AIMAAN Holds U-18 Taekwondo Open Championship
AHMADIYYA INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (AIMAAN) IN CONJUNCTION WITH LAGOS STATE TAEKWONDO ASSOCIATION HOSTS THE 3RD AIMAAN UNDER -18 TAEKWONDO OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP (EKO 2022). The Ahmadiyya International Martial Arts of Nigeria (AIMAAN) U-18 3rd Taekwondo Open Championship was held on the 1st of October 2022, at Indoor Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State. The One-day championship featured numerous athletes from different states, notable people from different Taekwondo Associations in the country and several Taekwondo clubs. The first U-18 AIMAAN Open Championship was held in 2017 at Ojokoro, Lagos state. The second edition was held in 2019 at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State with a total number of 96 athletes from 3 states and 7 clubs, and 10 officials. The third edition hosted a total number of 260 athletes from 6 states and 19 clubs with quality officiating by 45 Taekwondo officials. The championship could not hold in 2020 and 2021 due to the Global pandemic crises (COVID -19) that ravaged the world. The event which was organized by AIMAAN under the coordination of Majlis Khuddam-ul Ahmadiyya Nigeria (MKAN) was done to give a sense of self-esteem, knowledge of self-defense, heightened mental and physical well-being of the athletes. Most importantly, AIMAAN U-18 Open Championship featured athletes from different clubs and schools in Nigeria, numerous national and regional academies and martial arts organizations including Lagos State Taekwondo Association, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College (NTBBC), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya, Nigeria (MKAN), Majlis Ansarullah of Nigeria (MAAN). All athletes arrived at the stadium at exactly 6:00am, just like any other Taekwondo competitions, the athletes were weighed, and the competition started at exactly 8:00am. The dignitaries at the event were Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria Alh. (Barr) Alatoye Folorunsho Abdul Azeez, Sadr MKA Nigeria Mr. Abdur Roqib Akinyemi, Lagos State Taekwondo Association, Chairman (Master Jimmy Ogunnowo), Lagos State Taekwondo Coach (Master Peace Ogunnowo), NTBBC Vice President GM Abdul Muhmeen (Big Abdul), NTF Vice President GM Tayo Popoola, GM Rafiu Ibrahim (King) among others. 260 athletes from 8 states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kebbi, Ondo, Kwara, Osun and the FCT) participated in the Championship with over 200 spectators within and outside Lagos state came to grace the AIMAAN U-18 3rd Open Championship. Winners of competitions in different categories were given medals and certificates. PHOTO NEWS
REMEMBRANCE ( ALHAJI ISA ADEITE OLANREWAJU OLAYINKA 1930-2022)
Innalillahi Wainna ilayhi rojiun. We remember our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Alhaji (Prince) Isa Adeite Olanrewaju Olayinka today as always. It is exactly 20 years today (29th October 2002) that you left this world and passed on to glory. (1930 – 2022) A pioneer member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Mushin Branch & Palmgrove zone. A Builder of high repute, A Philanthropist, A Family Pivotal & A great Achiever. Alhaja Sabitiu Olaide Olayinka – WIFE CHILDREN Mrs. Sikirat Folayemisi Akinsanya – France Mr. Abdul Yakeen Oladele Olayinka – Lagos Mainland Circuit President Mr. Abdul Fatah Owolabi Olayinka – Odogbolu Jama’at President Mr. Tajudeen Adebukonla Olayinka – Idimu Jama’at Umur Amma Officer Mrs. Nurullah Omobolanle Zubair – Lajna President Ajido Muqami, Badagry Circuit Mrs. Khadijat Gbeminiyi Ghazal – Agunfoye Jama’at Member Bro. Sulaiman Olanshile Olayinka – Deceased Mr. Hussein Taiwo Olayinka – France Mrs. Husseinat Kehinde Olayinka – United Kingdom. Sunre ooo Lanrewaju omo Lubu, Omooba Moloda Agada L’Odogbolu.
