Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, Sultan, others eulogise Abou
By Tajudeen Adebanjo On Aug 11, 2022
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Sultan of Sokoto/President-General of Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad yesterday felicitated the Executive Chairman, Lagos Central Mosque/Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou on his 100 years birthday.
They described the eminent scholar as a worthy example of a religious leader.
President Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, at the Centenary Birthday Prayer held at Lagos Central Mosque, Idumota, extolled the selfless contributions of Sheikh Abou to national development and peaceful coexistence. He thanked Allah for sustaining his life to witness the day.
”Allah has been so good to him and no wonder his longevity and success in the face of the earth,” the president said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu and Sultan Sa’ad, who joined other dignitaries at Harbour Point Hall on Victoria Island, venue of the reception, described the Baba Adinni, as an epitome of honesty, dedication and faithful.
According to them, Sheikh Abou’s record of service to humanity has been unblemished.
The governor said attaining 100 years is a blessing and favour from God.
“We thank God for sparing his life and for enabling him attain the centenarian age. On this special day, it is our prayer that God will grant Baba more grace and strength. I pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with good health to enjoy His blessings and everlasting goodness,” he said.
Earlier, the governor who was represented at the prayer session in Idumota by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat said: “Sheikh Abou is worthy of emulating and has lived his life worshipping the Almighty Allah and serving humanity the best way he could as the Baba Adinni of Lagos. He has been a role model to many Islamic faithful including clerics and leaders”.
He urged youths to abide by religious injunctions that preach patience, hardworking and perseverance in their quest for living a good life and want to be great in life.
Such injunctions, he said, were worthy of emulation and has been the hallmark of the elderly ones, which Sheikh Abou and his peers represent.
Sultan Abubakar, represented by Chairman, Sokoto State Zakat and Waqf Commission (SOZECOM), Mallam Lawan Maidoki, congratulated Lagosians on the centenary celebration.
He prayed to Allah to continue to increase Sheikh Abou in faith.
Earlier in his opening remark, the Executive Vice Chairman of Lagos Central Mosque and Bashorun Musulumi of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi Macfoy said the centenary celebration of the revered Islamic scholar was the first in the history of Lagos Central Mosque since the introduction of Islam into Lagos by the Malians in the 17th century.
Alhaji Macfoy said: “He became the Baba Adinni in 2009 and had worked closely with his predecessors – the late Alhaji Waheed Elias and the late Alhaji Wahab Folawiyo since he returned from Cairo, Egypt in late fifties. No prominent Muslim leader in Lagos lived up to 100 years. Sheikh has been steadfast in his contribution towards development of Islam in Lagos andNigeria.”
He added that Sheikh Abou was celebrated because he is acknowledged in Nigeria and abroad as a renowned Islamic scholar.
“He achieved so much in the administration of Lagos Central Mosque since inception as Baba Adinni of Lagos,” he said.
Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, said the centenary celebration was unique and a divine gift from Allah.”
