Key Takeaways
- President Bola Tinubu reiterated his administration's commitment to guaranteeing freedom of religion in Nigeria.
- The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) commissioned its new National Headquarters in Lagos.
- Tinubu commended ADSN for its century of contributions to education, moral development, healthcare, and community building.
- The President emphasized the government's need for strong partnerships with faith-based organizations for national development.
- Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat, urged ADSN to uphold its founding ideals, particularly in promoting education and moral values.
- ADSN's National President, Alhaji Mosediq Kazeem, affirmed the new headquarters as a symbol of renewed commitment to faith, education, and national progress.
President Bola Tinubu has unequivocally reaffirmed his administration's steadfast commitment to upholding and guaranteeing the freedom of religion, a fundamental right enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). This declaration came during the recent commissioning of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) National Headquarters, named Hassanat Abebi Okunnu House, in Surulere, Lagos.
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), President Tinubu stated, 'The government under my watch will continue to guarantee freedom of religion while encouraging religious organisations to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and national unity.' This statement underscores the administration's belief in the pivotal role religious bodies play not just in spiritual guidance but also in fostering societal harmony and cohesion.
President Tinubu lauded the ADSN for its profound and enduring contributions to Nigeria over more than a century. He highlighted the organization's significant impact across various sectors, including education, moral development, religious service, healthcare, humanitarian intervention, and community development. Describing ADSN as one of Nigeria's foremost Islamic bodies, the President emphasized that 'Government alone cannot build the nation of our dreams. 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 President also extended his commendation to Alhaji Femi Okunnu, the generous donor who funded the construction of the new Secretariat, thereby immortalizing his late mother, Hassanat Abebi Okunnu. Tinubu described the project as a lasting act of faith and generosity, destined to serve humanity for generations. He further praised Alhaji Okunnu's integrity, humility, and public service, noting that the Okunnu family is widely recognized for its integrity, patriotism, and selfless service to Nigeria. Reflecting on the late Alhaja Okunnu, 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.'
Adding to the discourse, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat, urged ADSN to diligently preserve the organization’s founding ideals. He particularly stressed the importance of promoting education, moral values, and righteous living, asserting that knowledge remains the greatest asset for national development. Hamzat lauded ADSN's pioneers for their foresight in establishing schools and encouraging learning at a time when many Muslim children were discouraged from pursuing Western education, acknowledging that current generations continue to reap the benefits of those pioneering efforts.
Dr. Hamzat also addressed a pressing societal concern, stating, 'Sadly, one of the greatest challenges confronting our society today is the erosion of our values. 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.' His words served as a powerful call to action for religious and educational institutions to actively combat anti-intellectual sentiments.
Alhaji Mosediq Kazeem, the National President of ADSN, articulated that the new National Headquarters represents the fulfillment of a long-held vision and a renewed commitment to faith, education, and national development. He emphasized that the Secretariat is more than just a physical structure; it is 'a symbol of vision, sacrifice, faith, and service.' After 103 years of existence, the Society is now preparing for an even greater future by strengthening its institutions, embracing innovation, empowering young people, and sustaining its tradition of excellence. Kazeem proudly stated, 'For over a century, we have worked alongside government in nurturing responsible citizens and building stronger communities. 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.'
Why This Matters
President Tinubu's reaffirmation of religious freedom and his administration's commitment to partnering with faith-based organizations like ADSN underscores a crucial strategy for holistic national development. By fostering an environment of tolerance and encouraging educational and moral upliftment through such partnerships, Nigeria can better address societal challenges and build a more enlightened, disciplined, and unified future for all its citizens.