Sheikh Sidi Tidjani, Caliph-General of the Tijaniyya Order Worldwide General Caliphate Headquarters, Aïn Madhi, Algeria, has underscored the need to strengthen Algeria-Nigeria bilateral cooperation to advance growth between the two countries.

Mr Tidjani also prayed for peace and love in Nigeria, continued spiritual ties between both countries, as well as for the physical and spiritual well-being of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday, in Abuja, by the Algerian Embassy in Nigeria, against the backdrop of Mr Tidjani’s high-level delegation from the Tijaniyya leadership in Algeria to Nigeria.

The visit was on the margins of the invitation of the Sheikhs of the Tijaniyya Order in Nigeria, within the framework of strengthening spiritual ties among the Mother Zawiya and Tijaniyya Zawiyas in Nigeria and the West African region.

According to the statement, the delegation’s visit, which represented the Tijaniyya Supreme Council Worldwide, would signal official recognition and strengthening of ties between the global Tijaniyya headquarters and the Nigerian branch.

The meeting centred on discussion about the promotion of friendship that binds Algeria-Nigeria relations and the enormous potential in various endeavours, inspection of the Tijaniyya Zawiyas dedicated to the teaching of Islamic sciences, and jurisprudence.

The meeting also focused on foundational principles of the Tijaniyya Order in Abuja, Kano, Bauchi and other cities in the country, as well as Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi’s participation in celebrations commemorating the birth of Tidjani, hosted this year by Kano.

Others include engagement in various religious, cultural, and spiritual activities, alongside meetings with numerous officials and community figures in the host country.

The Tijaniyya Order, “a spiritual brotherhood” which was founded in the 18th century by Sheikh Ahmad al-Tijani in Algeria, is one of the largest Sufi orders in Africa.

It is established across West Africa, including Nigeria, Senegal, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

The event featured a meeting between the delegation and President Tinubu on Friday at the State House in Abuja.

(NAN)