Saraki Attends Solagberu’s maiden Khutbah as National Mosque Imam * Hosts clerics, others in Abuja residence
By Omowumi Omotosho
Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed joy and congratulated the Imam of the National Mosque, Sheikh Abdulkadir Salman Oba Solagberu as he delivered his inaugural Jumu’ah sermon (Khutbah) and led the prayers as Imam of the National Mosque.
Solagberu, a Kwara-born Islamic scholar and the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate was appointed in October 2024 as one of the Imams of the National Mosque, Abuja.
Sheikh Solagberu’s first prayer session as the Imam on Friday, February 07, 2025, was attended by several Islamic clerics and other dignitaries across Nigeria and Kwara extraction, who came to honour him.
After the inaugural prayer session, Saraki hosted the Imam, clerics and others to lunch at his Abuja residence.
Saraki, who also attended the Khutbah and prayer session at the National Mosque, said he is excited to be part of history, seeing a Kwara native lead the national mosque which has been his wish since his days as the Senate President.
While praying for Allah’s guidance for successful leadership, he prayed to Allah for the advancement of Kwara and more enviable opportunities for Kwarans.
The Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate expressed belief that the leadership of Solagberu will no doubt, bring further dignity to Islam and entrench the right religious teachings.
“Alhamdulillahi! Today is a truly blessed day as we joined our own Sheikh Abdulkadir Salman Solagberu when he delivered his inaugural Jumu’ah sermon (Khutbah) and led the prayers as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.
“Following the prayer, I was honoured to host Sheikh and some Kwarans for lunch at my residence.
“May Allah (SWT) bless Sheikh Solagberu, the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate in his new role, grant him success in leading the Ummah, and accept his service. Ameen,” he prayed.
While appreciating Saraki for hosting the Kwara contingent, the elated Imam further thanked him for his commitment towards the development and upliftment of Ilorin indigenous, Kwara and Nigeria at large.
The revered cleric prayed for the souls of the descendants of the Ilorin Emirates and sought sustained glory for the people of the Ilorin Emirate.