The Truth Newspaper@ 70 Years: Reminiscing the Pioneering Muslim Newspaper in Nigeria
Just like the Presbyterian Reverend, Henry Townsend had pioneered the first-ever newspaper in Nigeria with the founding of Iwe Iroyin in 1859 (Philip Onuoha (2015), History of Nigerian Mass Media, National Open University of Nigeria, p. 21), The Truth Newspaper enjoys historical relevance of being the first and longest-running Muslim Newspaper established in Nigeria seventy years ago, precisely, in December 1951, by the prominent expatriate Muslim Missionary and Journalist, Maulvi Naseem Saifi Sahib. Maulvi Saifi Sahib served as the Chief Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Nigeria and West Africa for twenty years, from 1946 through 1966. As such, The Truth Newspaper was not only used as an official newspaper of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, but has ever been used as a means of actualizing media contribution of Islam to the religious, literary, social, and educational development of Nigeria in particular, and humanity, in general. It is interesting to note that, initially, the newspaper was being published monthly and entitled The Nigeria Ahmadiyya Bulletin from August through November 1951 (The Nigeria Ahmadiyya Bulletin, The Nigeria Branch of the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, Qadian, September 1951, Vol 1. No. 2.) It, however, acquired its nomenclature of The Truth in December of the same year, and, subsequently, began to publish weekly henceforth (The Truth Newspaper, December 1951, Vol. 1, No. 1). More interestingly, a host of historians and chroniclers of the history of media in Nigeria have reckoned with the pioneering place of The Truth Newspaper in the trajectory of Muslim newspapers publication in Nigeria. For instance, in the page 26th of his pioneering work published in 1968 and titled, Landmarks of the Nigerian Press – An Outline of the Origins and Development of the Newspaper Press in Nigeria (1859 to 1965), the renowned media scholar and practitioner, Increase H. E. Coker acknowledged that “The only regular Muslim newspaper was the one started in Lagos at this period and entitled Truth. It was pioneered by the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Lagos branch, which continues to subsidize its production.” Incidentally, Ahmadiyya is also reputed for pioneering in Nigeria the first Muslim-established school that combined both Islamic and secular education. Again, it also pioneered Muslim hospitals through the establishment of the first Muslim medical dispensary in Nigeria in 1961 and continues to run a number of schools and hospitals, and clinics across various states in the country till today. (Centenary History of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Nigeria, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, (2016), p. 175). To continue with our tracking of the memory lane of The Truth Newspaper, it is exciting to note that the noble mission of this Newspaper, as stated by the veteran journalist-founder in its maiden edition, is that it aims at “calling humanity toward the Creator of the Universe” and “inviting every soul to the fountainhead of peace – Islam.” This is “the message that THE TRUTH has pledged to impart to every soul in West Africa in particular and the rest of the world in general” (Our Message, Editorial, The Truth Newspaper, December 1951, Vol. 1, No. 1, p.3). The newspaper pages feature News segments, From the Holy Quran, The Friday Sermon, Special Interviews, Features, Photo News, Children’s Corner, Our Women, Personalities, Yoruba and Hausa Columns, and Sports pages. From any evaluation of media history in Nigeria, three factors should evidence the long history of media relevance, contribution, and popularity of the The Truth in Nigeria: (1) the fact that, regardless of being a foreigner, its founder was elected as the first Vice-President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists for many years, the Treasurer of the Nigerian Press Club and an Executive Member of the Guild of Newspaper Editors (Naseem Saifi, My Hearty Thanks, The Truth Newspaper, Friday, 5th August 2016, p.13). His contemporaries in the newspapers industry are the revered Segun Osoba, Late Alhaji Kayode Jakande( John West) Late Bisi Onabanjo( Ayekoto Fame) Late Alade Odunewu( Allah De)Late Muslim Kola Animashaun ( The Voice of Reason, Late Bisi Lawrence( BizLaw). Secondly, that the first Nigerian staff of The Truth Newspaper, Mr. Yisa A. Safi, was offered Federal Government Scholarship for journalism at the then London Polytechnic in October 1953 by the then British Colonial Administration in recognition of the contributions of The Truth in Nigeria. At the completion of the study, he returned to