The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Oyo Branch, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, held a press conference to kick off its 80th anniversary celebration, calling on stakeholders, philanthropists, and Islamic faithful to support its mission of Islamic propagation, moral education, and community service.
The press briefing, held at the society’s central mosque complex, Oke Eletu/Arole Oba, Oyo, heralded the beginning of a week-long series of commemorative activities to reflect on the society’s achievements and chart a renewed course for the future.
A Legacy of Service and Growth
Chairman of the 80th Anniversary Planning Committee, Alhaji M. A. Amusa Teetu, highlighted key achievements of the society over the past eight decades. These include the establishment of Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary Schools across the Oyo metropolis, several mosques, the ADS Hospital, the ADS Arabic and Islamic Institute, and the spread of the Society’s presence to neighbouring towns such as Fiditi, Ikoyi-Ile, Ilero, Kishi, and Ilora.
“We are not just celebrating longevity, but legacy,” Alhaji Teetu said. “This Society has contributed immensely to Islamic education, healthcare, spiritual guidance, and communal harmony in Oyo and its environs.”
The week-long celebration features a rich line-up of events, including Islamic quiz competition, Joint Special Asalatu, courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I to strengthen ties between religious and traditional institutions, visitation to an orphanage home and the Oyo Correctional Centre and Special Jumah Service. Other events are Anniversary Public Lecture focusing on 80 years of ADS in Oyo: Achievements, Prospects and Challenges, and Anniversary Merit Award Ceremony among others.
Calls for Unity and Moral Renewal
In his address, the National Vice President, Oyo Council, Alhaji Teslim Ladimeji Adediran, appealed to Islamic scholars (Alfas) and leaders in the region to promote peaceful coexistence and avoid sectarian conflicts.
“We must learn to celebrate our diversity within the Ummah. Let us focus on what unites us – the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and our common mission to uplift Islam,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary of the Society, Mr. Abdulrafiu Oladiran Awujoola, gave a historical overview of the Society’s founding in 1945. He reiterated the objectives of Ansar-Ud-Deen, which include the propagation of Islam through education, sound worship, charity, and da’wah.
Mr. Awujoola also called for moral uprightness among Muslims, especially the youth, urging them to resist immorality and social vices, while appealling to the government at all levels to always include the society in the scheme of things. “I therefore wish to appeal to the state governor as well as local government chairmen to always consider our society, when selecting people for education and other board of governance because, we are stakeholders”, he concluded.
He concluded with heartfelt prayers for peace, prosperity, and divine guidance for the people of Oyo and Nigeria at large.
The press conference was graced by several eminent Islamic scholars and leaders including the chief Imam of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Oyo Branch Sheikh Mikail Mobolaji Adeyemo, National Vice President, Oyo Council, Teslim Ladimeji Adediran, Chairman, ADS Oyo Branch, Alhaji Prince Hassan Bola Oranlola, Alhaji Abideen Adejumo, Imam Muhammad Waliyullah Adewale, elders of the society, the Ansariyah, ADYAN members and others.
As the anniversary celebrations continue through the week, the society has reaffirmed its commitment to its founding values of faith, knowledge, discipline, and service. The leadership expressed hope that the milestone will inspire greater collaboration and investment in the spiritual and socio-economic development of the Muslim community in Oyo and beyond.