of these prayers, noting that they are a symbol of unity and a means to seek divine support in overcoming the country’s difficulties.
Simultaneously, Christian prayer warriors from various denominations will meet at the National Ecumenical Centre, also for a week of intense prayer.
These prayers will focus on Nigeria’s challenges, including security concerns, economic hardships, and other pressing issues that have affected the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Afolorunikan explained that the NPF had reached out to key leaders in the religious community to ensure broad participation.
He noted that consultations were held with the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), leaders of the National Mosque, and prominent traditional figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto.
“The unity of our religious leaders is essential to the success of this event,” Afolorunikan said.
He expressed confidence that their involvement would encourage Nigerians from all walks of life to join in the prayers.
“This is a moment for Nigerians to come together, regardless of religion, to pray for the healing and progress of our nation,” she said in a recent statement.
The involvement of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also reflects the severity of Nigeria’s security challenges.
With issues like banditry, insurgency, and kidnappings impacting communities, Ribadu’s participation highlights the urgency of finding solutions.
He believes that unity and prayer can help foster a sense of shared responsibility and resilience among Nigerians.
“We are facing difficult times, but through unity, faith, and determination, we can rebuild and overcome,” Ribadu remarked.
The prayer sessions come at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with inflation, high food prices, and fuel scarcity, which have added to the daily burdens of life.
In addition, persistent security issues have left many feeling uncertain about the future.
The NPF’s decision to include both Muslim and Christian leaders reflects a commitment to inclusivity and national unity.
Afolorunikan noted that prayers are often a source of strength and comfort, especially in difficult times.
He believes that this collective effort will inspire hope and a sense of purpose among Nigerians.
“We must approach this challenge with faith and unity,” he said.
The organizers hope that the event will inspire Nigerians to hold onto hope and find renewed strength as they navigate the country’s challenges.
Beyond the prayer sessions, the NPF plans to hold outreach programs in various communities to encourage Nigerians to join the movement for national healing.
Afolorunikan said that the NPF aims to create a supportive network of religious leaders who can provide guidance and encouragement to their followers.
“This is not just about a one-time event,” he explained. “We want to build a lasting foundation of hope and faith that can support our nation in the years to come.”
The prayer sessions are set to begin next week, and organizers expect a large turnout at both the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre.
