The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on Muslims in the state to continue to foster peace as they practice their faith and report anything that would endanger peaceful co-existence among them.
The governor, represented by his deputy, AdulRaheem Lawal, stated this on Sunday during the commissioning of the Al-Haq’deen International Mosque located within the premises of the Al-Haqdeen International Islamic Society, Orile Iyanu, Olodo, Ibadan.
Stressing that Islam is about peace and love, the deputy governor commended the founder and members of the Al-Haqdeen Society for the completion of the mosque and the leadership they provide for the Muslim community in the state.
He stated that the mosque is a work in progress and called on well-meaning individuals to support the project.
“This mosque is a great one that calls the attention of Muslims to its maintenance,” he said.
The founder of the Al’haqdeen International Islamic Society, Fhodilah Sheikh Ahmad Dhikrullah, stated that the state-of-the-art mosque, built without external funding, is not only for the Al’haqdeen Society but for every Muslim worldwide.
Dhikrullah further stated that society focuses on preaching and prayer to emancipate people from idolatry. He urged Muslims to focus on Allah alone and showcase Islamic excellence.
He revealed that the next project after the completion of the mosque is the construction of an education centre, the Al-Haqdeen International School, for Islamic and Western education.
Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafadeen Isola, congratulated the founder of the society for the completion of the mosque and for his contributions to Islam.
“The contributions in this context consist of the mosque, the school, the entire complex, and the effective leadership of the group of ummah,” he said.
Isola advocated unity among Muslims in Yoruba land, adding that it is the duty Muslims in Yoruba land owe Islam. He charged Muslim leaders to foster aspects of their culture that do not oppose Islam.
“I want everybody here to be an ambassador of Islam in Yoruba land, because we are more united than in the past so that we can continue to be one,” he said.
The clergy who delivered the commissioning lecture, Sheikh Dr Muideen Bello, described the mosque as the house of Allah, which must be protected and supported financially.
Bello warned that people should not love the world and its wealth but should dedicate their lives and wealth to God.
“This is the type of project and gathering we expect Muslims to spend their wealth on,” he said.
The Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land, Edo, and Delta states, Dawud Makanjuola De-Damak, while commending Sheikh Dhikrullah for building the mosque and promoting the cause of Islam, stated that all power belongs to God and people should reflect on this in their dealings.
De-Damak enjoined Muslims to teach their children according to the tenets of Islam, adding, “We should endeavour to raise our children in the way of God so that they can be useful to us and themselves here and the hereafter.”
The Oluwo of Iwo, Iwo Osun State, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi Telu, encouraged Yoruba Muslims to be active in politics and royalty.
Oba Akanbi Telu urged them to train their children by giving them a good education so they can be good leaders who will remember home and develop their society.
Other dignitaries at the event were chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniyi Agbotomokekere; Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola; Asiwaju Adinni of Oyo State, Mutiullahi Abdul Azeez Oladejo; Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 17 Headquarters, Akure, Abiodun Asabi; Aare Musulumi of Al’haqdeen International Islamic Society, Mutiullah Ajagbe; Otun Iyalode of Egba Land, Taofeekat Afolabi; and other prominent traditional rulers and imams in Ibadan.
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