No nation can develop if its citizens reject education — Hamzat
President says faith-based organisations remain indispensable partners in nation building as Nigeria’s foremost Islamic organisation unveils Secretariat named after Hassanat Abebi Okunnu, Muslim News Nigeria reports.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion as guaranteed by the Constitution, saying government will continue to work with religious organisations to promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance and national unity.
The President made the declaration during the commissioning of Hassanat Abebi Okunnu House, the new National Headquarters of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), in Surulere, Lagos.
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Tinubu described the 103-year-old Society as one of Nigeria’s foremost Islamic organisations whose contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian service and moral development have continued to shape generations of Nigerians.
“The government under my watch will continue to guarantee freedom of religion while encouraging religious organisations to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity,” Tinubu said.
He added that government alone cannot build the nation of Nigerians’ aspirations, stressing that partnerships with faith based organisations remain essential.
“It requires strong partnerships with faith based organisations that share the vision of building an enlightened, disciplined and compassionate society. The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society has consistently demonstrated that religious organisations remain indispensable partners in national development.”
Tinubu also praised the Chairman of the Society’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Lateef Femi Okunnu, SAN, CON, for donating the property in honour of his late mother, Alhaja Hassanat Abebi Okunnu.
He described the project as an enduring act of generosity that would continue serving humanity for generations.
“There can be no greater testimony to a person’s character than the quality of the children they leave behind. Looking at the accomplishments and impeccable reputation of her children, we need no further evidence that she was a woman of faith, noble character, discipline and uncommon wisdom.”
Secretariat symbolises new chapter
Speaking at the ceremony, National President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, described the commissioning as one of the most significant milestones in the Society’s history.
He said the Secretariat represents more than a physical structure.
“Today, we dedicate more than a building. We dedicate a renewed vision for the future of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria.”
According to him, the Secretariat fulfils a long cherished aspiration and demonstrates that the Society is entering its second century with renewed vision and stronger institutions.
“This Secretariat is the fulfilment of a long cherished dream, the celebration of remarkable generosity and a bold statement that after one hundred and three years of distinguished service to our nation, our Society is preparing for an even greater future.”
At 103, we are building up
Prince Kazeem said the Society remains committed to educational excellence, youth empowerment, innovation and national development.
“At one hundred and three, we are not winding down. We are building up.
“We cherish our heritage, but we refuse to be imprisoned by it. Relevance is sustained not by age but by vision.”
He said Ansar-Ud-Deen has spent more than a century shaping the future through education, humanitarian service and Islamic propagation.
Deputy Gov. urges revival of educational values
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Hamzat, commended the Society for transforming Muslim education in Southern Nigeria through the establishment of schools that combined Islamic and Western education.
He expressed concern over declining educational values among young people.
“Sadly, one of the greatest challenges confronting our society today is the erosion of our values. We hear young people saying education is a scam. No nation can develop if its citizens reject education.”
He urged Islamic educational institutions to continue promoting knowledge, discipline and moral values.
Why the headquarters is named after Hassanat Abebi Okunnu
The new national headquarters was named after the late Alhaja Hassanat Taiwo Abebi Okunnu, an accomplished Islamic scholar and devoted member of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society.
Born in Lagos in 1910, she became one of the earliest Muslim women to publicly preach Islam in Nigeria and was widely respected for her scholarship, discipline and service to the Society.
Although she could not complete formal primary education, she later attended adult education classes while completing her Qur’anic studies. She remained an active member of Division Four of the Society and played prominent roles in its Assalatu activities until her death in March 1981.
She was married to the late Alhaji Murtala Abibu Okunnu, another distinguished member of the Society, and was blessed with eight children, including renowned legal icon Alhaji Lateef Femi Okunnu, SAN, CON.
Her son donated the property nearly three decades ago in her memory, a gesture that has now culminated in the establishment of the Society’s permanent national headquarters.
A century of service
Founded on December 21, 1923 by forty two Muslim professionals in Lagos, the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society was established to provide quality education rooted in Islamic values at a time when Western education was largely dominated by Christian missionary schools.
Over the past 103 years, the Society has established hundreds of schools, mosques, Arabic institutions, healthcare programmes, scholarship schemes, humanitarian projects and welfare initiatives across Nigeria, producing generations of judges, lawyers, academics, medical doctors, engineers, public servants and business leaders.
Following its centenary celebration in 2023, the Society elected Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem as National President in April 2025 to lead its second century of service.
Within fifteen months of his administration, the Society has strengthened institutional governance, expanded youth participation, promoted innovation, supported Summit University, Offa, and successfully established its permanent National Secretariat.
Looking ahead
Prince Kazeem said Hassanat Abebi Okunnu House would serve as more than an administrative office.
“It will be a home for ideas, a centre of excellence, a sanctuary for service and a beacon of hope for generations to come.”
He added that every decision taken within the building should strengthen education, advance the cause of Islam, promote justice, deepen national unity and improve the lives of Nigerians.
“Today we commission a building. Tomorrow we continue the work of building lives, strengthening institutions and serving our nation. That is the enduring mission of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria.”
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