…As Ansar-Ud-Deen Unveils New National Headquarters in Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to guaranteeing freedom of religion across the country, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The President made the declaration on Saturday during the official commissioning of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) National Headquarters, known as the Hassanat Abebi Okunnu House, situated in Surulere, Lagos.

Represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), President Tinubu emphasized that religious institutions remain key pillars in safeguarding national cohesion.

“The government under my watch will continue to guarantee freedom of religion while encouraging religious organisations to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity,” President Tinubu stated.

Commending the century-old Islamic organization, the President highlighted ADSN’s extensive contributions to education, moral development, healthcare, and humanitarian efforts. He stressed that achieving sustainable national growth requires active collaboration between the state and faith-based groups.

“Government alone cannot build the nation of our dreams,” Tinubu noted. “It requires strong partnerships with faith-based organisations that share the vision of building an enlightened, disciplined, and compassionate society. The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society has consistently demonstrated that religious organisations remain indispensable partners in national development.”

The newly commissioned national secretariat was donated by prominent elder statesman Alhaji Femi Okunnu (SAN) in memory of his late mother, Alhaja Hassanat Abebi Okunnu. President Tinubu lauded the donor for immortalizing his mother through a lasting act of faith and philanthropy that will serve humanity for generations.

Describing the late matriarch, President Tinubu remarked: “There can be no greater testimony to a person’s character than the quality of the children they leave behind. A tree is known by its fruits, and a mother’s legacy is most clearly reflected in the lives of those she nurtured. Looking at the accomplishments and impeccable reputation of her children, we need no further evidence that she was a woman of faith, noble character, discipline and uncommon wisdom.”

The President also commended the broader Okunnu family for their long-standing reputation of integrity, patriotism and selfless service to the nation.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, urged the leadership of ADSN to uphold its founding ideals by prioritizing education and moral upbringing.

Dr. Hamzat recalled how ADSN’s pioneers transformed society at a time when Muslim children faced barriers to acquiring Western education, noting that generations continue to reap the rewards of those early sacrifices. However, he expressed concern over the alarming decline in societal values among contemporary youth.

“Sadly, one of the greatest challenges confronting our society today is the erosion of our values,” Hamzat said. “We hear young people saying, ‘Education is a scam.’ Others glorify ignorance and reject the pursuit of knowledge. Our Islamic educational institutions must confront this dangerous trend because no nation can develop if its citizens are not properly educated.”

In his address, the National President of ADSN, Alhaji Mosediq Kazeem, described the inauguration of the new national headquarters as the realization of a long-held vision and a symbol of renewed dedication to service.

Reflecting on the organization’s 103-year history, Kazeem emphasized that ADSN is positioning itself for a dynamic future by modernizing its institutions, empowering the youth and driving educational excellence.

“For over a century, we have worked alongside government in nurturing responsible citizens and building stronger communities,” Kazeem said. “Our contribution is measured not simply by the schools we have built or the projects we have undertaken, but by the generations of Nigerians we have helped to shape men and women whose lives reflect scholarship, integrity, patriotism and service.”