Abuja National Mosque Gets First Igbo Imam, Ilyas Usman

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The management of Abuja National Mosque has boosted the ranks of its clerics with the appointment of Professor Iliyasu Usman as the first-ever Igbo Muslim Imam.

Prof Usman was also expected to enter the record books today while delivering his inaugural khutbah (sermon) during the Jumm’at prayer.

The first Professor of Arabic in Igboland, Usman has joined the congregation of the three existing Imams at the National Mosque.

He will now support the two active Imams, Prof Ibrahim Makari and Prof Muhammad Kabir, in leading the Juma’ah and daily congregational prayers on a rotational basis while the fourth Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura from the Southwest Nigeria, has been on sick leave and absent from leading prayers for an extended period

With the newly appointed Imam from South East, the 25,000-capacity National Mosque of Nigeria built in 1984 and officially opened to the public in 1991 now have three (3) active Imams in addition to the Murshid, Prof. Shehu Ahmad Sai’d Galadanci, who is the overall head, spiritual guide or general administrator.

The appointment of Prof. Usman has been widely celebrated by the Muslim community, particularly among the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON) which prayed that Allah should grant him the wisdom and strength to discharge the sacred duty.

Congratulating Prof Usman on the appointment which it described as a reflection of his dedication to Islamic scholarship and leadership, the body 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.

“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.

“We also attest to the inclusiveness of the leadership of the National Mosque and Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President General, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar,” the statement read.

“Furthermore, 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,” the group said

The statement was signed by its Acting National Chairman, Dr. Suleiman Afikpo and National Executive Secretary, Ustaz Sirajuddeen Ugwu.

It was gathered that Muslims across the country were expected to gather at the Abuja National Mosque today to witness this historic occasion.