PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has commended the contributions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at to the social and economic development of Nigeria through the establishment of public facilities like schools, hospitals, mosques and mission centres.
The president gave the commendation at the jama’at’s 70th Jalsa Salana (Islamic Conference), held in Ilaro, Ogun State.
Tinubu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Livestock Development, Alhaji Idris Ajimobi, praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for pioneering the establishment of the first Muslim primary school in the country, Taleemul Islam Primary School, Elegbata, Lagos Island, in 1922.
The school, which was inaugurated by Mr Herry Carr along with Islamic leaders, forms the bedrock of Islamic and western legacy that continues to benefit the educational landscape.
This was followed by the establishment of Ahmadiyya secondary schools in Agege, Lagos; Ibadan, Oyo State; Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State; Onda and Unaisha in Nassarawa State as well as Kano, Kano State.
The hospitals and clinics were opened in Apapa and Ojokoro, Lagos State; Agbongbon in Ibadan, Oyo State; Ijebu Ode and Imosan in Ogun State; Bukuru, Jos, Plateau State; New Bussa, Niger State and Kano, Kano State.
“I fully understand and sincerely appreciate the value of faith, discipline and service in shaping individuals and sustaining societies, the principles of upholding compassion, mercy and service to humanity are being reflected in your milestones so far.
“Ahmadiyya has been a mercy to Nigeria through your humanitarian efforts, your contributions towards guiding our brothers and sisters in faith and health and your tireless work in public service.
“The government is open to community like yours to advance our common goals, whether in the areas of education, healthcare, humanitarian service or youth empowerment. We are determined to continue to collaborate with you. Together we can build a Nigeria that is united, prosperous and just for all,” President Tinubu said.
He equally acknowledged the contributions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to peaceful coexistence in Nigeria and the world at large.
“Your contributions towards peace and unity are a beacon of light in a world often divided by differences, reflecting the impactful 70th celebration of Jalsa Salana on Nigerian soil,” the president noted.
Tinubu reminded Nigerians of the need to commit to building a nation where every citizen, regardless of background, could thrive.
The Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, charged the Ahmadiyya community to continue their prayers for the state and Nigeria at large.
Governor Abiodun, who was represented by his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hamzat Ganiu, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu on his ongoing reforms to save Nigeria from collapse.
He urged the citizens to support and key into the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda, not minding the ongoing hardship occasioned by subsidy removal on petroleum products, saying that the suffering is temporary and will soon become a thing of the past.
Earlier, the Amir (President) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Alatoye, described the Jalsa Salana as a unique avenue for spiritual development and the promotion of peaceful coexistence among all religious groups in Nigeria.
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“I equally want to call on Nigerians to exercise patience with the President in his ongoing reforms as there is a promising future for Nigeria. It is not easy to reform, but the result of the reforms will benefit all and sundry in the nearest future,” the Ahmadiyya leader said.
The three-day conference was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond. They included traditional rulers, Christian leaders, Muslim leaders, political officeholders, academics and members of the Nigerian Muslim ummah.
Highlights of the event were exhibition of Islamic literature, presentation of awards to Ahmadiyya Muslims who had distinguished themselves in their academic careers in the past years in various institutions of higher learning at home and abroad.
The event, which was segmented into three major sessions alongside lectures from religious scholars, had the theme ‘And We Have Sent Thee (Muhammad) Not But as a Mercy for All People’.
