The city of Kano was filled with excitement on Saturday, January 25, 2025, as millions of members of the Tijjaniya sect, also known as Muhammadawa, gathered for the annual Maulud of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, despite a security alert issued by the police.
Faithful from all over Nigeria and even some African countries made their way to the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano to celebrate. They filled the stadium, singing Islamic songs and prayers. Despite some worries from local authorities about a potential security threat, the event took place peacefully, with large crowds cheering and shouting “Allahu Akbar.”
The gathering, one of the largest in recent history, was attended by many important figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Babagana Fannami, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Speaking to the excited crowd, Vice President Shettima praised the Tijjaniya sect for their role in bringing unity to the Muslim community in Nigeria. He also highlighted the teachings of the sect and how they have stayed true to the teachings of Islam for over a century.
“Sheik Ibrahim Nyass, the spiritual leader of the Tijjaniya sect, is being celebrated today,” Shettima said, also encouraging Muslims to follow the peaceful teachings of Islam and avoid extremism.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the event’s host, thanked everyone who traveled from near and far to be part of the celebration.
Though the police had raised concerns about a potential security threat, the Kano State Government dismissed the alerts as false. Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who leads the Tijjaniya sect in Nigeria, closed the event with prayers for global unity among Muslims and tolerance between different faiths.