serve the country under the Federal Ministry of Information till his death in 1969 (Z.O. Elias, First Nigerian Ahmadi to Serve The Truth Passed Away, The Truth, Friday, MAY 30 – June 5, 1969, p. 7). Thirdly, and in contemporary history, the current chairman of the editorial board of The Truth Newspaper, Dr. Qasim Akinreti, has been the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council from 2017 through December 6, 2020. He is a member Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, and The International Press Institute, IPI. Dr Akinreti has contributed his quota to the growth of the Nigerian media through practice and teaching and research. One of his latest co-authored books is entitled “The Secrets of Online/Multimedia Journalism: A handbook for African Journalists. Currently, he is the Deputy Editor of Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria. From the above, it is not surprising that Maulvi Naseem Saifi once reminisced how, while traveling by sea in the company of Nigeria’s first indigenous President, Nnamdi Azikwe, (himself a journalist and publisher of the renowned nationalist newspaper, The Pilot), he “was surprised to hear him (Azikwe) talk about The Truth; he knew almost everything about it, even the press where it is printed.” (Naseem Saifi, My Hearty Thanks, The Truth Newspaper, Friday, 5th August, 2016, p.13). Today, taking the advantages offered by the postmodern-day Information Communication Technology (ICT) through online journalism, The Truth Newspaper has since 2016 begun its online publication via www.thetruth.ng. This has continued to avail the immediacy, frequency, and global reach of its publication. Observably, through its news stories, editorials, features, and opinion columns, etc., the newspaper has been renowned for its coverage of a wide range of issues of
AHMADIYYA OPENS ULTRA-MODERN MOSQUE IN APATA
– Lays foundation of two others in Ogun State It was a historic week for the Nigeria Branch of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Worldwide as its National Head (Amir), Barr. Alatoye Folorunso Azeez commissioned a newly built ultra-modern Mosque in Apata (Oyo State) and a newly renovated one in Ilaro (Ogun State) respectively. The Apata Mosque was single-handedly sponsored by a family. It is a two-storey building with the ground floor set aside for ablution area and car park. It will be recalled that the foundation laying stone of the ultra-modern mosque was done in 21st March 2021, barely six months ago. At a go, the Mosque could accommodate about 500 worshippers. The same donor also completed the building of a mission house at Jankata (Apata) branch of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria. It is a well-structured three-bedroom (ensuite) apartment meant for a would-be missionary for the branch. Similarly, the National Head also commissioned a newly renovated Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Central Mosque at Igbogidi, Ilaro, Ogun State. The foundation stone of the Mosque was laid in 2001 after the plot of land was donated by Late Pa Ajayi in the year 2000. Prominent members of the Ahmadiyya Community in Ilaro contributed immensely to the successful construction of the place of worship. Barr. Alatoye, after praying fervently for the donors emphasized the importance of building mosques and mission houses, stressing that spiritual blessings and everlasting rewards from Almighty God are attached to the noble initiative. He said: “It’s more rewarding if we strive to build houses for Allah than constructing so much flats for worldly financial gains. Let us follow the footsteps of companions of the Holy Prophet who constructed buildings for the sake of Allah. We should also ensure that our Mosques are well structured and attractive than even our personal houses. “The roles of the youths in recent times towards the building of the Mosques and Mission Houses can not be over-emphasized. They are proving to be the backbone of the Ahmadiyya Community. May Allah continue to shower blessings on them.” FOUNDATION STONE LAYING OF TWO MOSQUES AT OGUN STATE In the same vein, the foundation stones of two ultra-modern Mosques were laid at Iyesi-Ijaba and Iju-Onibukun (Ogun State) branches of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The Amir enjoined members of the Islamic body to put their trust in Almighty God alone and strive to complete the projects in no time, not minding the economic challenges facing the nation. “It is a known fact that the nation is presently facing serious economic challenges, but we should not be bothered. We are only experiencing trying times. Almighty Allah will always pave way for his people. Let us have the mindset of completing these projects soon,” Barr. Alatoye