The Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaj Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has called on legal practitioners to uphold justice, integrity, professionalism and respect for the rule of law as essential pillars for national development and peaceful coexistence.
Alhaj Alatoye made the call in his address as an invited guest at the commissioning of the Kofo Salam-Alada Bar Centre of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikare-Akoko Branch, held today at the High Court premises in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State.
He described the commissioning as more than the opening of a building, saying it represented a celebration of vision, sacrifice, generosity, professional excellence and commitment to the advancement of justice and the rule of law.
The Muslim leader commended Respected Kofo Salam-Alada, Esq., for spearheading the project, describing it as a worthy contribution to the legal profession and an example of service to humanity.
He noted that the centre was made possible through donations from friends and well-wishers of Salam-Alada, stressing that the achievement demonstrated the value of collective goodwill, generosity and a shared commitment to institutional development.
According to him, enduring legacies are not defined merely by the names attached to them but by their continued service to humanity and the positive impact they make on future generations.
The Amir highlighted the facilities provided at the centre, including a library, canteen, offices, a 500-seat hall and guest rooms for visiting lawyers. He expressed confidence that the facilities would promote professional development, intellectual engagement, fellowship and stronger relationships among members of the legal profession.
He also urged lawyers to see their responsibilities as extending beyond courtroom advocacy to include the protection of fundamental rights, the observance of professional ethics and contributions to building a just and stable society.
Addressing the relationship between religion and the administration of justice, the Amir said justice was a fundamental obligation in Islam and should not be influenced by wealth, social status, personal relationships, religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
Citing the Holy Qur’an, Chapter 4, verse 136, he emphasised the Islamic injunction for believers to stand firmly for justice, even when doing so goes against their personal interests or those of their relatives.
He said the teaching reinforced the principle that every individual deserved fairness, dignity and equal protection under the law, regardless of social or economic standing.
The religious leader encouraged members of the Bar to uphold integrity, courage, professionalism and the rule of law, while urging them to use the new centre to inspire younger lawyers to pursue excellence and embrace service to humanity.
He further called on religious communities to promote peace, mutual respect, tolerance and cooperation across religious and other differences, noting that honesty, compassion, justice and concern for human welfare were shared responsibilities.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that the facility was properly maintained and used for its intended purposes, expressing the hope that it would become a vibrant centre for learning, professional interaction and service to the people of Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
The Amir congratulated Salam-Alada on the achievement and prayed that the centre would usher in greater accomplishments for his family, the NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch and the legal profession.
He concluded by praying for divine blessings upon the project, wisdom for the nation’s leaders, stronger institutions and continued progress towards justice, peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.
The Kofo Salam-Alada Bar Centre is expected to serve as a hub for professional engagement, legal research, collaboration and the continued development of the legal profession in Ikare-Akoko and beyond.
