Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has urged Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for peace in areas affected by security challenges in the state and the country.
Idris made the call on Sunday when Tijjaniyya faithful from across Nigeria gathered at the Kebbi Government House for the annual Maulud celebration in solidarity with him.
The governor said his administration was committed to promoting religious values and supporting initiatives that would strengthen moral and spiritual development in the state.
“Our administration is doing everything humanly possible to promote our religious norms and values for our betterment here and hereafter.
“I am not surprised by this gathering because I have been in close relationship with the leaders of many religious associations in the state.
“Anything religious, I am ready to support to move it to the greatest heights,” he said.
Idris urged participants to return to their respective religious centres and places of worship, and intensify prayers for the restoration of peace in communities facing security challenges.
He also called for prayers for the progress and development of the state in particular and the country in general.
Idris expressed confidence that with continued prayers and collective efforts, his administration would overcome the challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have the assurance and conviction that the way we passed through hurdles and thorns through prayers, we will pass through the same hurdles and thorns come 2027,” the governor said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Kabiru Sani-Giant, Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Political Matters, described Idris as a lover of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Sani-Giant urged the people to support the governor’s administration to enable it sustain its development initiatives across the state.
“The governor is a lover of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and we should love him for that.
“We should strictly support his administration in any way we can for him to continue with the good works he has embarked upon since he assumed office as governor of the state,” he said.
On his part, Alhaji Umar Faruk-Ambursa, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, said more than 8,000 executives of the Tijjaniyya sect attended the gathering.
“You have seen it yourself that the people who have converged here are more than 8,000 executives of the Tijjaniyya sect,” he said.
Faruk-Ambursa commended the governor for appointing a member of the sect as Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs, describing the gesture as worthy of commendation.
He said the appointment was in addition to the development projects and other achievements recorded by the administration, and assured the governor of the sect’s support for his re-election bid in 2027.
Malam Nazifi Inyas, Chairman of the Tijjaniyya Group for Mobilisation and Empowerment of Nigeria in the state, said the association was established to support less-privileged members of society and enlighten the public on the importance of political participation and responsible partisanship.
Inyas said the governor had supported the association even before becoming governor, and had continued to assist it whenever it organised programmes and events in the state and beyond.
“The governor has been helping us even before he became governor of the state.
“He has been helpful to the association whenever it has programmes and events in the state and the country at large.
“We thank the governor for what he has been doing for us in this noble and respected association in the state,” he said