Igbo Muslim Appointed Chief Imam of Abuja Mosque

Prof. Iliyasu Usman, the first Igbo Muslim appointed as Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, has said he embraces positive Igbo cultural values while rejecting aspects that conflict with his Islamic faith.

He made this statement during his unveiling alongside four other Imams by NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.

Prof. Iliyasu Usman, from Enugu State, was unveiled alongside four other Imams: Prof. Luqman Zakariyah (Osun), Dr. Sheikh Abdulkadir Salman (Kwara), Bar. Haroun Muhammad Eze (Enugu), and Prof. Khalid Aliyu Abubakar (Plateau).

Usman emphasized that he remains connected to his Igbo roots, acknowledging that all cultures have both positive and negative aspects.

Prof. Usman stated, “Every tribe and individual has a culture, whether Muslim or Christian, with both positives and negatives. In Igbo culture, for example, twins were once killed, which no Christian would accept. Similarly, while alcohol is often consumed during Igbo festivals, it contradicts my Muslim faith, which prohibits it.”

“So, in every tribe, there are good and bad cultures. I accept good Igbo culture. In the South-East, we have good communal relationships where we are our brothers’ keepers. I accept that. ”

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