Iliyasu Usman, a Professor of Arabic, made history as the first Igbo man to become an Imam of the National Mosque in Abuja following his appointment by the mosque’s management.
From Ibagwa in Igboeze South, Enugu State, Imam Iliyasu Usman delivered his inaugural khutbah (sermon) during the Jumm’at prayer.
His appointment has been welcomed with good reaction from his kinsmen. The South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON) in a congratulatory message to Usman on Friday, 18 October, 2024, described the appointment as a reflection of Usman’s dedication to Islamic scholarship and leadership. The organization said the appointment is not only a significant personal achievement for the new cleric, but a “divine responsibility to lead the Muslim community in worship and service to Allah”.
The group expressed optimism that Usman’s appointment would uplift the faith of Muslims from the south-east region and promote unity within the Nigerian Muslim population.
Usman takes up his new role alongside the two active Imams: Ibrahim Makari and Muhammad Kabir in leading the Juma’ah and daily congregational prayers on a rotational basis, as the fourth Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura from Southwest Nigeria, has been on sick leave and absent from leading prayers for an extended period.
