From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday asked Nigerians to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders in the country.
Saraki equally asked them to continue to pray for peace and prosperity in the country. “All of us irrespective of tribal and religious affiliations should work for the progress of the country,” he admonished. Saraki said such prayers by all Nigerians would bring about the desired peaceful co-existence and engender the growth of the nation in the face of global economic down-turn and insecurity.
The Senate President, who spoke at the 31st Annual Maolid of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, held in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, extolled the virtues of the late sage. The event was organised worldwide by the Majmahu Ahbab Shiekh Ibrahim Niass with members of Tijaniyah group movement across Nigeria and other Africa countries in attendance. Also speaking,the Kwara state governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed, charged religions leaders in the country to shun all forms of hate preaching that could ignite crises among adherents of various faiths, especially youths. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, the governor congratulated the organisers group for hosting the event in Ilorin, stressing that his administration will continue to create enabling environment for educative, religions and other meaningful activities to thrive in the state. Also, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari described late Sheikh Ibrahim Niass as a sincere and pious religions cleric whose landmark achievements and legacies have continue to gain importance even many years after his death.
The Emir said: “Today is my happiest day since the day I have been on the throne as the Emir of Ilorin. I am overwhelmed and I sincerely congratulate Khalifah Sheikh Tijani Niass for his presence as well as Sheik Dahiru Bauchi.”