The National Mosque, Abuja, has named Professor Ilyas Usman as its newest Imam. Usman, who is renowned as the first Professor of Arabic from Igboland, joins the esteemed ranks of the mosque’s spiritual leadership.
As the newest member of the team, he will now assist the two active Imams, Professor Ibrahim Makari and Professor Muhammad Kabir, in leading the daily congregational prayers and the Friday Juma’ah prayers. This comes as Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura from Southwest Nigeria remains unavailable for prayer duties due to illness.
The 25,000-capacity National Mosque, which was constructed in 1984 and opened to the public in 1991, now has three active Imams alongside the Murshid, Professor Shehu Ahmad Sai’d Galadanci, who serves as the mosque’s spiritual guide and overall head.
Reaction to Appointment the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON) expressed their support and offered prayers for Usman’s success in his new role. In a congratulatory statement, they said,
“We, the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja. This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.”
They continued, “We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety.”
The group also acknowledged the inclusive nature of the mosque’s leadership and Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), praising the efforts of its President General, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
In a statement signed by SEMON’s Acting National Chairman, Dr. Suleiman Afikpo, and National Executive Secretary, Ustaz Sirajuddeen Ugwu, the organisation added, “We pray that this achievement serves as an uplift for the Igbo Muslim community in Nigeria, showcasing their contributions and dedications to Islam and the Ummah at large.”
This appointment highlights a significant step toward inclusivity and recognition of the diverse Muslim communities in Nigeria, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the National Mosque.