Photo: Shakirah Adunola
Confer’s philanthropist with honorary award
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Jam-at-ul Islamiyyah on its centenary anniversary, commending the group’s remarkable services offered to the nation.
The president ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said he appreciated what the organization has been doing and he would remain part of it.
He said there is no other way to worship God than the propagation of Islam. “Mr President sends greetings to you that you should continue and not relent on the good work.”He commended the resilience of the founding fathers of the organization and promised to continue to render support to the group.
The group’s 100-year centenary merit award ceremony was dedicated to honouring individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of Islam, the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria.
The esteemed awardees included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sheikh Afeez Abou (Posthumous), Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila, Arc. Mohammad Mogaji (Posthumous) and Prof. Ish’aq Olanrewaju Oloyede. Others are Justice Habeebullah Adewale Abiru, Arc. Taofeck Olawunmi Agbaje, Alhaji Abdul-Mumeen Kunle Hazeez, Alhaja Rahmat Salako, Dr. Wale Babalakin, Alhaji Abdul-Jeleel Animashaun and Dr. Bintu Fatimo Tinubu.
The National President, Alhaji Hashim Oyekan, highlighted some of the activities lined up to mark the centenary celebration.
“Alhamdulillah, we conclude the centenary festivities with the Award of Excellence in alignment with Islamic principles of recognising noteworthy contributions. We hope these awards serve as inspiration for Muslims and well-meaning Nigerians to be development-oriented and contribute to the progress of our nation and humanity.”
He added that the founding fathers of the organization left a tremendous legacy and it is the responsibility of members to appreciate their efforts by sustaining this legacy and passing it on to future generations.
“Almighty Allah is a Witness to the legacy left by the late Lawal Basil Agusto and other founding fathers. He (SWT) will undoubtedly question us about what we have done to preserve the Jamaat. Let us all work for our hereafter and tomorrow, as we are here today to write our testimonies, so let us write them well,” he said. He noted that the esteemed founding fathers made significant contributions to education, emphasising the importance of preserving this invaluable legacy.
“The Jamaat proudly owns a substantial piece of land in Magodo Phase 1, featuring the largest mosque within the community and we plan to utilize the remaining portion of the land for the construction of a modern primary and secondary school, accompanied by a mission house.
“We aspire to revive the Jamaat’s Education Board. This initiative aims to address the needs of underprivileged and indigent students within the Jamaat and the larger Muslim community. Your generous donations are crucial in making these aspirations a reality. Additionally, we encourage you to consider bequeathing a portion of your property to the Jamaat, thereby supporting, and sustaining various humanitarian and Dawah activities.
“The successful realisation of these projects hinges on your benevolent contributions. Your support will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone in our collective journey towards enriching education and fostering community well-being.”