advised. AMIR INSPECTS ONGOING MISSION HOUSE PROJECT AT SABO, ILARO On the way back to the National Secretariat in Lagos State, the National President and his entourage inspected the ongoing mission house project at Sabo-Ilaro. The project is a storey-building. The Amir led a special prayer at the site. WORKING VISITS TO EDE, EJIGBO The National Head further made short trips to Ede and Ejigbo branches of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria to inspect landed properties, ongoing projects and familiarise with members of the community. In his address, Barrister Alatoye urged all and sundry to always display the good qualities of Ahmadi members and serve as role models to non-members in a bid to win more souls into the religious body. “Let me use this medium to request our teeming members to exhibit true teachings of Islam. We must work on our morals and characters such that outsiders will be willing to join the Ahmadiyya train. Let us convert people with the best of behaviors and good neighborliness,” the Amir posited. WORKING VISITS TO EJIGBO
ACHIEVEMENTS OF AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT IN NIGERIA
INTRODUCTION The trajectory of Islamic movements in Africa South of the Sahara is as complex as it is intriguing. The delicious admixture of traditional Sunni Islam, sensational Sufi tendencies, morbid modernist fundamentalism and African syncretic pietism which dominates the socio-religious universe of the entire region presents a dubitative existentialist scenario. It is however worthy of mention that as diverse as these movements and their teachings are, they constitute a rich religio-cultural heritage in the region. In Nigeria, the most populous black nation, one of the most dynamic Islamic movements is Ahmadiyya which has, since the beginning of the last century, played significant roles in providing social welfare services to the Nigerian people. It was established in the year 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian who claimed to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. His claim was met with invectives and censure from majority of the Muslim scholars of the time but a handful of people believed in his claims and took oaths of initiation{Bai’ah} at his hand. The movement has since spread to different parts of the world and its story has been torn between astounding progress in some lands and climes, persecution and derision in some, and skeptical indifference in others. This short paper is not a discourse on the ideological conflicts that trail the movement’s growth and development and neither is it a catalogue of the social upheavals in its beleaguered history. It rather chronicles some of its achievements since its inception in Nigeria in the last century. AHMADIYYA MOVEMENT: BIRTH AND GROWTH The Ahmadiyya Movement came into being in 19th century India when much of the Muslim world had come under European colonial administration. Before the end of the century, Holland, Britain, and France had taken over much of Muslim Lands thus completing the wave of colonialist expansion begun by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798 C.E.3 The Movement’s founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was born in 1835 C.E in the Punjab region of India. He was a descendant of a family of Mughal scholars and landowners who had migrated to India in the 16th Century and settled in a town which was formerly called Islam Pur Qadi and later came to be known as Qadian. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad had his early education in his village under private tutors. Mainly a self-made man, he developed an ardent love for studying the Qur’an, the Sunnah and other Islamic works as well as works written by detractors of Islam. He felt thoroughly grieved by the plight of the Muslims and the humiliations they suffered at the hands of Christians and Arya Samaj Hindu sect. He therefore started in 1878 C.E to publish articles in various newspapers on diverse religious topics and to refute the allegations of the Christians and the Arya Samaj against Islam. In 1880 C.E, he started his first book and magnum opus, Baraheen Ahmadiyyah fi Haqqiyyat kitabillah Al-Qur’an wa al Nubuwwat al Muhammadiyyah, which is popularly known simply as Baraheen Ahmadiyyah in which he set forth the excellences of the Qur’an and the Holy Prophet Muhammad and refuted the objections of the Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj and Christians against Islam. It was also in this work that he announced that he had seen in a vision that he was a Mujaddid {Reformer or Rejuvenator commissioned by Allah at the beginning of a century to revive the true teachings of Islam}.By 1884 C.E, the first four volumes of the book had