October 29, 2023
Fausiat Salako-Sanni

The journey of a thousand miles is said to start in a day, this is exactly the story of NAṢFAT Meiran Branch. It is really worth celebrating, retrospecting how far the branch has come.

These were words of the pioneer chairman of the branch, Alhaji Comrade Kassim Kadiri at the three in one event of the branch on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Meiran area of that state in am interview with Kiin Media.

“We thank the Almighty Allah for all His mercy and we pray He continue to ease our affairs so as to increase our acts of Ibadah through the Meiran Branch and NAṢFAT for the propagation of Islam, because we’ve come to this world to do no other thing than to worship and serve Him.”

Going down memory lane, he added, “NAṢFAT Meiran Branch was initially named MEIRAN -AJASA BRANCH but it was later separated on 23rd December, 2010 and the two became two different branches.”

The occasion witnessed the celebration of the 20th year anniversary of the branch, Walimat-ul Qur’an and presentation of Awards of recognition to some strong backbones/stakeholders who contributed to the gradual growth of the branch.

In his speech, the Nasfat President, Mr. Niyi Yusuf on behalf of the National Executive Council, (NEC) expressed his joy at the progress the branch has been able to record since its inauguration, exactly twenty years, this year. He however implored the branch executive, branch council of elders, other stakeholders and the members of the branch not relent on their efforts rather they should endeavour to do more. “Because if you can think it then you can achieve it. There’s nothing one can think about that can be achieved, except you don’t think about it, once you are able to think about it, then you’re definitely In Sha’a Allah get it done.”

Mr. Niyi Yusuf also reminded the stakeholders piloting the affairs of the branch, of their quota for the national project, Aseese mosque which plan is in top gear to finish the first phase by December this year.

The Zonal Chairman, Alh. AbdulKareem Adeshina, who also doubled as the Chairman of the occasion, thanked those who are at the helms of affairs of the branch for their dedication, doggedness and commitment to continue to develop the branch.

He however, prayed that all their efforts towards the progress of the branch and NAṢFAT as a whole shall be adequately rewarded in this world and the Hereafter.

According to the Branch Chairman, Alh. Engr. Ahmed Biobaku, “the awards of recognition is to officially acknowledge and express the Branch’s gratitude for the enormous support and contributions of these individuals in the history and story of the branch.”

This award of recognition can’t quantify the enormous efforts you have put and that you are still putting into developing Meiran Branch, it’s our prayer that Allah SWT, who is the best in rewarding acts of Ibadah shall appreciate you in manifolds.”

No fewer than sixty individuals were recognised for their contributions towards the development and growth of the branch among them were past Missioners, Pioneer stakeholders and current stakeholders male and female.

The Chief Missioner of NAṢFAT, Imam Morufu AbdulAzeez Onike was ably represented by Imam Misbaudeen Olagunju, who co-ordinated the first reading of the Qur’an verses to the graduands.

In his speech, he emphasised the importance and reward of learning and reading the Qur’an always. He also urged parents to pay more attention to the upbringing of their children for them to continue to be the coolness of their eyes till eternity.

The high point of the occasion was the individual recitation of the Quranic verses by the six graduands, comprised of four females and 1 male. They are BIOBAKU Abeebat Mojirade, JIMOH Yusroh Eniola, ONI Fawaz Adeyinka, BIOBAKU Risikat Yetunde and LAWAL-AJETOLA Aliyah.

The Branch Missioner, Imam AbdulAzeez Alege at the event advised the graduands not to see this stage of graduation as the final, rather they should further their studies in the Qur’an and Islamic knowledge as well, because an informed mind is a productive soul that will further and farther impact humanity.

Distinguished dignitaries from branches under the Zone, Lagos Zone 2, were present at the event including the women of Al-Janah, who was led by the Zonal Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Aishat Busari, Alhaja Oriloye, Alhaja Adeshina among others. In attendance were also family, friends and well wishers of the graduands.

The Chairman organising committee, Bro. Ibrahim Bisiriyu expressed his profound gratitude to the committee members, branch executive council (BEC), BCOE, all standing committees, individuals and organisations for their strong support and commitment for the success of the event.

The whole event was rounded off with supplications offered for everyone by the Zonal Missioner, Imam AbdulRasheed Ashamu.