In a significant honor, Nigerian gospel artist, 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.

This prestigious event, held every four years before the swearing-in of a new administration, focuses on prayer and worship as spiritual support for the U.S. government and presidency.

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” in the city.

The U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast 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.

Moreover, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State congratulated Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, the globally celebrated gospel music minister who has been invited to minister at the January 20th, 2025, Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast of the 47th President-Elect of the United States, Donald J. Trump.

In a message of congratulations by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno celebrated Pastor Bassey for “exemplifying the Akwa Ibom spirit of excellence, creativity, industry, and universal love.”

“Your invitation to join other globally celebrated ministers during the forthcoming inauguration of the President-Elect of the United States, Donald J. Trump, is a testament to your global reach and the admirable and impactful work you have done in expanding the Lord’s Kingdom through gospel ministry.
“We have been deeply honored by the love you have always shown to the state of your birth and the support and prayers you have equally shown to our administration.”
Governor Umo Eno

He further revealed that he was proud of him and congratulated him.

“You are truly an epitome of the Akwa Ibom spirit of excellence, creativity, industry, and universal love, and we are sure you will continue to project these ennobling ideals at larger platforms such as the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast on January 20, 2025.”
Governor Umo Eno

Nathaniel Bassey Addresses Rumors

Gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey addressed rumors regarding his supposed invitation to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

There were widespread reports in both online and traditional media suggesting that Bassey would join other international Christian artists at Trump’s inauguration.

However, the cleric clarified that he was not invited to perform at the event.

Bassey explained that the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, which was mentioned in the reports, is a non-official, non-governmental gathering, not directly tied to the inauguration.

“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 the government of the nation.
“This event is held once in four years preceding the inauguration ceremony as a breakfast prayer meeting ahead of every new administration. And over the years has been attended by leaders and dignitaries from around the world.”
Nathaniel Bassey

Nathaniel Bassey added that it has no official connection to the incoming president.

He further clarified that while the event takes place before each new administration, it is separate from the actual inauguration ceremony, urging the public to disregard the online reports.