By ZUBAIRU IDRIS

An estimated 3 million followers of the Tijaniyya Islamic Sect from within and outside the country, on Saturday, converged on Katsina for the celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud, 2026.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, was organised by the “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass.”

The Chairman, organising committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, said that they anticipated about 4 million guests from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as West and North African countries.

NAN gathered that almost all hotel rooms in Katsina metropolis were occupied by those who came from far places, the situation made some residents to provide their unoccupied houses for their visitors as a demonstration of hospitality.

Those who could not afford to lodge in hotel rooms slept in the stadium in spite of the cold weather.

Before 9a.m. of Saturday, the stadium had already filled to capacity, both the seats and pitch were occupied by people, while all available surrounding spaces inside the stadium were later occupied by people.

The dual carriage road linking to the venue from the WTC roundabout up to Barhin roundabout was filled up by people.

NAN also observed that the event presented opportunities for traders, especially those selling food, water, soft drinks, herbal medicine, clothing materials, books, among others to make brisk businesses.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, thanked the Katsina State Government for hosting the historic event and prayed Allah to bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the state, Northern Nigeria and the country in general.

In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Muslims to continue to stand firm in obeying the commandments of their creator.

He advised them to intensify efforts in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), endeavour to seek for knowledge, and engage in business activities to become self reliant.

Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, thanked the organisers for choosing his state to host the 2026 Maulud.

He appreciated the scholars for offerings prayers for peace and stability in the state and the country at large.

Radda revealed that with such prayers, peace was gradually returning to the state and urged them to sustain the prayers for the overall betterment of the state and Nigeria.

Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ eldest son, Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim-Nyass, represented by his younger brother, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim-Nyass, prayed Allah to repose the soul of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away some months ago.

He urged the Muslims across the globe to continue to be united, love one-another and uphold the sect firmly.

A special prayer was also offered for Katsina, Nigeria and the leaders. (NAN)