* As Deputy Governor commissions Odo Noforija ultra modern Central Mosque
* Ex-NDIC boss preaches gratitude and contentment
* National Imam leads first Juma’at Prayer, stresses sustainability
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustain peace, stability and accelerated development in the country.
Dr. Hamzat made the appeal on Friday in Epe, Lagos State, during the commissioning of the Odo Noforija Kingdom Ultra Modern Central Mosque, built by the monarch of the Odo Noforija Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Ola Ogunlaja, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Al Hujaaj International Umrah and Hajj Services Limited, Alhaji Abdul Jelili Animashaun.
Muslim News gathered that the mosque features a striking minaret, dome adorned with Arabic inscriptions, a spacious prayer hall with separate sections for male and female worshippers. It is designed to accommodate large congregations during Jumu’ah prayers and other Islamic gatherings.
… calls for unity, patience
Dr Hamzat urged Nigerians to support the President with prayers, saying national progress depends on unity, patience and collective responsibility.
He said, “We must continue to pray for our President because when a nation is united in prayer and purpose, progress becomes more sustainable. A growing nation requires optimism, discipline and goodwill from its people”.
The Deputy Governor urged citizens to remain patient with the government and avoid actions capable of destabilising the country, warning against those seeking to divide the nation.
…Praises interfaith collaboration
He commended those who sponsored the mosque project, especially the monarch, Dr Babatunde Ola Ogunlaja, a Christian, and Alhaji Abdul Jelili Animashaun, a Muslim philanthropist, describing their collaboration as a demonstration of religious harmony.
Dr. Hamzat noted that building a mosque attracts divine reward and praised the spirit of unity behind the project.
The Deputy Governor conveyed the message of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by the Special Assistant on Public Affairs and Strategy, Hon. Alawiye King, saying the First Lady expressed joy over the positive developments in Epe and prayed for continued progress in the community.
Ex-NDIC boss preaches gratitude and contentment
Former Chairman of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, Hon. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef stressed the importance of gratitude and contentment, urging Muslims to reflect deeply on the blessings of Allah.
He said, “If you think those engaged in religion are doing too much, then look at yourself in the mirror and reflect on the countless blessings Allah has given you.”
Dr. AbdulLateef explained that the gift of life and abilities are divine blessings that cannot be purchased, saying believers must constantly show appreciation to Allah for sight, speech, health, and every aspect of existence.
He warned that ingratitude is a serious spiritual failing, noting that people often fail to appreciate the One who grants them life and sustenance. He said “To whom much is given, much is expected,” urging believers to reflect on their responsibilities.
The former Commissioner for Home Affairs in Lagos State added that Islam is founded on gratitude, humility and devotion, while commending the community leaders for providing a befitting mosque for worshippers in Epe.
Former Minister Fashola hails ‘harmony of faith’ in Epe
Former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, described the mosque commissioning as a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony.
He said, “We have not just come to dedicate a mosque, we have come to send a message of harmony of faith.”
According to him, the collaboration between Christians and Muslims in building the Mosque shows that religious diversity can strengthen society.
He added, “When the world misunderstands us, some of the best among us can come together and say we are not like that.”
Mr. Fashola who revealed that the foundation for the mosque project was unknowingly laid during a memorial gathering held in his residence on 5 August 2023 in honour of his late father said his presence at the commissioning further strengthened the symbolic message of unity behind the project.
He recalled historical examples of interfaith cooperation in Nigeria, citing the late Chief MKO Abiola, who he said contributed significantly to the building of a Catholic church despite being a Muslim.
Mr. Fashola noted that such examples show that religious differences have never stopped Nigerians from supporting one another in acts of faith and community development.
Etsu Nupe commends monarch’s vision
Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, praised the Mosque project as a symbol of the long history of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Odo Noforija Kingdom.
He said the decision to provide the kingdom with a befitting Central Mosque after the demolition of the old mosque is a testament to the monarch’s commitment to equity and inclusive leadership.
“The new Central Mosque is a consolidation of the peaceful coexistence between the Islamic and Christian religions in the Kingdom.”
Etsu Nupe who chaired the occasion, praised Oba (Dr) Babatunde Ola Ogunlaja for his inclusive leadership and prayed that Allah rewards him for building a befitting place of worship.
Mosque opens with first Adhan
Muslim News gathered that Hon Alawiye King, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, formally commissioned the Mosque alongside the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Hamzat, with other dignitaries, including the major donors to the mosque project.
The commissioning featured a ribbon cutting exercise led by the dignitaries, symbolising the official opening of the Mosque for worship and community activities.
Following the commissioning, Alhaji Abdul Jelili Animashaun, one of the key figures behind the Mosque project, made the first call to prayer in what was described as a symbolic presentation marking the beginning of worship activities in the new mosque.
The moment was received with joy and emotion by worshippers and guests, as the first Adhan echoed through the Mosque premises, signifying the commencement of a new chapter in the spiritual life of the Odo Noforija community.
National Mosque Imam stresses sustainability
Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Professor Luqman Zakariyah, delivered the inaugural Khutbah titled “Masjid, Its Maintenance and Sustainability,” where he stressed the importance of maintaining mosques spiritually, structurally and administratively.
Quoting an Hadith of Prophet Muhammad, he said, “Whoever builds a mosque in this world, Allah will build a place for him in Paradise.”
Professor Zakariyah said mosques must not only be built properly but must also be sustained through sincerity, sound management and qualified administrators.
He noted that many mosques collapse after the death of their founders because of poor management, urging Muslim communities to establish sustainable structures.
“One of the ways to sustain the mosque is to have investments that will generate resources for its upkeep instead of allowing funds to be mismanaged,” he noted.
The Islamic scholar also stressed the need to appoint competent and visionary individuals to manage mosque administration and finances, saying professionalism and accountability are vital to long term sustainability.
He emphasized the importance of appointing qualified religious personnel, including the Imam, Muazzin, and administrators, to ensure the Mosque remains active and spiritually vibrant.
He said, “The Imam must be qualified, the administrator must be qualified, and the Muazzin must also be qualified so that the Mosque will remain alive with meaningful programmes and activities.”
Host monarch recounts journey of rebuilding
The Chief Host, Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja described the commissioning of the Mosque as a moment of divine fulfilment and a symbol of unity, resilience and spiritual progress.
He said the project marked a transition from the community’s cherished past to a more progressive future, noting that it reflected the collective aspirations of the people.
Oba Ogunlaja expressed appreciation to dignitaries including the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, and other traditional and religious leaders for their support.
He also highlighted the loss of historic religious landmarks during road expansion, including the Ratibi Mosque of 1830 and St David’s Church of 1891, saying their absence strengthened the community’s resolve to rebuild other ones.
The monarch commended key contributors, especially Alhaji Abdul Jelili Animashaun, describing his support as selfless and instrumental to the success of the project.
He said the new mosque stands as a bridge between the kingdom’s heritage and its future aspirations, praying it continues to promote unity, faith and development.
The commissioning ended with special prayers for the Epe community, Lagos State and Nigeria, as worshippers and dignitaries expressed gratitude for the successful completion of the landmark project.
Other notable faces at the commissioning
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