• Oloyede, Olurode extol organisation’s challenge of precolonial era hostilities
• Jama-at-ul’s story reflects resilience, commitment to principles: Ogun Deputy Gov
Foremost faith-based organisation, Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah of Nigeria, on Sunday, February 25, 2024, marked its milestone of 100 years of existence in Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of West Africa.
The centenary anniversary was attended by prominent Muslim personalities in the country, including the Deputy Governor of Ogun State Engr. Noimot Salako; MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, represented by Vice President I, Alhaji AbdulRafiu Ebiti; Mutawalli of Ilorin Emirate and Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq, among others.
Registrar of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) Prof. Ishaq Oloyede and the former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Lai Olurode delivered the keynote address at the event which took place at the Jama’at Mosque, Shangisha, Lagos State.
The theme of the centenary anniversary lecture was: ‘Commemorating the Past, Inspiring the Future: A Case Study of the Jamaat in the Last Century’.
Embrace cosmopolitan orientation: Olurode urges leadership
In his keynote address, Prof. Olurode charged Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah to embrace a cosmopolitan orientation in its operations and promote its membership drive.
The retired Professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos noted that Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah is not visible enough in the establishment of Islamic and Western school systems, which he called a major tool of propagation and ideology.
“On key variables and in comparison to the other sister organizations established around the second decade of the twentieth century, the Jama’at is just above average, majorly present in Lagos and its suburbs.
“The Jama’at is not visible enough in the establishment of madrassah (a major tool of propaganda and ideology) and even the modern school system. The Jama’at lost an opportunity to be the sole proprietor of the Muslim International School, Moleefon, Iwo.
“It is also imperative for the Jama’at to open up to tolerate competitiveness and a cosmopolitan orientation in place of a provincial outlook – promote common/universal instead of fractured/limited membership (no to Lagosians versus others),” he said.
Olurode meanwhile commended the organisation for rising to challenge the hostility of the colonial authorities towards the local population, especially Muslims.
“The colonial state was exploitative and ruthless and was generally hostile toward the local population and Muslims particularly. It displayed ambivalence towards the education of Muslims. There was a blossoming of Islamic organizations in response to marginalization and discriminatory treatment. The coming of government Muslims schools did not assuage the feelings of exclusion felt by the Muslims.”
The Professor also charged the organisation on beneficial and rigorous engagement with government and its key representatives beyond the routine invite during festive periods.
Islamic organisation established to propagate understanding of religion: Oloyede
JAMB Registrar, in his presentation, explained that the formation of Islamic organisations by Muslims was not aimed at antagonizing one another but a platform to propagate and deepen the understanding of the religion.
He stated that the formation of Islamic organisations dates back to the precolonial era which was a response to the Western civilization threatening the existence of Islam.
Oloyede who is also the Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said forming Islamic organisations became a necessity to check the influence of Western civilization brought by the missionaries, saying the aim was not for Muslims to fight one another.
According to him, the practice of setting up Islamic organisations is not only in Nigeria but in other countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Mali, among others.
He said as far back as 1914 and 1924, several Islamic organizations were formed to check what he called imperialism by the colonialists.
“Muslims worldwide saw that the imperial government would wipe them off and they came up with the idea of setting up one group or the other to promote the beauty of Islam and be part of the global movement,” he said.
Oloyede recalled that the founding fathers of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah were conversant with contemporary global issues despite their level of education.
According to him, their concern was to safeguard the future of Islam and the Muslims, especially the younger ones.
“About 100 years back when Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah was formed in 1924, the mission of the founding fathers was to champion the course of and progress of Islam.
“Some schools of thought believed that the formation of Islamic organisations was not necessary. They are also right because Islamic organisations are not expected to antagonize one another,” he said.
Oloyede, however, urged leaders of Islamic organisations to go back to the drawing board and learn from the founding fathers of their organisations, the ideal and pristine Islamic principles which they propagated.
He said they should learn to understand the language of the present generation of Muslim children which he referred to as Gen Z to eradicate the moral decadence in the society.
Our organisation cannot be overlooked in Islamic growth in Nigeria: President
Earlier in his welcome address, President of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah, Engr. Hashim Adebowale Oyekan lauded the dedication of the founding fathers of the organisation, noting that the contributions of the organisation cannot be overlooked in the development of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria.
He said, “It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the anniversary lecture commemorating the glorious 100 years of existence of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah of Nigeria. This historical milestone connects the past to the future, as we acknowledge the dedication of those who planted the seeds of this great movement a century ago. We serve as the bridge between the past and the future, AlhamduliLlah.
“In reflecting on the development of Islam and Muslims in Lagos and Nigeria, one cannot overlook the significant contributions of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah of Nigeria, its founder, companions, doctrines, and impact. Today, we honour the memory of the founder, late Alhaji B.L. Agusto, and all dedicated Muslims who served Islam through this Jama’at.”
The President urged members of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah to intensify their commitment to the growth of Islam as they mark a new phase for the organisation.
“As we enter a new phase in the life of our beloved Jama’at, I urge everyone to intensify their commitment to its growth and the advancement of Islam. Let’s elevate our services to the next level, building on the gains made and projecting a sustainable future for the Jama’at. Our values and virtues, inspired by our founding fathers, continue to guide us. Let’s celebrate our 100th anniversary by transmitting these virtues and the Jamaat’s doctrines.”
Jama-at-ul’s story reflects resilience, commitment to principles: Ogun Deputy Gov
In her goodwill message, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako said the story of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah reflects resilience, growth and unwavering dedication to principles.
“Our fathers and mothers in Islam, esteemed guests, and members of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah of Nigeria, as we gather here today, we are not merely acknowledging a century of existence; we are celebrating a legacy, a testament to the enduring spirit and commitment of the founders and members of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah. Its story is one of resilience, growth, and unwavering dedication to the principles that have shaped the organization over the last century.
“A century ago, a small group of visioners came together with a shared dream—to establish a community that would be a beacon of faith, service, and unity. Through trials and triumphs, our predecessors laid the foundation upon which we stand today. They sowed the seeds of a movement, fostering a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood that has become the hallmark of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah.”
Engr. Salako tasked the organisation with youth engagement and funding, noting they are a major groundwork for the future.
“As you have heard from our esteemed speakers, the case study of the Jamaat in the last century has appreciated our accomplishments but also acknowledged areas where growth and improvement are needed. Two areas I would like to highlight are youth engagement and funding.
“We should engage directly with the youths where they are likely to be; on TikTok, IG, Reddit etc. If we check this audience, the number of under 40s will be quite low. How will the youth get these messages? Similarly, without funding, all the noble plans of the association will be pipe dreams. Some ideas I have are monthly direct debits, bequeathments in our last wills and testaments, and zakat from our children based abroad, among others.
“In doing so, we lay the groundwork for an inspired future—one that builds upon our strengths while addressing the evolving needs of our community,” she said.
The Deputy Governor also urged members of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah to take the centenary celebration as a moment of reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment.
“We should draw inspiration from our past as we embark on a journey to shape a future with our younger members that reflect the enduring principles and values of Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah. Together, let us continue to build bridges, foster understanding, and exemplify the teachings of Islam, compassion, justice, and unity.
“I congratulate the President of the Jama’at, Engr. Hashim Oyekan and all its members on this centenary celebration.”
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