NIGERIA has reached a point where many citizens are desperately searching for a hero, not to lead them into violence or endless political arguments, but to lead them in prayers. It appears that everyone is afraid to call for a National Day of Prayer, even though almost every discussion about insecurity ends with the familiar appeal from our leaders: “Let us continue to pray.”
Whenever insecurity worsens, those entrusted with protecting lives and property often admit, directly or indirectly, that the challenge has become overwhelming and urge Nigerians to seek divine intervention.
If prayer is indeed so important, why has no one summoned the courage to organise a united national prayer for our country?
Recently, I listened to a respected Islamic scholar, Professor Yelwa, who called upon the Sultan of Sokoto to declare a National Day of Prayer, just as he announces the sighting of the moon to mark the beginning and end of Ramadan. His suggestion deserves serious consideration.
I also came across another cleric who argued that many leaders hesitate to declare national prayers because they fear that sincere prayers would expose injustice, corruption and oppression wherever they exist. Whether one agrees with his opinion or not, his remarks have sparked important conversations across the country.
Sadly, no Nigerian leader appears willing to accept full responsibility for the state of the nation. The President believes his administration is making remarkable progress, and government officials frequently present statistics to show that insecurity is declining and the economy is improving. Yet millions of ordinary Nigerians tell a different story. They judge government performance not by figures but by what they experience every day.
Apart from insecurity, hunger has become one of the greatest enemies confronting the nation. Inflation has reduced the purchasing power of millions of families, while many citizens struggle to afford even the basic necessities of life. Yet some political leaders still dismiss these concerns as exaggerations from an ungrateful populace.
The same disconnect exists in discussions about infrastructure and development. Government reports often paint an optimistic picture, while many communities continue to grapple with deteriorating roads, poor healthcare, unemployment and inadequate educational facilities.
The situation in Northern Nigeria is particularly troubling. Many Northerners believe they are bearing the greatest burden of insecurity, poverty and displacement. At the same time, they feel unfairly blamed for many of the nation’s problems. While some citizens openly criticise the government, others passionately defend it, leaving the region deeply divided.
Those without political influence or public platforms have continued to look up to traditional rulers and religious leaders for guidance. Unfortunately, many feel that these respected institutions have remained largely silent at a time when their voices are most needed.
Perhaps this explains why many young Northerners have begun searching for heroes elsewhere. It is remarkable that a musician like Davido has become a symbol of hope for some youths despite criticisms that his humanitarian campaigns have focused more on victims in Southern Nigeria than those in the North. Likewise, social media activist VeryDarkMan has attracted widespread support among many Northern youths despite placing much of the blame for insecurity on the region itself.
More recently, actor Sadiq Sani Sadiq has won the admiration of many people across Northern Nigeria because he chose to speak openly about the suffering of ordinary citizens instead of joining others in celebrating government achievements. His courage has resonated with countless young people who feel their frustrations have gone unheard.
From all indications, if Sadiq Sani Sadiq were to call for a protest today, thousands, perhaps millions, would be willing to answer that call. However, history teaches us that peaceful demonstrations can sometimes be hijacked by individuals pursuing entirely different agendas. The organiser is often held responsible for destruction he neither intended nor encouraged. As the saying goes, when a dog is given a bad name, it is easy to hang it.
That is precisely why I wish to make a different appeal.
Rather than leading a protest, I respectfully urge Sadiq Sani Sadiq to declare a Day of Prayer across Northern Nigeria. Let Muslims gather in their mosques, Christians gather in their churches, and let every family seek the mercy and guidance of Almighty God. Let us pray for peace, security, justice, unity, compassionate leadership and economic recovery.
Prayer has never been a substitute for good governance, but neither should it be underestimated. It strengthens the hearts of leaders, grants wisdom to decision-makers, comforts the afflicted and reminds every public office holder that authority ultimately belongs to God.
Throughout history, nations have combined prayer with decisive action during moments of great crisis. Nigeria should not be an exception.
Ironically, our leaders themselves recognise the importance of prayer. Only recently, the Vice President led special prayers during the annual remembrance of the late mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That solemn gathering demonstrated that those in authority appreciate the spiritual value of prayer. If our leaders can unite in prayer for individuals and families, why can they not also unite the nation in prayer for Nigeria itself?
Imagine the President, governors, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, the Sultan of Sokoto, Christian leaders and other respected figures standing together, not for politics, not for campaigns, but simply to seek God’s mercy for Nigeria. Such a gathering would send a powerful message of unity and humility to the entire nation.
My appeal therefore goes beyond Sadiq Sani Sadiq. I respectfully call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all state governors, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and our traditional institutions to declare a National Day of Prayer.
Let every mosque and every church become a sanctuary where Nigerians cry to God with one voice.
This is not a call to abandon governance or excuse failure. Leaders must continue to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities by providing security, creating economic opportunities and ensuring justice. Prayer complements responsibility; it does not replace it.
At moments when human efforts appear insufficient, people of faith turn to God. Nigerians have prayed through civil war, military rule, epidemics and economic hardship. We can pray again, not because we have surrendered hope, but because we believe that God can open doors where human strength has failed.
As for Sadiq Sani Sadiq, history will remember not only those who spoke against injustice but also those who united people in moments of despair. This is an opportunity to inspire hope rather than anger, unity rather than division, and prayer rather than confrontation.
May Almighty God heal Nigeria, protect our security personnel, grant wisdom to our leaders, comfort grieving families, provide for the hungry, expose evil wherever it exists, and restore lasting peace, justice and prosperity to our beloved nation.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Mairo Mudi writes from Suleja, Niger State and she can be reached via mairommuhammad@gmail.com.