• Tinubu, Sheikh Abou, Gbajabiamila, Oloyede, others bag group’s honorary awards
The president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, congratulated the Jam-at-ul Islamiyya on its centenary anniversary, praising the group’s remarkable services offered to the nation in the last hundred years.
The President said he is conversant with the activities of the Jamaat, adding that he will continue to be part of it.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu noted that 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 extolled the resilience of the founding father of the organisation and promised to continue to render support to the group.
The group’s merit award ceremony was one of its centenary anniversary activities dedicated to honouring individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of Islam, the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria.
The esteemed awardees include 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. Taofeek Olawunmi Agbaje, Alhaji Abdul-Mumeen Kunle Hazeez, Alhaja Rahmat Salako, Dr. Wale Babalakin, Alhaji Abdul-Jeleel Animashaun and Dr. Bintu Fatimo Tinubu.
Also, the National President, Alhaji Hashim Oyekan, said the Jamaat engaged in various programmes to mark the centenary celebration.
“ Alhamdulillah, we concluded 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 organisation 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 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.”
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