* Islamic cemeteries, our flagship project: BoT chairman Ebiti
* Our proposed hospital ‘ll uphold dignity of women: Arabel
* Orphanages to reshape under-privileged children: Borodo
Death is inevitable and every living soul is bound to taste it at their appointed time, says Almighty Allah in the Noble Qur’an. However, no one knows where he/she will be laid to rest as many face daring difficulties trying to get a befitting final abode for their loved ones. This concern is also heightened by the paucity of ideal cemeteries for deceased Muslims.
The above, alongside other reasons that can not be underestimated, is why a not-for-profit organisation, Island Muslim Community (IMC) is cordially inviting the general public to a N5 billion social infrastructure fund for cemetery, orphanage and hospital projects.
Muslim News gathered that the much-awaited appeal fund launch is slated for Saturday, March 1, at Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking at the press conference held on Tuesday, February 25 at Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos to officially announce the project launch, the Chairman Board of Trustees, IMC, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti categorised the projects lined up by the not-for-profit organisation for execution into three – cemeteries, orphanages and a hospital.
Alhaji Ebiti noted that it is pathetic that essential facilities such as cemeteries, orphanages, women and children hospitals, halal recreation centres, amongst others, are either totally non-existent or inadequate within their jurisdiction which covers Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki Scheme 1 and Ibeju-Lekki areas of Lagos State.
“This explains why we are embarking on an ambitious task of raising N5 billion for the provision of such essential Islamic social Infrastructures for the teeming Muslim population in the aforementioned axis,” he said.
Islamic cemeteries, our flagship project
Alhaji Ebiti added that ancient cemeteries on the Island, including Oke-Sunnah, Abari, and Ikoyi, are already bursting at the seams.
He said other few highbrow cemeteries available in the axis hardly meet Islamic standards and are also expensive.
“In view of this ugly situation, we have made cemeteries our flagship project,” he stated.
“While we are already negotiating for expansive parcels of land for cemeteries in the Ibeju-Lekki and Epe areas, we have been gifted a 15-acre land in Ikorodu. I am glad to announce that we have since commenced work at the Ikorodu cemetery site, while firming up efforts on that of Ibeju-Lekki axis.”
Orphanage ‘ll serve as crucial platform to reshape orphans
Speaking further, the prominent Muslim leader said establishing orphanages is also part of their plans at IMC, having noted a paucity of such facilities tailor-made for Muslims.
According to him, orphanages serve as a crucial platform for shaping the religious future of orphans.
Alhaji Ebiti said there are less than five Muslim Orphanages in Lagos State.
“Undoubtedly, orphanages serve as veritable avenues for shaping the religious future of orphans. So, we need to have as many of them as possible to avoid losing innocent Muslim children to other faiths through non-Muslim orphanages.
“Fortunately again, a kind Muslim has donated a block of four flats to us for the purpose of an orphanage. We are already renovating and re-modelling the building to conform with the regulations of the Lagos State Government on orphanages.”
… Build hospital to upholding dignity of women
IMC is also working to build a medical centre, with the motive of upholding the dignity of women, Alhaji Ebiti noted, adding that a parcel of land in Sangotedo has been donated to the organisation for the purpose.
Buttressing, a member of the Board of Trustees, Hajia Shareefah Abiola-Andu, otherwise known as Arabel, said Muslim women want to be treated by female Doctors, decrying the dearth of such hospitals operating in this line.
“As for orphanages, a lot of children are orphaned. We want them to be well-brought up Islamically. We need to have a nice home for them,” she said.
“We apparently need a lot of money to be able to achieve all these mega projects.
“We believe the fund will come from well-meaning Nigerians. That’s why we are appealing to those who are humanity conscious to come to our aid. We invite good-spirited people to join the course. We have been on it for the past few years now. We want them to give us their support.”
It will be operated in accordance to Shari’ah
Vice Chairman of IMC, Alhaji Tijani Borodo, for his part, said Muslim Doctors and Nurses who will be sensitive to and compliant with the Shari’ah will be recruited for the hospital.
He said, “We felt there is need for us to address the challenges facing the Ummah. Firstly, we all know what it means to be treated by male surgeons as Muslim ladies in particular. If we have this hospital, we can have enough Muslim Doctors and nurses that will run in accordance to the Shari’ah.
“For the orphanages, we want to provide a conducive atmosphere for orphans. We also want them to be raised in organised and Islamic settings,” he added.
Women privacy will be guaranteed in the hospital
Also adding his voice, another member of the BoT, Alhaji Ariyo Olushekun, said privacy will be guaranteed for women if the children and women hospital project is actualised.
He said there will also be a male section where male Doctors will attend to patients of their gender.
“The hospital might be owned and managed by Muslims, but it’s for everyone — both Muslim and non-Muslim patients,” he said.
BoT Chair, Alhaji Ebiti, and the entire members of the IMC appealed to individuals and corporate bodies to attend the fund raising and contribute generously towards the success of the event.
“Even after the official launch of the Social Infrastructure Fund, we expect that the donations will continue till the lifetime of the projects,” he added.
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