President Muhammadu Buhari, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the Governor of Ogun State, Mr Dapo Abiodun and a host of other dignitaries are expected to grace the 2019 Annual ‘Jalsa Salana’ Islamic Conference organised by the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria.
Also billed to attend the conference scheduled to hold between the 20th and 22nd of December in Ilaro, Ogun State are, the Executive Governor of the State of Osun, Alhaji Isiaq Oyetola; the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Obafemi Hamzat and his counterpart in Ogun State, Alhaja Naimat Salako.
Speaking at his maiden press conference to herald the conference, the newly elected Amir of the Ahmadiyyah Jama’at, Barrister Abdul Azeez Folorunso Alatoye said the conference will focus on the Holy Quran Chapter 16 verse 126, which reads; “Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in a way that is best. Surely, thy Lord knows best who has strayed from His way, and He knows those who are rightly guided”.
Speaking further, Barr Alatoye revealed that the event will feature soul-inspiring lectures, chanting of Allah’s praises, message from the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyyah Community, goodwill messages from the Nigerian President and other state officials, special prayers and academic awards.
He said the Jalsa Salana Islamic Conference debuted in Nigeria in 1940 at the Ikoyi park with few members, adding that it has become an annual event that has come to stay in the country.
Abdul Azeez, who took over from Professor Mashuud Adenrele Fasola after 15 years as the Amir of the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jamah, noted that the annual conference was established to enable people listen to spiritual discourses, participate in congregational prayers and meet new friends thereby strengthening the bond of brotherhood.
According to him, “The convention is held in over 195 countries on an international scale, and sometimes with over 38,000 participants. We are also expecting delegates from neighboring countries like Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana and Cote D’ivoire among others.”