been published. This book was well received by Muslims all over India. The author was applauded by all for his bold stand against the detractors of Islam. The reverence given the book and its author can be seen in the review of the work by Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala,{who later became his bitterest enemy} the leader of the Ahlul Hadith sect which he published in Volume 7 of his magazine, Isha’atus Sunnah which he published in November 1884 C.E. He writes: “IN OUR OPINION, THIS BOOK IN THIS AGE AND IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES, IS SUCH THAT THE LIKE OF IT HAS NOT BEEN WRITTEN UP TO THIS TIME IN ISLAM, AND NOTHING CAN BE SAID ABOUT THE FUTURE ; ALLAH MAY BRING ABOUT ANOTHER AFFAIR AFTER THIS. ITS AUTHOR TOO HAS PROVED HIMSELF FIRM IN HELPING THE CAUSE OF ISLAM. WITH HIS PROPERTY, WITH HIS PEN AND TONGUE AND WITH HIS PERSONAL RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT AN EXAMPLE OF IT IS RARELY MET WITH AMONG THE MUSLIMS WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE. IF ANYONE LOOKS UPON THESE WORDS OF OURS AS AN ASIATIC EXAGGERATION, LET HIM POINT OUT TO US AT LEAST ONE SUCH BOOK THAT HAS IN IT SUCH FORCEFUL REFUTATION OF ALL CLASSES OF OPPONENTS OF ISLAM, ESPECIALLY THE ARYA SAMAJ AND LET HIM GIVE US THE ADDRESSES OF TWO OR THREE PERSONS, THE HELPERS OF THE CAUSE OF ISLAM, WHO, BESIDES HELPING ISLAM WITH THEIR PROPERTIES AND THEIR PERSONS AND THEIR PENS AND THEIR TONGUES, HAVE ALSO COME FORWARD WITH THEIR RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE AND HAVE PROCLAIMED, AS AGAINST THE OPPONENTS OF ISLAM AND THE DENIERS OF REVELATION, THE MANLY CHALLENGE, THAT WHOEVER THAT DOUBTED THE TRUTH OF REVELATION MIGHT COME TO THEM AND WITNESS THE TRUTH THEREOF, AND WHO HAVE MADE NON-MUSLIMS TASTE OF THE SAME.” Other Muslim leaders of the time wrote positive reviews on the book. However, in Fath-i- Islam, Izala-i- Awham and Tawzih-i- Maram which were published between 1890 and 1891 C.E, Ghulam Ahmad claimed that he was the Mahdi and Promised Messiah, and finally in Masih Hindustan Men which was published in 1899 C.E, he argued that that contrary to the popular belief among Muslims and Christians, Jesus Christ did not ascend to the skies with his physical body, but following his escape from death on the cross, he had lived to a ripe age of 120years and had died a natural death. These claims elicited censures and condemnations from Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The Sunnis in particular considered the claims as heretic because according
WHY I ATTENDED AHMADIYYA CONVENTION IN THE U.K. – ETSU NUPE
The Etsu Nupe and the Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR has revealed the major reason for honouring the invitation to attend the International Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community held in the United Kingdom last year. Speaking at his Royal Palace in Bida, Niger State during the visit of the National leadership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria led by the Amir (National President), Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, the traditional ruler disclosed that the inner impetus to have first-hand information thereby correcting the wrong impression about the Muslim Community made him attend the Conference. It would be recalled that the Etsu Nupe with other four members of his family attended the 2019 Annual Convention in the U.K. where they were given a befitting reception, and also had the rare privilege of meeting the Supreme Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(May Allah be his Helper). Dr. Abubakar expressed his delight over his experience in the U.K. as he was able to ascertain the truth about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and its belief system which were in conformity with the tenets and true teachings of Islam. He affirmed that those attacking the Muslim organization are ignorant of its belief system and activities. Consequent to his findings, the traditional ruler informed that he summoned all leaders of Muslim sects in his domain and educated them properly. His words: “The motive behind attending the international convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the U.K. was to actually seal the trust I had in the Jama’at and to have some clues about her belief system. I got to know that the organization believe in one God and that the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu alaehim wasalam ( was the seal of all prophets. The Community also promotes peaceful co-existence which Islam preaches, so what else? “I was really impressed and convinced after that visit. Those giving wrong allegations and are attacking the Ahmadiyya Community do that out of ignorance and