National Mosque Appoints  First Igbo Man As Imam

By Gideon Njoku

For the first time since 1984 when the Abuja National Mosque was built, an Igboman has been appointed an Imam.

The appointment of Ilyas Imam, the first Igboman Professor of Arabic, has excited Nigeria’s 25,000-strong Igbo Muslim Community.

By this appointment, Professor Usman joins the three other sitting Imams at the National Mosque, two of whom are currently active because one is battling ill- health.

The two active Imams who Professor Usman will now join in the conduct of Juma’ah and daily congregational prayers are Professors Ibrahim Makari and Muhammad Kabir. The fourth Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura, from South-west, has, for a long time, not been leading prayers due to ill-health. The overall Head and Spiritual Guide (Murshid) is Professor Shehu Ahmad Said Galadanci. He is the Mosque’s General Administrator.

Reacting to Professor Usman’s appointment, the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), in a statement congratulated him on his appointment.

The Statement reads, “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 unity, peace and piety.

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

The statement which was signed by the Group’s Ag. National Chairman and National Executive Secretary, Dr Suleiman Afikpo and Ustaz Sirajuddeen Ugwu, respectively, added: “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 National Mosque, Abuja, was built in 1984 and opened officially to the public in 1991.