Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, will, this Saturday, become the epicentre of a major spiritual convergence as no fewer than 1,000 prayer warriors from across Nigeria gather to offer intercessory prayers for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and for the overall survival of the nation amidst worsening socioeconomic challenges.
The nationwide prayer assembly, convened by the National Inter-Faith Alliance for Peace and Unity (NIFAPU), is expected to draw clerics, traditional leaders, civil society advocates, and political figures from all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Organisers say the event will be a non-partisan spiritual exercise, focused on seeking divine intervention for Nigeria’s stability, economic recovery, and unity.
Speaking to journalists in Ilorin on Thursday, the coordinator of the event, Sheikh Musa AbdulRahman, explained that the programme was born out of deep concern for the current state of the country. According to him, rising food prices, unemployment, insecurity, and the weakening naira have created anxiety among citizens — a situation he believes requires both political will and divine help to overcome.
“Our leaders are human, and humans have limits. But God has no limits. This is why we are gathering to cry unto Him for mercy, direction, and strength for our President to lead with wisdom. We are also praying for the healing of our land from division, corruption, and hardship,” Sheikh AbdulRahman said.
Structure of the Event
The prayer session, scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m., will feature Islamic and Christian prayer segments, with renowned clerics from both faiths leading the intercessions. There will also be Quran recitations, Bible readings, special hymns, and prophetic declarations aimed at “breaking the chains” holding the nation back.
Bishop Samuel Oladimeji, a co-convener from the Christian bloc, emphasised that the gathering is not about politics but about the spiritual destiny of the country.
“When the righteous intercede, nations are healed. We are coming together as one family, under God, to seek His face for our dear nation and for President Tinubu’s government to succeed in implementing policies that will bring relief to the masses,” he noted.
Security and Logistics
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of participants. Spokesperson DSP Ajayi Okasanmi said that traffic diversion plans will be in place to manage the expected influx of worshippers and dignitaries into Ilorin.
Local hotels and guest houses in Ilorin have reportedly recorded a surge in bookings ahead of the event, with many fully booked since last week. The state government, though not officially sponsoring the gathering, has expressed support for the cause, describing it as “a noble effort for the peace and progress of Nigeria.”
National Response
The announcement of the prayer convergence has generated mixed reactions across the country. Supporters of the initiative say it reflects a recognition that Nigeria’s problems require more than just economic and political strategies. Critics, however, argue that while prayers are important, they should be matched with concrete governance reforms and policy actions to tackle inflation, insecurity, and unemployment.
Regardless of the debate, organisers insist that the Ilorin gathering will send a strong message of unity and hope at a time when the country is grappling with deep divisions and economic strain.
Expected Outcome
At the end of the programme, NIFAPU plans to issue a “Prophetic Declaration for Nigeria,” which will be handed over to the Presidency and made public. The declaration will outline spiritual proclamations and moral commitments intended to guide leaders, citizens, and institutions toward rebuilding the nation.
With barely two days to go, Ilorin is set to welcome what many are already describing as one of the largest inter-faith prayer events in recent years — a spiritual moment that organisers believe could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s journey toward peace, prosperity, and unity.
0 Comments