By joshua CLERICS, DIGNITARIES HONOR LATE ONOGIE AFEMAI LOKOJA AT 40TH DAY FIDAU, URGE NIGERIANS TO EMULATE HIS LEGACY OF PEACE
The 40th day Fidau prayers for the late Onogie of Afemai people in Lokoja, Alhaji Zakari Ahmadu Dangana, was held on Thursday with calls on Nigerians to emulate his life of service, humility, and peaceful coexistence.
The prayer session, held at the late Onogie’s Masjid in Lokoja, attracted Islamic clerics, scholars, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from all walks of life who described the deceased as a bridge-builder whose reign brought unity among diverse communities.
The late Onogie passed away on 6/6/2026. He reigned for six years as the traditional ruler of Afemai people in Lokoja. During his reign, Islamic clerics noted his accomplishments in fostering religious tolerance, community development, and harmonious living between Afemai indigenes and their host communities.
In his message, the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Mohammed Gambo, urged citizens to prioritize service to humanity irrespective of tribe, religion, or place of residence.
“Leadership is about service. The late Onogie lived that example. We must all strive to leave communities better than we met them,” he said.
The Chairman, Afemai Progressive Union, Lokoja, Abu Micheal, described the passing of Alhaji Zakari Dangana as a huge loss to the Afemai nation and Kogi State.
“He left a very big vacuum that will be difficult to fill. His wisdom, accessibility, and love for his people were unmatched,” he stated.
In his remarks, the eldest son of the late Onogie, Engr. Mohammed Dangana, described his father as a man of peace.
“He will be remembered for his constant appeal to his children and to all Afemai people resident in the state to always contribute selflessly to the growth and development of Kogi State,” he said.
The Islamic clerics who led the Fidau prayers offered special supplications for the repose of the late monarch’s soul. The key highlights included: Prayers for Aljanat Firdaus for the late Onogie and forgiveness of his shortcomings. Recitation of the Holy Qur’an and Tahlil for the deceased and other departed souls.
Sermon on the virtues of leadership, emphasizing justice, humility, truthfulness, and peaceful coexistence as taught by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Similarly, Prayers were offered for Kogi State and Nigeria’s unity, security, and prosperity, and for God to grant the Afemai community the fortitude to bear the loss. Charity and feeding of the less privileged in honor of the late Onogie’s well-known generosity was also performed.
The event ended with prayers for the Afemai community in Lokoja and a renewed commitment by leaders to uphold the late monarch’s legacy of peace and service.