Over 50,000 Muslims Gather at Ilaji Resort for Hijrah 1448 Celebration, Pray for Tinubu, Nigeria
More than 50,000 Muslim faithful on Saturday converged on Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran, Ibadan, Oyo State, to commemorate the 1448 AH Hijrah celebration with prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, peace, security and prosperity in Nigeria.
The event, hosted by the Okanlomo of Oodua and Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, attracted Islamic scholars, Chief Imams, traditional rulers, political leaders and members of various Muslim organisations from across the state.
The gathering was led by the Grand Chief Imam of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States and President of the League of Imams and Alfas of Oyo State, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, alongside zonal Chief Imams from across Oyo State.
Delivering the keynote sermon, Sheikh Alawaye described the Hijrah as a symbol of sacrifice, perseverance, righteousness and unwavering faith in Allah.
He urged Muslims to uphold the values of peace, justice, tolerance and responsible citizenship while praying for Nigeria’s continued stability and development.
The event was attended by prominent political figures, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Accord governorship candidate, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; Senator Yunus Akintunde; Hon. Aderemi Oseni; Hon. Shina Alabi; Hon. Faruk Arisekola; Hon. Abdulganiy GRA; the Asiwaju Adini of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiullahi Oladejo Onimalu; and the Turaki Adini of Oyo State, Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem Mogaji Adanla, among other dignitaries.
Also present were representatives of major Islamic organisations, including the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), NASFAT, QUAREEB and the League of Imams and Alfas of Oyo State.
Special prayers were offered for President Tinubu, seeking divine wisdom, good health and success in leading the country. The congregation also prayed for lasting peace, improved security, economic growth and sustained development across Nigeria and Oyo State.
The religious gathering later transformed into a celebration of the Islamic New Year, with participants expressing gratitude to Allah through prayers, fellowship and cultural displays.
Organisers said the large turnout reflected the unity and peaceful coexistence within the Muslim community while further establishing Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort as a major venue for religious, cultural and national events.
The event concluded with prayers for Allah’s guidance and blessings in the new Islamic year, as participants expressed hope for greater peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria and the Muslim Ummah.
