Nigerian pilgrims on Tuesday converged on the plain of Arafat and offered special prayer for the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

A famous Kano-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, led the prayer session.

Others are Abdulafiz Oladosu of Arabic and Islamic Studies Department, University of Ilorin and Ustaz Suleiman Eze of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

Another cleric, Sheikh Adamu Ahmad prayed in Fulfulde, while Malam Goni Mohammed prayed in Kanuri language.

The clerics and other faithful also prayed for Nigeria to overcome the security challenges bedevilling it, especially insurgency, kidnappings and communal clashes, among others.

Also, the chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Zikrullah Hassan, appealed to all Nigerians to sustain prayers for the country and its leaders.

Mr Hassan appreciated the support received by the commission from President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima towards the success of the ongoing hajj operation.

“I congratulate all of us, over 95,000 Nigerians. I will like to remind you that we are the largest contigent in Arafat today.

“We have struggled and ensured that we have transported all eligible prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. We pray Allah accept all our supplications in Arafat today.”

Mr Hassan advised the pilgrims to avoid exposing themselves to the hot weather in the holy land.

“I must say that we are at a time the weather is not friendly and very hard for all of us; I, therefore, must salute us all.”

(NAN)