Tinubu lauds Ahmadiyya’s commitment to national development 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the contributions of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at for establishing schools, hospitals, mosques and mission centres which have become integral and indispensable parts of Nigeria’s social value. The President made the statement at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at’s 70th Jalsa Salana Nigeria 2024 held in Ilaro, Ogun State.

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, the President appreciated the Jama’at for pioneering the acquisition of the first western education for Muslims in Nigeria, founded the first mission-owned school in 1922, a legacy that continues to benefit the educational landscape of today.

“I fully understand and sincerely appreciate the value of faith, discipline and service in shaping individual 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.

“Your contributions towards peace and unity represent a beacon of light in a world often divided by differences, reflecting the impactful 70th celebration of Jalsa Salana on Nigerian soil. Let me also remind us that to go ahead is still one of the opportunities under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that the government of Nigeria remains committed to building a nation where every citizen, regardless of background can thrive. We recognize that faith-based organization like Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at community are indispensable to realizing this nation, your commitment to peace, development and social justice aligns closely with our administration roles.

“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 Nigeria that’s united, prosperous and just for all in offices given.”

In the same vein, the Governor of Ogun state, Dapo Abiodun urged the Ahmadiyya community to continue their prayers to the state and Nigeria at large. The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hamzat Ganiu appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his ongoing reforms to create multiple opportunities for all Nigerians.

He urged the citizens to support and key into the “renewed hope agenda” not minding the ongoing hardship occasioned by subsidy removal on petroleum products, adding that the suffering is temporal and will soon become a thing of the past.

Earlier, Amir (National head) Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Alatoye Azeez underscored the essence of Jalsa salana as yearly human and behavioural reforms hinged on spiritual, moral and physical reformation for the purpose of the community.

Amir identified three major points for the Jalsa salana gathering as sense of sacrifice, goodness and peaceful coexistence among all religious divide in Nigeria.

“We need to renew and rededicate ourselves for the purposes of the communication and the essence of it is actually laid in the holy Quran by Almighty Allah. Every year, we gather together to pray and Ahmadiyya is committed to ensuring harmonious coexistence among Nigerians. This gathering is also linked to social reformation as well.”

If you listen to the lectures delivered, you will see that it’s so robust that teaches us about the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SWT that cut across every strata in goodness.

“Let me also admonish the Muslim societies to keep having faith, hope and trust in Almighty Allah as well as prioritizing peaceful coexistence among other religions for the sustenance and maintenance of peace in the country.
 
“I equally want to call on Nigerians to exercise patience with Nigeria’s president in his ongoing reforms as there’s a greater and 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”. Amir added.

The three-day conference drew dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria including royal fathers, Christian leaders, Muslim leaders, political office holders, academia and Muslim faithful.

The highpoints of the event were the exhibition of Islamic heroes’ pictorials, the display of Quranic books, presentation of awards to Ahmadiyya Muslims who have distinguished themselves academically in the past years from various institutions of higher learning at home and abroad.