National Mosque Imam Urges Nigerians to Unite, Protect National Resources
Nigeria’s 66 years of independence should be a renewed call for citizens to take responsibility for the country’s unity, development and security, Chief Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Imam Professor Lukman Zakaria, has urged.
Speaking during a special Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja, to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, Imam Zakaria stressed that nation-building cannot be left to government alone.
He identified knowledge, responsible use of national resources, sincerity in service and love among citizens as essential ingredients for building a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.
According to him, every Nigerian has a duty to contribute to the progress of the country, regardless of position, ethnic background, religion or geopolitical zone.
“The responsibility of keeping this country at the height is not just only on the government. All the citizens have responsibility and duty to play. If you want to promote and develop a country, we need four things to be done. The first one is knowledge,” he said.
Imam Zakaria called on government to invest more in education and ensure that Nigerian history, culture and national values are properly taught in schools and universities.
He warned that inadequate knowledge and the erosion of national values could create conditions that encourage social vices, including terrorism and extremism.
On the management of Nigeria’s natural and economic resources, the Chief Imam urged citizens and those entrusted with public responsibilities to change their attitude towards resource utilisation, stressing the need to avoid waste and mismanagement.
He also called for greater sincerity, discipline and diligence in workplaces, while urging Nigerians to respect constituted authority and carry out their responsibilities conscientiously.
Beyond resources and education, Imam Zakaria placed love and unity at the centre of Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to look beyond ethnic, religious and geopolitical differences.
He appealed to the Federal Government to strengthen relationships among Nigeria’s diverse communities and ensure that every citizen feels a sense of belonging.
“If we do not love each other, any country where there is no love in it will fall apart. All the geopolitical zones should come together to realise that the country is for them, and not for someone or part of the country. We are all stakeholders in this country,” he said.
The Chief Imam also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other leaders and the nation, asking Allah to grant them wisdom to steer Nigeria towards greater development.
Prayers were equally offered for an end to insecurity and for peace, unity and prosperity across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described 66 years of independence as a significant milestone that should encourage Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey.
While acknowledging the challenges and missed opportunities of the past, Abbas expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future and urged citizens not to lose hope.
“People should not lose hope. Peace is coming back to this country. Development is coming back to this country. Things will get better as we progress in this democracy. I want to categorically make it clear that Nigeria is on the right path, that there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
Abbas appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and support efforts aimed at addressing the challenges confronting the nation.
Dignitaries at the special Juma’at prayer included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Information and National Orientation; the Etsu Nupe; the Niger State Governor; the Kogi State Governor; senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
Immediately after the special Juma’at prayer, Imam Zakaria conducted the Salatul Janazah for the remains of former Kogi State Governor, the late Ibrahim Idris, and three other deceased persons.
The gathering therefore combined prayers for the living nation with a solemn farewell to the dead, as religious leaders and public officials renewed calls for peace, unity and responsible citizenship.
