The National Mosque in Abuja has made a historic appointment by naming Professor Ilyas Usman as its newest Imam, marking the first time an Igbo cleric has held this prestigious position.
Prof. Usman, renowned as the first Professor of Arabic in Igboland, joins the ranks of three Imams who rotate in leading the daily and Juma’ah congregational prayers. He will work alongside Professors Ibrahim Makari and Muhammad Kabir, while the fourth Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura, remains unable to lead due to health issues.
The appointment strengthens the leadership of the 25,000-capacity National Mosque, built in 1984 and opened in 1991. Prof. Shehu Ahmad Sai’d Galadanci continues as the overall Murshid (spiritual guide) of the mosque.
In response to Usman’s appointment, the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON) offered prayers for Allah to grant him wisdom and strength in fulfilling his sacred duties. SEMON praised the inclusivity of the leadership of the National Mosque and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), headed by His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
“This appointment not only showcases Professor Usman’s scholarly excellence but also highlights the contributions of the Igbo Muslim community to Islam and the Ummah in Nigeria,” SEMON stated. The organization expressed hope that this achievement would uplift the Igbo Muslim community and inspire unity, peace, and piety across the nation.