Minister Urges Nigerians to Pray for Nation, Leaders

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer for the nation and its leaders, describing it as both a civic responsibility and a religious obligation.

The Director of Information and Public Relations, Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, in a statement said Dr. Matawalle made the call on Friday while serving as Special Guest of Honour at a Special Jumu’ah Prayer held at the Army Headquarters Garrison Central Mosque, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja.

The prayer marked the commencement of activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

Speaking at the event themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” the Minister said true patriotism goes beyond words and emotions.

It must be demonstrated through actions that strengthen national security and safeguard citizens’ lives and well-being.

In his sermon after the Jumu’ah prayer, the Director of the Nigerian Army Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Brigadier General Usman Musa, said the notion that security is the sole responsibility of government must change.

He noted that communities that remain passive in the face of criminal attacks only allow insecurity to worsen.

Citing Maiduguri as an example, Brigadier General Musa said the city became relatively secure because residents rejected criminality and worked closely with security forces. That collective effort, he said, pushed insurgents out of the city centre into the hinterland.

“The right approach is for government and the public to confront criminal elements together, rather than leave the burden to government alone,” Brigadier General Musa stated.

Matawalle further emphasised that every citizen has a role to play in supporting the armed forces through prayer and active cooperation with security agencies.

The Special Jumu’ah Prayer was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shu’aibu, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, other senior military officers, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), among others.

Matawalle reiterated his call for unity and spiritual support for the nation’s leadership, stressing that divine intervention remains crucial in the fight against insecurity. He also commended the Nigerian Army for its continued dedication to protecting the nation and serving the people, while urging all Nigerians to remain hopeful and prayerful.

The event, which marked the beginning of the NADCEL 2026 activities, is expected to continue with other programmes aimed at showcasing the army’s commitment to national security and civil-military cooperation.