• As Lekki Muslims commend, hold dinner in honour of ex-Chairman Adeniji
* We appreciate his contribution to our association: LEMU President
In a spirited farewell dinner held in his honour, the new President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Adeniji Kazeem SAN, has unveiled plans to modernize the Society’s communication strategies, particularly with the aim of attracting and engaging the younger generation.
The dinner, hosted by the Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Admiral Ayinla Hall in Lekki, Lagos, brought together Muslim leaders, friends, associates, and members of the Ummah to celebrate Kazeem’s emergence as head of one of Nigeria’s oldest Islamic organisations.
Alhaji Kazeem, a former Chairman of the LEMU Group of Schools, shared his vision of a digital Ansar-Ud-Deen that resonates with young Muslims navigating modern society through mobile technology.
“A lot of young people do practically all their businesses on the phone. Is Ansar-Ud-Deen on your phone?” he asked, speaking to Muslim News. “So, if you pick up your phone and you go to Google PlayStore or to Apple Store, and you’re able to download an Ansar-Ud-Deen app that can tell you all you need to know about the organisation across all facets of life, won’t that change a lot of things? It will help a lot of young people that need direction.”
Alhaji Kazeem also emphasized that his administration would not neglect older members, but rather create an inclusive and responsive Society that serves all age groups.
“Part of the work of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society as an Islamic organisation is missionary. It is supposed to evangelise, and also help people socially and when they are in need,” he said. “A lot of people are spiritually adrift, they need help. We want to bring back Ansar-Ud-Deen to the level that people can walk into the mosque, call an Imam, and consult people to help them with the issues that they are facing on a day-to-day basis.”
In a show of gratitude, LEMU hosted the dinner to honour Alhaji Kazeem’s tenure and selfless contributions to the organisation. Visibly moved by the outpouring of accolades, the new Ansar-Ud-Deen President said:
“I didn’t expect the level of accolades that were given today because the things I did during my tenure here came naturally to me. I just felt it was the right thing to do.”
He thanked the LEMU leadership and members for their support and encouragement over the years.
LEMU President, Alhaji AbdulGaniy Labinjo, reaffirmed the association’s faith in Kazeem’s ability to lead at the national level, noting his integrity, generosity, and sense of purpose.
“With his leadership qualities and his humility and his sense of purpose, we have no doubt in our mind that he’s going to perform very well at Ansar-Ud-Deen,” Labinjo said. “It’s a huge responsibility, but from what we know of him, and Allah helping him, we believe he would do very well and take Ansar-Ud-Deen to the next level.”
Labinjo described Kazeem as a transformational leader who helped restructure LEMU during his three-year tenure.
“He is a wonderful person, a committed Muslim, who has demonstrated a high level of ethical leadership. He is extremely generous and a very resourceful person. We appreciate his contributions.”
He also expressed hope that the new President would raise the standard of Islamic propagation and education, especially now that the society owns a university.
Excellent Loan Recalled, Says Chief Missioner
Adding a light-hearted touch to the evening, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, Chief Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, described Kazeem’s leadership of LEMU as a temporary secondment from the mother body.
“What an excellent loan he has been. He was on secondment, but Ansar-Ud-Deen has now taken him back,” he said to laughter and applause. “So many of you here are also on loan. At the appropriate time, we will recall you. May Allah (SWT) reward all of us abundantly.”
Sheikh Ahmad also offered prayers for Kazeem’s success, the continued growth of LEMU, and blessings for the entire Muslim Ummah.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Abdul Ganiy Labinjo, President of LEMU; Alhaji Yunus Salisu, member BOT, LEMU; Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque; Alhaja Muinat Shopeyin, member BOT, LEMU and other members of the LEMU community.
During the dinner, tributes were paid to Kazeem by notable attendees, including Dr. Kamoru Omotosho, former President of LEMU; Imam Nojeem Jimoh of Lighthouse Mosque; Professor Fatimah Biade Abdulkareem; Ustaz Mustapha Jamiu, Administrator of LEMU schools, and Ustaz Abdulhakeem B. Isioye, Head of School at Lekki Qur’an Memorisation College.
The farewell dinner marked a significant moment in Kazeem’s journey as he embarks on his new role as President of Ansar-ud-Deen Society Worldwide.
More faces at the event
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