Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has come forward to deny involvement in organizing a seven-day national prayer event reportedly aimed at addressing the nation’s economic and social difficulties.
Reports circulating on various media platforms claimed that the First Lady and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu were leading an initiative to gather religious leaders for a united prayer session.
This prayer initiative, announced as “Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs,” was said to be a collaboration with Christian and Muslim leaders across the nation.
The Director General of the National Prayer Forum (NPF), Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan, publicly introduced the event in Abuja. He highlighted the need for unity, saying, “Nigeria is at a critical moment, and this national prayer is a call for unity among all citizens to seek divine help in overcoming our challenges.”
The reported prayer event aimed to address various crises facing Nigeria, including economic hardship, insecurity, and social unrest.
The event’s structure reportedly involved coordinated gatherings across major religious centers in Abuja. According to the organizers, Muslim participants were to gather at the National Mosque, where 313 people would perform Qur’anic recitations totaling 2,191 readings over seven days.
Similarly, Christian participants were to meet at the National Ecumenical Centre, with representatives from multiple denominations coming together to pray for Nigeria’s healing and stability.
Chief Afolorunikan emphasized that this gathering would “foster resilience and a renewed sense of purpose among Nigerians” as the country moves forward toward 2025.
Preparations reportedly involved the collaboration of the National Mosque, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto.
In a surprising twist, however, Oluremi Tinubu’s spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, released a statement on Saturday denying the First Lady’s involvement in the event.
Kukoyi addressed the rumors directly, stating, “This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is not organizing a National Prayer.”
She described the reports as “unfounded and misleading,” urging Nigerians to disregard the news circulating on social and traditional media.
“This news is false,” Kukoyi stated firmly. “The First Lady is a firm believer in prayer and encourages all Nigerians to pray for the country. However, she did not initiate or endorse any specific national prayer event at this time.”
The First Lady’s statement clarified that while she values the act of prayer, she believes it should be an individual, willing act of devotion.
Kukoyi elaborated, “Prayer is a responsibility for every Nigerian, regardless of their religion, tribe, or political background.”
The statement also advised the public to seek information regarding the First Lady or her Office through verified channels to avoid misinformation.
“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady or her Office through official channels,” the statement added.
Despite Kukoyi’s firm rebuttal, the initial announcement had already generated public interest, with many Nigerians reacting on social media.
