Imam Invokes Divine Blessings for President Tinubu at Defence Minister's Historic Family Celebration
In a significant display of spiritual support for national leadership, Professor Luqman Zakariyah, the officiating Imam at the Wedding Fatiha ceremony for the children of Defence Minister Bello Matawalle, offered special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the elaborate event held at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday, February 6.
A Prayer for Hope and National Progress
Professor Zakariyah, while conducting the religious rites, described President Tinubu as "a father of all" and earnestly prayed that his tenure would bring hope to the hopeless across Nigeria. The Imam's invocation specifically asked Almighty Allah to grant the President good health, long life, prosperity, and success throughout his administration.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, highlighted the profound significance of these prayers in an official statement. He noted that the Imam expressed hope that Tinubu's leadership would inspire tangible progress and restore confidence among the most vulnerable segments of Nigerian society.
Grand Celebration Unites National and International Dignitaries
The wedding ceremony marked an extraordinary family occasion for the Matawalle household, with five daughters and five sons being married simultaneously in what has been described as a historic event. The brides—Maryam, Safiyya, Farida, Nana Firdausi, and Aisha—and grooms—Ibrahim, Abdul Jalal, Surajo, Bello, and Fahad—exchanged vows in a ceremony that attracted remarkable attention.
The event drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, including:
- State governors and members of the National Assembly
- Federal Executive Council officials and service chiefs
- Diplomatic representatives and traditional rulers
- Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, President of São Tomé and Príncipe
President Tinubu played a prominent role in the ceremonies, formally receiving the brides into the family on behalf of the Matawalles. The Imam also offered prayers for the newlywed couples, asking for divine blessings upon their marriages and for their parents and grandparents.
Context and Broader Implications
This spiritual endorsement comes at a time when Minister Matawalle has faced political scrutiny from various quarters. Some commentators have called for his removal from the Defence Ministry, citing concerns about national security management. However, the wedding event served as a moment of family celebration that transcended political debates, bringing together diverse figures in a display of national unity.
The mass wedding of ten children from one family represents an unprecedented social occasion in Nigeria's recent history, blending religious tradition, family values, and political symbolism. Professor Zakariyah's prayers for President Tinubu added a layer of spiritual dimension to the proceedings, emphasizing hopes for national renewal under the current administration.
As Nigeria navigates various challenges, such public expressions of spiritual support for leadership from respected religious figures carry significant cultural weight. The event at the National Mosque demonstrated how family celebrations can intersect with national politics, creating moments of collective aspiration for peace, prosperity, and effective governance.
