AMIR AMJN

Nurudeen Akinreti The Amir (National Head) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez was a special guest at the 92nd Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana which came up between 9th and 11th January 2025. Barr. Alatoye left the shore of the country on Wednesday, 7th January 2025 and was warmly welcomed at the Accra International Airport, from where he was conveyed to the National Headquarters in Ghana for sight seeing and tour of the facilities. The exercise was led by the Amir (National Head) of Ghana Mission, Maulana Mohammed Bin Salih. Barr. Alatoye graced the grand closing session of the annual conference on Saturday, 11th January 2025 with an eloquent and heartfelt fraternal address. His inspiring words, filled with wisdom, unity and spiritual insight, captivated the audience and left indelible mark on all attendees. As he conveyed his message of love, peace and brotherhood, the atmosphere resonated with a profound sense of divine harmony, reflecting the true spirit of the Ahmadiyya Community’s Mission to unite hearts and foster global peace. The Amir had the privilege of meeting the newly sworn-in Ghana President, John Mahama who was a special guest of honour to the three-day august event. Alhaji Alatoye also used the opportunity to meet with some of the Nigeria students schooling in Jamia Ahmadiyya International Ghana and enjoined them to be role models and true ambassadors of Nigeria Jama’at.

The esteemed Amir (National Leader) Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria joins the 9th edition of Ride for Peace exercise of the Majlis Khuddam Ahmadiyya Nigeria, the youth Wing of the Ahmadiyya Community. The Ride for Peace is an annual event of the youth wing which holds across every state of the nation where the organisation is well established. It is aimed at enlightening the populace, especially the youths on the need to embrace peaceful co-existence, engage in lawful activities and eschew all forms of violent and illicit acts. The Amir led this year’s edition at the National Headquarters Ojokoro, Lagos State where the organisation’s youths had gathered in their hundreds to participate in the important event. The program kick started with opening prayers led by the National Head.  After the youths had rode for about 45mins within the Ahmadiyya – Abule Egba axis, the Amir hosted the special guest of the program, the Honorable Commissioner for Youth and Social Developments Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende at the Ahmadiyya Headquarters Conference Hall, Ojokoro, to highlight the importance of the event and the need to embrace peace at all times. The commissioner appreciated the invitation and gesture extended to him by the youth wing and promised to always honor such invite in the future.

In a landmark event, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria proudly commissioned the Masroor International Technical College in Ilaro, Ogun State, a milestone celebrated as a visionary step towards youth empowerment and economic self-reliance. The inauguration was graced by His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, who was ably represented by Mrs. Oloko Oluwatosin Moriamo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The distinguished Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Alatoye Folorunso Abdul Azeez sahib, presided over the ceremony, with notable dignitaries within and beyond the Jama’at. Among the distinguished guests were Maulana Rana Akram, acting Missionary in Charge; Alhaji Mufadil Bankole, Naib Amir Finance and Administration, who also serves as the Head of the International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE) in Nigeria; Arc. Akram Ahmedi, European Head of IAAAE; and Engr. Umar Ahmad sahib, IAAAE Head for Africa. Royal Fathers, including His Royal Majesty Oba Buhari Ololade Makinde, the Oniwoye of Iwoye, and Oba Saheed Olubiyi, the Onidogo of Idogo-Yewa, also graced the occasion, lending their support to this pivotal initiative. Other eminent personalities present included the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and esteemed representatives from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), all of whom expressed their admiration for the Jama’at’s commitment to Nigeria’s educational advancement. The Masroor International Technical College is set to offer highly relevant technical programs such as Electrical Installation, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Pipe Fitting, Computer Hardware Maintenance and Repairs, Software Engineering and Web Development, and various building skills, including Bricklaying, Concrete Work, Masonry, and Tiling. These courses were carefully selected to address current industry needs, thereby equipping students with essential skills to enhance their employability and foster self-sufficiency. Guests at the commissioning lauded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at for establishing this institution, acknowledging the critical role it will play in reducing unemployment and preparing graduates for careers in the ever-evolving technical and industrial sectors. By promoting skill acquisition and hands-on experience, the college provides a viable path to self-reliance, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. The occasion also highlighted the pressing need for more government support in establishing similar technical institutions nationwide. Such expansion, attendees emphasized, would empower Nigeria’s youth with practical skills, reducing the unemployment rate, fostering economic independence, and encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit. The Masroor International Technical College stands as an exemplary model, demonstrating how education and training can transform lives, inspire communities, and strengthen the nation. In conclusion, the inauguration of this college marks a new chapter in the educational landscape of Ogun State and Nigeria at large. Through this commitment to technical education, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria reaffirms its dedication to the advancement and prosperity of the nation, laying the foundation for a skilled, self-reliant generation poised to meet the challenges of the future.

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.

The Amir (National Head) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola recently embarked on a day working visit to Apata Branch of the Muslim organization to commission some laudable projects. Dr. Fashola who was accompanied by eminent personalities from the National Headquarters commenced the activities lined up for the day with the commissioning of Fadl- Omar Comprehensive College Apata, a school under the supervision of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Apata Branch. The Branch President Alhaji Teslim Oniyide stated that the zeal to provide sound and qualitative secular and Islamic education led to the establishment of the school. He, therefore, requested prayers from all members for the progress of the school. Amir further proceeded to Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Gbekuba/Ogbagba, Apata to commission the newly built three-bedroom mission house. He also commissioned the Branch Tabligh vehicle, a Peugeot 504 car. In his remarks, Amir commended the activities of the Branch members which aimed at promoting the true teachings and preachings of Islam as exemplified by the Holy Prophet (saw) and Hazrat Imam Mahdi (as). He urged them not to rest in their oars and achieve greater feats that are pleasing to Almighty Allah. Among the entourage of Amir are: the General Secretary AMJN Alhaji Abbas Iromini and the Sadr (National Leader) Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Elders wing) Alhaji Abdul Waheed Adeoye.