Umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), today in Kaduna unfolded the programme for its golden jubilee celebration. JNI Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed the following in a statement:

“On Friday, 5th January, 1961, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), was founded and it was in the last fifty years, precisely on 9th March, 1963, that, then 1st and only Premier of Northern Nigeria, late Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto, formally inaugurated the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) as the mouthpiece and umbrella body for Muslims and Islamic organisations in Nigeria. The occasion which took place at Lugard Hall in the city of Kaduna was attended by the then Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar III and other Muslim Emirs, Muslim scholars, Federal and State Ministers, and civil servants from the north and the south.

“Since its establishment, JNI has been in the forefront of promoting Islam, defending the legitimate rights of Muslims in Nigeria and working assiduously in engendering peaceful coexistence and national development in Nigeria.

“As part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration, the JNI Headquarters under the leadership of the President-General, the Ameerul Mu’mineen, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, organises a Special Lecture Session which will take place at the Ultra Modern Conference Hall located at the JNI Secretariat Complex, Kawo, Kaduna, on Sunday 13th April, 2014 in-shaa-Allah. The lecture with the title Nigerian Muslims and the JNI: Strengths, Achievements, Prospects and Challenges will be presented by Professor S.A.S. Galadanci (Former Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia) under the distinguished chairmanship of His Eminence the Sultan. Distinguished personalities expected at the Anniversary lecture include His Excellency the Vice President of Nigeria, Arch. Alhaji Muhammad Namadi Sambo, GCON, all former Heads of State of the country who are Muslims, Speaker House of Representatives, all Muslim Executive Governors in the Country, Emirs, Muslim Senators and Members of the House of Assembly, Ambassadors of Muslim Countries to Nigeria, Islamic scholars, civil servants among others.

“The occasion is intended to provide the Nigerian Muslim Ummah with an opportunity to reflect on its past, analyse its present and plan proper for future within the context of the multifarious challenges facing us as Muslims in Nigeria.

“In line with the above, JNI, wants to seize this opportunity to call on all Muslims in Nigeria, to pray for the restoration of peace and stability in the country.

“It is our hope and prayers that all the challenges facing our dear nation will soon be overcome in-shaa-Allah.”

•Photo shows JNI President-General, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.