Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Kano Emirate and Islamic scholars have called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for a peaceful, credible and successful 2027 general election.
They also warned that the country’s stability would depend largely on the ability of citizens and leaders to embrace tolerance, discipline and responsible conduct.
They, therefore, urge Nigerians to reject intolerance, violence, while telling Qur’anic graduates to become ambassadors of peace
The appeal was made at a Qur’anic graduation ceremony marking the completion of the recitation and memorisation of the Holy Qur’an, where traditional and religious leaders used the occasion to call for stronger moral upbringing of Nigerian children ahead of another politically sensitive electoral cycle.
Representing the Emir of Kano at the ceremony, the Sadauki of Kano, Awal Ado Bayero, congratulated the graduates and their parents, but charged the students to see the completion of their Qur’anic studies as the beginning of a lifelong responsibility to live by the values they had learnt.
Bayero said the teachings of the Qur’an could play an important role in promoting peaceful coexistence, good character and responsible citizenship, particularly at a time when the country was preparing for the 2027 elections.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, we pray that the children will continue to pray for the country and that Nigeria will have a successful, peaceful and credible election,” he said.
He urged the graduates to remain committed to Qur’anic recitation and memorisation, while calling on parents and older generations to ensure that the values contained in the Holy Book were transmitted to their children and grandchildren.
The call soon assumed wider significance as other speakers at the ceremony linked the moral upbringing of children to the broader challenge of building a peaceful and secure Nigeria.
Katsina State First Lady, Dr. Aisha Bala Muhammed, who was represented at the event, described the completion of the Qur’an as a major achievement and urged the graduates to make its teachings the foundation of their lives.
“May He make the Quran a light in your heart, a guide throughout your life, and a source of peace and blessings for you and your family,” she said.
Similarly, the wife of the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hajia Abi Hafsat Abubakar Y. Suleiman, said the programme was designed to strengthen the religious and moral upbringing of children and prepare them to become responsible members of society.
The Principal of the Abuja National Mosque Academy, Dr Shehu Usman Mohamad, said the essence of Qur’anic education was not simply to produce children who could recite and memorise the Holy Book, but to raise Muslims capable of applying its teachings to everyday life.