Author name: Sanni Ahmad

Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, the Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria Eid Mubarak.

On the 13th of April 2024, the Amir (National President) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria {AMJN} presided over the 3rd Annual National Ijtema (Convention) of Waqf-e-nau children at the Headquarters, Ojokoro Lagos State. In his address, the National Secretary of Waqf-e-nau, Engr Saheed Aina sahib, emphasized the significance of Waqf-e-nau children, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Hazrat Tahir Ahmad, who highlighted the importance of dedicating one’s life to the service of the faith. He reiterated that a child becomes Waqfe Nau before birth, stressing the need for parents to pledge their children’s lives for the propagation and maintenance of the mission of the Promised Messiah (as). The guest lecturer, Maulvi Sulaimon Abdul Hakeem, Murabi Silsila, delivered a comprehensive lecture on the Roles & Responsibilities of Waqf-e-nau children, drawing inspiration from the teachings of His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), conveyed at various Mulaqat held in countries with Waqf-e-nau children. Here are the highlighted keys given to the children: 1. Five times Daily Prayers: Emphasizing the importance of regular prayers as a cornerstone of spiritual growth 2. Recitation of the Holy Quran: Encouraging consistent reading and reflection upon the Quranic verses. 3. Reading Jama’at literatures: Advancing knowledge and understanding through the study of Jama’at literature. 4. Always Take Pride In Religious Values: Upholding and cherishing one’s religious values with pride and conviction. 5. Increase One’s Faith By Watching MTA: Utilizing resources like MTA to enhance faith and spiritual understanding. 6. Control Your Temper: Exercising patience and restraint in dealing with challenges and conflicts. 7. Improve One’s Habits: Striving for personal development and refinement in character and conduct. 8. Have Friends Within The Jama’at: Cultivating friendships within the Jama’at to foster a supportive and spiritually uplifting environment. 9. Start Doing Tabligh At Young Age: Engaging in the propagation of Islam from a young age, spreading its message with wisdom and compassion. 10. At all times, you should try to increase your relationship with Khilafat [Caliphate]: Strengthening the bond with Khilafat as a source of guidance and spiritual nourishment. These key principles serve as guiding lights for Waqf-e-nau children, shaping their spiritual growth and development in accordance with the teachings of Islam and the guidance of Khilafat. In their remarks, Missionary In-Charge sahib Maulvi Adnan Tahir , Principal Jamia Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Maulvi Hafiz Sayyed Shahid Ahmad, and Maulvi Raja Athar Sahib, urged the children to heed the advice given and strive to excel in their spiritual and worldly endeavors. In his closing remarks, the Amir emphasized the need for Waqf-e-nau children to obey the instructions of His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba), and to be responsible individuals in their respective fields. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including representative of Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Dr. Taofeek Sanni, Representative of Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Mr. Awe Ibrahim, Sadr Lajna Imaila Nigeria, Hajia Taoqfeeqah Fagbolade sahibah.

The Supreme Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at worldwide Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Almighty Allah be His helper) has appointed Alhaji (Barr.) AbdulAzeez Alatoye as the new Amir (National Head) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria. This was contained in a release signed by the General Secretary of the Muslim Organization, Alhaji Abbas Iromini and made available to our correspondent. Alhaji Alatoye was hitherto the Naib Amir (Deputy National Head) South West region. He succeeds Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola who has been serving in that capacity for the past 15 years. It will be recalled that the organization held its annual national forum (Majlis Shoora) last month at Tahir Mosque Ojokoro Lagos where representatives across the country participated in the National Executive Officers’ elections. Alhaji Alatoye, alongside with the newly approved members of the National Executive Committee will resume office on July 1, 2019. Brief Profile of the New AmirBorn on the 13th of February, 1963, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Folorunso Alatoye had his tertiary education at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin where he bagged Unique Distinction in Accountancy in 1991. He obtained a Diploma in Law from the Executive Business School, Ikeja Lagos in 2011 and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Bradford, the United Kingdom in 2012. Professionally, he is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK); a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN); Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a Member of Nigeria Taxation Standard Board and Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Management. He is the Founder and Senior Partner of Ascension Consulting Services. His Journey in the Jama’atAlhaji Alatoye joined the Ahmadiyya Community through the maternal grandfather biat in 1975. In 1981, he personally signed the biat. Since then, he has been holding sensitive posts within the Jamaat. For instance, he was the Tabligh Secretary between 1982 and 1985 and Financial Secretary between 1985 and 1989 of Inisa Jamaat Osun State. At the auxiliary level, he held the post of an Internal Auditor of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Youth Wing) between 1988 and 1990. At the National Level, Alhaji Alatoye was appointed as the Naib Jalsa Officer II (Deputy Conference Officer II) between 2009 and 2019; Naib Amir South West region (2013-2019); Treasurer (2010-2019); Vice Chairman Humanity First Nigeria (2011-2019); Chairman Sad Sala Jubilee Committee (2016-2019); Chairman South West Mosque Building Trust Fund Committee (2016-2019); Chairman Economic Empowerment and Development Committee (2014-2019), among others. His areas of interest include Tabligh (Preaching), Holy Qur’an and Mosque Building. He is an advocate of honest service to Almighty Allah and Humanity. NAMES AND PORTFOLIOS OF THE NEWLY APPROVED NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS S/N. NAME POST Alhaji AbdulAzeez Alatoye National Amir (Head) Alhaji Abbas O. Iromini General Secretary Barr. Muhammad Bashir Badr Secretary Tabligh (Preaching) Alhaj. M.M. Shittu Secretary Tarbiyat (Religious & Moral Training) Mr. Tajudeen Oladoja Secretary Ta’lim (Education) Alhaji Mudathir Dada Secretary Isha’at (Publication) Engr. Imran Adeyemi Secretary Sami’ wa Basari (Audio-Video) Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu Secretary Umur Kharijiyyah (External Affairs) Alhaji Muslihu Ali Secretary Umur Amma (General Affairs) Mr. Abdul Rahman Adetunji Secretary Dhiyyafat (Hospitality) Mr. Mudathir Adefarati Secretary Mal (Finance) Alhaji Dauda Kehinde Sokunbi Add. Secretary Mal (Finance) Mr. Shakirudeen Abdus Salam Secretary Wasaya (Wills) Mr. Abdul-Hakeem Akintobi Secretary Ta’limul-Quran & Waqf-Ardhi Mr.Nafiu Taiwo Ajimoti Secretary Tahrik-Jadid Mr. Abdul Ganiy Babalola Secretary Waqf-Jadid Mr. Muhammad Tirmiziy Ajibike Addl. Secretary Waqf-Jadid & Nau Muba’in (For New Converts) Builder Bashirudeen Asimiyu Towolawi Secretary Jaidad (Properties) Alhaji Muslihudeen Ademoye Secretary Waqf-Nau Prof. Abdur Rahman Abdullah Secretary Zira’at (Agriculture) Mr. B.O. Ghazal Secretary Sanat-o-Tijarat (Industry and Trade) Mr. Issa A. Shokunbi Muhassib (Accountant) Alhaji Muheeb Lanre Idris Amin [Treasurer] Mr. Hussein King Internal Auditor