By Suleiman Abubakar MAPSA
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the appointment of five new imams to the Abuja National Mosque. This decision, aimed at enhancing the mosque's capacity to fulfill its religious and social responsibilities, was disclosed in a communique issued after the 10th meeting of the Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC) held at the mosque.
According to the communique signed by Prof. Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary-General of NSCIA, the appointments are subject to clearance by the Fatwa Committee of the Council. The newly appointed imams include:
Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu (Visiting Imam, North Central)
Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu (Visiting Imam, North Central)
Prof. Luqman Zakariyah (Resident Imam, Southwest)
Ustadh Haroun Muhammad Eze Esq. (Resident Imam, Southeast)
The existing imams are:
Prof. Ibrahim Makari (Visiting Imam, Northwest)
Prof. Muhammad Kabir (Visiting Imam, Northeast)
Prof. Ilyas Usman (Visiting Imam, Southeast)
Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura (Resident Imam, Southwest), currently on sick leave.
The meeting, chaired by the President-General of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, was attended by notable Muslim leaders, including Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar (Etsu Nupe), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede (Secretary-General, NSCIA), and Prof. Muslih Yahaya (Executive Secretary, MUSWEN).
In addition to the appointments, the council addressed pressing national issues, urging the federal and state governments, the National Assembly, and the political class to foster trust, dialogue, and consultation, particularly on tax reform bills.
The council commended efforts by the Federal Government, traditional rulers, and religious leaders in reducing communal clashes and called for prioritizing food security and education. It also encouraged Nigerians to support the government in combating illegal mining activities, which it linked to the rising number of out-of-school children.
The council further emphasized the need to alleviate the economic hardship faced by citizens by creating a more business-friendly environment to maximize the benefits of ongoing reforms.
