Nigerian president’s wife denies organising 7-day national prayer over hardship

President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Oluremi, has refuted the report making rounds on media platforms that she is part of the organisers of a proposed seven-day national prayer against the prevailing hardship in the country.

Oluremi Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had been reported to have spearheaded a planned national prayer session aimed at addressing Nigeria’s numerous challenges.

The initiative, coordinated with Christian and Muslim religious leaders, seeks divine intervention for the country’s social, economic, and security issues, under the theme “Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs.”

Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan, Director General of the National Prayer Forum (NPF), announced the event in Abuja, emphasising the importance of unity in overcoming Nigeria’s crises.

According to Afolorunikan, this interfaith gathering signifies a collective response, with hopes of fostering resilience among citizens and inspiring leaders to find lasting solutions for the nation’s stability.

The prayer sessions will take place over a week, with Muslims congregating at the National Mosque, where 313 participants will recite the Qur’an, totaling 2,191 recitations dedicated to national peace.

Concurrently, Christians will gather at the National Ecumenical Centre, with prayer warriors from various denominations focusing on Nigeria’s ongoing adversities.

As part of the preparations, NPF leaders have engaged with the National Mosque, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and key traditional figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, to ensure broad participation and support.

Organisers said they hoped the prayer sessions would inspire a renewed sense of purpose and stability as Nigeria moves towards 2025.

The First Lady and the National Security Adviser, (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are said to be involved in the seven-day prayer.

However, Busola Kukoyi, spokesperson to the First Lady, in a statement issued on Saturday denied the development, describing the report as unfounded and misleading.

She said, “This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is not organising a National Prayer.

“The news making rounds in some conventional and social media platforms are unfounded and misleading. Consequently, anyone who might have come across the purported news of the joint National Prayer for Nigeria should disregard it as false.

“Whilst the First Lady, a Christian and strong advocate of prayer and praying for Nigeria believes that prayer is an act that must be done willingly, conscientiously and correctly, she also believes that praying for Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief, political affiliation, tribe or tongue.

“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady or her Office through Official channels. Kindly be advised accordingly.”

Hardship under the Tinubu regime

Hardship under the Tinubu administration has been a pressing concern, particularly among urban residents.

The economic decline experienced during this period has been characterized by recession, which is typically defined as a time of economic decline.

This has resulted in various challenges for individuals and families, including increased cost of living, reduced purchasing power, and limited access to basic necessities.

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