Nigeria’s Nathaniel Bassey to minister at Donald Trump’s inaugural prayer breakfast

Renowned Nigerian gospel artist and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, has been invited to minister at the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

The Akwa Ibom-born cleric announced the invitation on his Instagram page, sharing a poster of the event and writing: “Let’s raise a sound in America. See you on January 20, 2025.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast is a non-political, faith-based event held every four years before the swearing-in of a new administration. It focuses on prayer and worship as spiritual support for the U.S. government and presidency.

This edition will take place at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Presidential Ballroom, hosted by Reverend Merrie Turner. The event features a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Dr. Alveda King and Pastor Mario Bramnick, ahead of the swearing-in of Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

Bassey, known for his powerful worship music and as the convener of the Hallelujah Challenge, an online Christian worship movement, has gained global recognition for songs like “Imela,” “Onise Iyanu,” and “Olowogbogboro.” His music, which spans genres such as jazz, hymns, and medleys, has made him one of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel ministers.

In 2024, his contributions were further recognized when the Mayor of Albany, New York, declared October 6 as “Pastor Nathaniel Bassey Day.”

The Presidential Prayer Breakfast is a non-official and non-governmental event. It is a Faith Based platform where intercessory prayers and worship are offered to God on behalf of the office of the president and government of the nation. This event is held once in four years… pic.twitter.com/abi0sYmLQz

— Nathaniel Bassey (@nathanielblow) January 5, 2025