By Bukola Hameed
As members of Oyo Muslim Community converged yesterday on Agodongbo, permanent site of the Oyo Muslim Community centre to raise 2.5 billion naira, an unprecedented success has been recorded according to Imam Daud Igiogun.
Imam Igiogun, who is the project committee chairman couldn’t hide his joy with the impressive turnout of people from all walks of life, including royal fathers, technocrats and philanthropists.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty, all sons and daughters of Oyoland and everyone who contributed in both cash and kind, assuring that work will start in earnest on the site.
” First and foremost, my gratitude goes to Allah who made today a success for us.
Honestly, I can’t hide my feelings especially seeing people turn out in large numbers from all facets of life to ensure that this project comes to fruition. Obviously, it was a success in all ramifications.
Actually, I was taken aback to witness the highest level of sportsmanship and love of God and development displayed by our people, most especially our politicians who disregarded their political affiliations, and came together in the interest of development.
This is an indication that our community is stronger.
Meanwhile, the chairman of Oyo state Muslim Community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni who also announced the donation of one million naira attributed the success to unrivalled cooperation existing amongst Muslims.
He said, ” In recent times, this is one of the most successful launches of any Islamic centre anywhere in Oyo state. This is due to unity and cooperation of Muslims in Oyo town in particular and Oyo state in general.
You would have seen that at this launch, all the wealthy brothers and sisters were either present or represented. And they all donated generously. There are some who volunteered to build structures that would cost multimillion naira in terms of cost. May almighty Allah assist them to fulfill their pledge”, he concluded.
However, the chief Imaam of Oyoland, Dr Mas’ud Adebayo AbdulGaniy Ajokidero III, harped on the need for Muslims in Oyo to remain united in order to make meaningful progress in future.
Speaking on his behalf, Sheikh Abolore said, “unity is one of the veritable ingredients needed at this material time. And this is enjoined by Allah in the Qur’an. We should continue to preach, as Baba Imam always does, peaceful coexistence and unity among Muslims. It is immaterial, and in fact, it will be detrimental to our collective development, if we do not disregard our differences”, he submitted.
Earlier in his soul-inspiring lecture, Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello urged Muslims to shun stinginess, as Allah despises those who do not spend out of their wealth for the development and service of humanity.
The renowned Islamic scholar however made it explicit that whoever spends on the cause of Allah has invariably procured an indefinable place in paradise for himself on the day of judgement.
Moreso, the chairman, Oyo Muslim Community, Dr AbdulMumin Hamzat was overwhelmed with joy.
While speaking with our correspondent after the programme, Dr Hamzat said what transpired today showed that the future is rather brighter. He equally thanked all and sundry for their contributions in the success made so far, though man can’t get all he desires.
“Though man can’t have all he wants, we are very happy with what we got today. A prominent son of Oyo has volunteered to build an ultramodern event hall with state of the art facilities. Dr Yunus Abiodun Akintunde also promised to build, from start to finish, Nursery and Primary School structures. These two alone are in millions of naira. It’s a huge success.
His excellency, the governor of Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Makinde also did promise that a new homer bus will be presented to us on Friday September 2, 2022. We are grateful to him”, he concluded.
Dr Hamzat was optimistic that though, eminent Nigerians like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila and so on couldn’t make it, something worthwhile will come out from them.
Distinguished personalities within and outside Oyo who graced the occasion and donated heavily included Dr Yunus Abiodun Akintunde, APC’s candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District and his counterpart from Accord Party, Oladotun Nurudeen Faozey, Honourable Akeem Adeyemi Skimeh, a member of Oyo State House of Assembly, honourable Isiaka Arole and Engineer Idris Adeoye.
Royal fathers from neighbouring towns and communities led by Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola were also in attendance.
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