NASFAT LAGOS ISLAND BRANCH COMMISSIONS MODERN ISLAMIC CENTRE
September 18, 2023
by AbdulFattah Rufai &
Fausiat Salako-Sanni
NASRUL-LAHI-L-FATIH SOCIETY Lagos Island Branch has officially commissioned an Islamic Centre in the Bankole area of Lagos Island.
The commissioning was led by the Nasfat President, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 34, Bankole Street,Apongbon, Lagos Island, Nigeria.
“This momentous event represents a significant milestone in the journey of our organisation, NASFAT, and particularly in the history of Lagos Island Branch in its decades of existence.”Mr. Yusuf.
He gave a brief background to when and how the journey of the Islamic centre began in the year 2020 when he paid a visit to the construction site of the mosque project and to the glory of Allah SWT, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the socio-economic challenges, it’s being commissioned today.
“For this I must thank all the members of the Branch, committee members, leaders and donors for this remarkable achievement, Jazakumllahu Khayran.”
He however spoke on the profound significance of having or building a mosque with its appurtenances and self-sustaining facilities as masjid is not meant to be for only the observation of salat, prayers rather to serve other needs of the host community where it’s erected.
“I have always been an advocate of not just building masjid but a self-sustaining mosque that will not only serve as a place of worship but also plays a pivotal role in meeting the diverse needs – social, physical, mental , economic, of its community.
“The self-sustaining facilities for modern day mosque complex, should include those for education, vocational training, health and social services, which are a reflection of the HELD policy thrust of the current National Executive Council (NEC) which focused on Health, Education, Livelihood and Dawah.”
Nasfat President, Mr. Niyi Yusuf opined that, the concept of a multi-purpose and self-sustaining mosque is crucial for several reasons among which are for spiritual nourishment, healthcare, education, sustainability and social services.
He however used the opportunity to solicit support from all men and women of faith towards the completion of the phase 1 of the National Mosque at Aseese, which is now at a critical stage for it to be made available for use.
“We need about N250 Million Naira before 31st of December, 2023 and it would gladden our hearts if we get philanthropists, men and women of faith, friends , family and associates to further contribute towards this. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah SWT shall be repaid unto you and you shall not be treated unjustly says in (Q8:60).” Niyi Yusuf.
In the welcome address, the Chairman Nasfat Lagos Island branch, Alhaji Adewole Kadir Adebowale went down the memory lane to establish the genesis of the edifice that is being commissioned today by appreciating the undaunting support given to the realisation of the project which was conceptualised in 2002 after the formal inauguration of the Branch by the the Branch Executive Council led by Alh. Ganiu Omokehinde Olubodun with the support of other prominent members among who the then Branch Women Affairs Management Secretary, Alhaja Abibat Ejide Pedro (Ola Anobi), the then Chairman, Branch Council of Elders, Alhaji Mudathir Babatunde Shitta, the Mission Board and other organs of the Branch who all insisted that the Branch deserves its own permanent site where a befitting Islamic Center to be proud of will be built.
He appreciated all the succeeding Branch administrations that had kept the visionary concept alive and for it becoming a reality today, from the Alhaji Bolaji Wasiu led executive council to the Dr. Fodil Olanrewaju Mohammed-Noah tenure to the immediate past regime of Alhaji Prince Taofeek Adewale Adele. Profound gratitude to those at the helms of affairs in NASFAT at both National and Zonal levels for their strong support to the success story.
In his words, “I recognize with respect all our dignitaries and guests, that are too numerous to be mentioned, the commitment and selflessness of the Branch Charismatic Fund Raising & Project Implementation Committee, the Branch Executive and all stakeholders most especially our amiable father and philanthropist, who is the father of the day for this epoch-making event, Alhaji Hon. Monsuru Alao Owolabi (BATOLA, Alao Seniyan) for your continual and salient support. Also to our mother of the day, Alhaja Tawakalitu Aweni Oladosu (Iya Adini of Ibadanland) and all other dignitaries on behalf of the members of Nasfat Lagos Island Branch, we say Jazakumllahu Khayran.”
The Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Engr. Mustapha Alabi raised his speech and thank the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou- Nolla for honouring the invitation to be part of the event. He however appealed to the Chief Imam of Lagos State to generously grant the edifice the status of Juma’at Masjid which he believes will further serve the community together with other Juma’at Masjids around for numerous spiritual benefits giving the population of Muslim faithfuls within and around the Island community and its environ.
“It is my utmost believe and desire that this Islamic Center will be used judiciously to develop and enrich us with the knowledge of worshipping Allah SWT, instilling high moral conducts/virtues, propagation of Da’wah and other usage to better the Society in the interest of Nasfat’s mission of developing an enlightened Muslim society, nurtured by a true understanding of Islam for the spiritual upliftment and welfare of mankind.”
“I urged the users of this edifice to sustain the purpose of the centre, which is to worship Allah and for the benefit of humanity. Also ensure that the centre is always kept clean and avoid doing anything contrary to the will of Allah SWT.” Says Zonal Chairman.
The Chief Missioner of Nasfat, Imam Morufu AbdulAzeez Onike who was ably represented by the Lagos Zone 1 Missioner, Imam Barr. Uthman Jaji Mohammed quoted from Quran 9 verse 18 and spoke extensively on the benefits of building a mosque for Allah and qualities that should be found in those to be entrusted with the administration of an Islamic institution.
The high point of the event was the cutting of the tape to officially commission and open for inspection of all the rooms on the floors of the building led by the Nasfat President, Mr. Niyi Yusuf and the father of the day, Alh. Hon. Monsuru Alao Owolabi (BATOLA) and all dignitaries, stakeholders and members of the Branch.
Among personalities present at the occasion include Branch Missioner, Imam Abubakar Abdulsalam (Albadawi), NAṢFAT National Projects Secretary, Alh. Engr. Kamar Olawuyi, Chairman ZCOE, Prof. AbdulRasheed Arogundade, ZCOE’s Treasurer, Alh. Nollah, Alh. Saka, the immediate past ZCOE’s Chairman and Secretary, Alh. Mudathir Babatunde Shitta and Alh. Oturuloro and other members of the ZCOE, ZEC members, ZMS Alh. Segun Kasumu, ZWS Alh. Ameen AbdulGaniu, Desk Officer 1, Alhaja Kafilat Aramide Badru, Zonal Women Affairs Management Secretary, Alhaja Adeleke-Eshinlokun, ZEES Alhaja Zulfah Fagbemi and other women of Al-Janah, the immediate past Women Affairs Management Secretary, Alhaja Sidiqah Otunbade, Branch Chairmen of Oworo-Ifako, Ojota-Ogudu, Itire-Ijesha Branch, Alh. AbdulWasiu Adelere, Owutu Branch, Alh. Ojuolape among others. Also in attendance were Alhaji Nurudeen Oyetunji, all past BEC members and many others.
Other Islamic societies present at the event were Nawair-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, Ikhwan-ul-Muslimin Society of Nigeria and others.
The Branch Asst. Sec. Bro. Jibril Dhikrullah Taiwo on behalf of the Branch General Secretary, Mr. Jimoh Afeez appreciated everyone at the event while Imam Ahmad Yusuf offered the closing prayer for all the guests.