The management of the Abuja National Mosque has appointed Prof. Iliyasu Usman as the first-ever Igbo Muslim Imam of the mosque.

He will deliver his inaugural khutbah (sermon) during the Jumm’at prayer today.

The appointment of Prof. Usman has been widely celebrated by the Muslim community, particularly among the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON).

In a statement, SEMON who congratulated Prof. Usman described the appointment as a reflection of his dedication to Islamic scholarship and leadership.

The group emphasised that the appointment is not only a significant personal achievement for the new Imam but also a divine responsibility to lead the Muslim community in worship and service to Allah.

The body also highlighted the inclusiveness of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

SEMON expressed hope that Prof. Usman’s appointment would uplift the Igbo Muslim community and promote unity within the broader Nigerian Muslim population.

Muslims across the country are expected to gather at the Abuja National Mosque today to witness this historic occasion.

Prof. Usman will now join the two active Imams, Prof. Ibrahim Makari and Prof. Muhammad Kabir, in leading the Juma’ah and daily congregational prayers on a rotational basis, as the fourth Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura from Southwest Nigeria, has been on sick leave and absent from leading prayers for an extended period.

The statement read, “We the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.

“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.

“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety.”

’They shouldn’t use Rivers as a battleground for 2027 politics. Wike will tear APC apart and there is going to be a fight between Wike and top APC members, He will be disgraced in Abuja.

‘’If he isn’t careful, he will not be part of the people that will arrange 2027 politics. He is fighting God through Fubara and if he doesn’t resist, politics will leave him and he will be forgotten. He should stop all these troubles.

‘’I know he will not listen but what will teach him will happen. In all of these, Wike will not determine who will become the governor of Rivers in 2027.

‘’The crisis will not end now but a big man will be used as a sacrifice in this war. Wike shouldn’t forget he is still coming back home, the judgment of God is coming to Rivers, it will take one and leave one,’’ he warned.

Bishop David Olatunji Abioye and Bishop Thomas Aremu , Vice Presidents of the Living Faith Church will be taking their exit out of service in the Liberation Commission also known as the Living Faith Church Worldwide in October 2024 based on the rules of the Mandate which is the Constitution or operational manual of the Liberation Commission.

Ekwutosblog reports that According to a recent announcement, Bishop Thomas Aremu’s valedictory service will take place at LFC Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday, 15th of October 2024. Also according to sources, Bishop David Abioye’s valedictory service is scheduled to hold in Durumi, Abuja on Friday 18th October 2024.

Bishop Abioye who first met Bishop Oyedepo in 1979 and has been his right hand man since then was sent out to pastor one of the 5 pioneer branches in 1987. Furthermore, he was consecrated in 1993 in Garden of Faith, Barnawa, Kaduna at the age of 32 as the youngest Bishop of a full fledged church in recorded history.

On the other hand, Bishop Aremu who joined the ministry full-time after serving as an accountant in secular organizations is the only one among the 7 Bishops consecrated in November 1999 at Garden of Faith, Kaduna that have remained till date. It is an epoch making event as it marks the very first time that pastors who have served meritoriously in the Living Faith Church will be openly celebrated on retirement.

According to the revised Mandate, the new age of retirement which was formerly 60 is now 58. Only the Founder will have the privilege of a lifetime of service after which every future leader of the Commission will serve for one term or a maximum of 2 terms of 7 years each subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.

This thus marks a new phase in the operations of this young Church of less than 5 decades. Jesus is Lord!