THE First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu has refuted claims that she is organising a national prayer over the country’s economic challenges.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports on 4th November 2024 that the First Lady and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, have concluded arrangements to hold a national prayer session involving Christian and Muslim religious leaders, to seek divine intervention for Nigeria’s social, economic, and security issues, under the theme ‘Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs.’
The report quoted Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan, Director-General of the National Prayer Forum (NPF). According to him, the event will take place over a week, with Muslims congregating at the National Mosque, where 313 participants will recite the Qur’an, totalling 2,191 recitations dedicated to national peace.
Christians will equally gather at the National Ecumenical Centre, with prayer warriors from various denominations focusing on Nigeria’s ongoing adversities.
Speaking further, Chief Afolorunikan said as part of the preparations, NPF leaders have engaged with the National Mosque, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and key traditional figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, to ensure broad participation and support.
Organisers hope the prayer sessions will inspire a renewed sense of purpose and stability as Nigeria moves towards 2025.
“Unity is crucial for finding lasting solutions. By the end of this prayer session, we believe that with God’s wisdom, our leaders and citizens will find the strength to confront our common enemies.
“The prayer sessions will take place at significant venues: Muslims will gather at the National Mosque in Abuja for seven days, during which 313 individuals will recite the Qur’an, culminating in the recitation of the Holy text 2,191 times for national stability.
“Christians will meet at the National Ecumenical Centre for a week of intense prayer, with prayer warriors from various denominations focusing their efforts on the nation’s adversities.
“Extensive outreach had been conducted, including meetings with leaders from the National Mosque, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and traditional leaders such as the Sultan of Sokoto”, Chief Afolorunikan stated
However, Busola Kukoyi, the spokesperson to the First Lady, has described the claims as not only misleading but also unfounded.
“This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON is not organising a National Prayer,” she said in a Saturday statement.
“The news making rounds in some conventional and social media platforms is unfounded and misleading. Consequently, anyone who might have come across the purported news of the joint National Prayer for Nigeria should disregard it as false.”
Warning people to verify the authenticity of news about her principal, Busola, however, said the First Lady understands the importance of praying for the country.
“Whilst the First Lady, a Christian and strong advocate of prayer and praying for Nigeria believes that prayer is an act that must be done willingly, conscientiously and correctly. She also believes that praying for Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief, political affiliation, tribe or tongue,” the media aide added.
“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady of Nigeria or her Office through Official channels.
“Kindly be advised accordingly.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media notes that the First Lady’s rebuttal not only came five days after the initial report but also did not make any mention of Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan, Director-General of the National Prayer Forum (NPF), to whom the initial report was attributed.
Eighteen-Eleven Media