Clerics seek divine guidance for the president as birthday celebrations begin across the state

The Lagos Community Central Mosque in Alausa has organised a special prayer session in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of his 74th birthday on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Clerics at the mosque led the congregation in reciting verses from the Quran and offered prayers for the president’s protection, strength, and wisdom as he navigates the country’s challenges. The gathering is part of a series of religious activities lined up across Lagos State to mark the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to religious leaders for organising the prayer, noting that the president values their support. He described March as a significant month for Tinubu, adding that the prayers reflect continued goodwill towards his leadership.

The governor, who the state Attorney-General represented, Lawal Pedro, said the birthday activities began on Friday with prayers in mosques and would conclude with church services on Sunday.

On behalf of the president, Sanwo-Olu also thanked Lagos residents for their support and trust, expressing optimism that the country would overcome its current challenges under Tinubu’s leadership. He urged residents not to be complacent about the president’s political future but to remain actively engaged.

He called on eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards and participate fully in future elections, stressing the need for sustained mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls. According to him, the president remains committed to reforms aimed at improving security and strengthening the nation.

Sanwo-Olu also referenced ongoing discussions around the creation of state police, noting that proposals on its operational framework have been submitted to the National Assembly. He urged Nigerians to remain patient and trust the administration’s long-term vision, adding that national development requires time and consistency.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the governor on Religious Matters (Islamic), Dr Jebe Abdullahi, said the prayer session was necessary in recognition of Tinubu’s contributions to society. He described the president as a leader who has mentored many and contributed to the development of others.

Abdullahi said similar prayer sessions were being held simultaneously across the five divisions of Lagos State, including Ikorodu, Badagry, Lagos Island, Ikeja and Epe, as part of a coordinated effort to seek divine support for the president.

He added that praying for national leaders remains an important responsibility, noting that Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos laid foundations that continue to shape governance in the state. He urged Nigerians to reflect on the president’s leadership and support efforts aimed at national progress.

Also speaking, Chairman of the mosque, Afis Gbolahan Toriola, said the initiative was not only to honour the president but also to pray for the country’s stability and growth.

He explained that the gathering aligned with religious teachings which encourage prayers for leaders, adding that the session focused on seeking divine guidance, protection and wisdom for those in positions of authority.

Toriola noted that the prayers extended beyond the president to include key state officials such as Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, as well as other government functionaries.

According to him, the goal was to ask for wisdom and direction for leaders at all levels, with the hope that their decisions would promote development and improve the welfare of citizens.