Wednesday 10th July 2019 no doubt, was a remarkable day in the history of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria as the Amir (National Head) Alhaji (Barr.) AbdulAzeez Folorunso Alatoye laid a mosque foundation at Oke-Ore, Owode Branch during what could be termed his first official duty since his assumption of office on 1st July, 2019.
The Amir, while giving his address, thanked the donor of the land and commended the Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Elders’ Wing) whose efforts in Tabligh (Preaching) expedition resulted to the acquisition of the land, adding that only the God Almighty could reward those who contributed to the project.
He urged all members to improve on their financial, spiritual and physical sacrifices towards mosque projects such that the Jama’at will have adequate mosque facilities for all new converts.
In his words: “One of the fundamental issues in the Jama’at is the provision of mosques that can serve our new converts. It is grossly inadequate. Hence, there is a need for us to improve on our sacrifices, both physically and financially. We all have a role to play in constructing mosques for the Jama’at.”
“In the past, within the Jama’at, we hardly pay for labour. We only pay for experts while the Jama’at members provide all materials needed for a particular project. Dignity of labour (Wakar-e-Amal) must be resuscitated. Let us all contribute and donate generously to the progress of the Jama’at,” Amir advised.
Obedience to the Institution of Khilafat:
Barrister Alatoye emphasized on the need for all members of the Jama’at to submit themselves fully to the institution of Khalifat and obey all the instructions of His Holiness. He believed there will be serious retrogression if we do otherwise.
“Where there is obedience, progress is certain. Before we can make any meaningful progress, we need to follow the instructions of Allah. Members in a mosque must obey Allah, His commandments and constituted authority starting from the instructions of Huzur Anwar(atba). We must obey the Khilafat with all humility and in its entirety. Obedience is very key to our development. The Amir further appealed to members not to relent in Tabligh expeditions.
More Converts Joined the Jama’ats:
Another highlight of the programme was the winning of more converts into the fold of Ahmadiyya Community. It was reported that more people had earlier joined the Jama’at through the Tabligh exercise organised by the Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria while some others in the area filled the Baiat (initiation) forms at the event.
Amir congratulated the new converts and urged them to always fear Allah alone and be steadfast while worshipping God the Almighty.
Former Amir Commended:
The Sadr (leader) of Majlis Ansarullah, Engr. Abdul-Waheed Adeoye commended the critical role the former Amir, Dr. Mashhud Fashola, played towards the success of the project.
He stated that the auxiliary body had a similar project to implement at Ibogun side in Epe Area where there are 28 converts already. He stressed that the aim of the mosque building was to ensure that the Jama’at functions effectively after gaining Baiats.
Brief Background of the Land:
Coordinator of Majlis Ansarullah activities in Owode Region, Mr. Surajudeen Mustapha who was the architect of the land acquisition recalled how he used his good office as a Certified Surveyor to convince one of his clients, Chief (Mrs.) Hassanat Amusan to donate a portion of her land, measuring 110 by 65ft few years back for the building of a mosque. He added that the agreement on the land had already been prepared and ready for signing by both parties.
Owode branch President, Alhaj Ajibade commended the efforts of the surveyor and promised that the branch will continue to improve on its preaching activities in a bid to win more souls.
Courtesy Call on the Chief Imam:
The Amir and his team later paid courtesy visit to the Chief Imam of Oke-Ore, Alhaji Nasirudeen Raji Adegbite, who was a close friend of the Jama’at in the area. He thanked the Chief Imam for accommodating Ahmadiyya Community.
He reiterated that Ahmadiyya Community is a peace-loving organization saddled with the reformation of the entire world and selfless service to humanity.
Dignitaries present at the event include Maulvi Nadeem Waseem; Naib Sadr (Admin.) MAAN, Alhaji Dauda Raji; Naib Sadr Saf Dom, Mr. Abdul-Waheed Towolawi; Coordinator of Missionaries’ activities for Owode & Ota, Mr. Taoheed Ola. Shoboyede; the Circuit Missionary Owode, Muallim Akintola Hassan and Coordinator of Review of Religions Nigeria, Muallim Muhammad Qasim Oyekola.