sensitization. I had to gather all the leaders of Muslim organizations in my Kingdom to the palace and educate them properly after my arrival from the United Kingdom. Ever since then, they (Muslim leaders) have changed positively and are now relating to themselves peacefully.” General advice for Muslim leaders: The Etsu Nupe admonished religious leaders generally to eschew all forms of hate speech and disseminate the true teachings of Islam, notably the Peace Message which the Ahmadiyya Jama’at preaches across the globe. “Before now, some of these scholars spent much time preaching against other sects than the time spent on disseminating true teachings of Islam. This trend has changed anyway after the orientation. Let us preach on five daily prayers, Hajj, and current affairs in the society. Avoid hate speech and re-awaken followers on Islamic affairs. Let us always appreciate what God has given us and refrain from anger, jealousy, envy and embrace peaceful co-existence. This will no doubt improve the spirit of brotherhood among us,” he opined. Highlights of Amir’s Speech: Barrister Alatoye while delivering his speech expressed his profound gratitude to the Etsu Nupe for honoring the 2019 U.K. Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) which has further bolstered the Jama’at’s relationship with members of Nupe Kingdom. He further solicited the Etsu’s full support and cooperation towards disseminating the peaceful message of the Jama’at across the country, taking into consideration current happenings in international politics. “We thank His Royal Highness for attending our international Jalsa Salana 2019 in the U.K. It’s a huge blessing for the Jama’at in all sectors. Let me use the opportunity to emphasize that the Ahmadiyya Community is very much concerned about the spreading of a peaceful message. That is why His Holiness has been moving across the world to deliver peace messages to world leaders. Aside from this, the Jama’at is also concerned about the welfare of the masses, hence the establishment of Humanity First International which focuses on the provision of food, shelter, health services, education, disaster recovery, among others for the less-privileged. We humbly request for His Royal Highness’ full support for the actualization of these programmes, starting with the spreading of peace messages across Nigeria,” Barrister Alatoye requested. His Holiness(May Allah be his Helper) Visit to Nigeria: The Amir also used the occasion to solicit Etsu Nupe’s full support for the coming of His Holiness(May Allah be his Helper) to Nigeria, especially playing an active role on His Holiness(May Allah be his Helper) meeting with the Nigeria President, National Assembly, and top government officials. Barrister Alatoye later prayed for the protection of lives and properties and abundance of blessings in the Nupe Kingdom. He then presented Jama’at literature and other gift items to the Monarch. Some of the entourage of Amir include the Missionary Incharge, Maulana Afzaal Ahmad Rauf; the General Secretary, Alhaji Abbas Iromini and the National Secretary External Affairs, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu. Nurudeen Akinreti
NEW AMIR SOLICITS TEAMWORK, SINCERE DEDICATION
The new Amir (National Head) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria Alhaji AbdulAzeez Folorunso Alatoye has called for unalloyed teamwork, rededication and overwhelming support of the National Executive officers and members of the Muslim organization in an effort to achieve a successful and hitch free administration. Alhaji Alatoye who resumes office on Monday 1st July 2019 made the call at the handing over ceremony held at the National Headquarters of the organization in Ojokoro, Lagos. It would be recalled that the Supreme Head of Ahmadiyya Community worldwide appointed Barrister Alatoye after the last shoora to succeed Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola who had been at the helms of affairs for 15years. General Secretary Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Alhaji Abbas Iromini; Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama ‘at Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele and Missionary-in-Charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Murabbi Afzaal Ahmad Rauf, during the Amila meeting, at Ahmadiyya Headquarters Ojokoro, Lagos on Saturday 2019. In his speech, the new Amir who is a lawyer and tax consultant by profession opined that his administration will consolidate on the achievements and legacies of the immediate past regime and improved on them. This, he said, can only be achieved through total commitment and cooperation of all members. He thanked the former Amir for giving him the opportunity to have served in the capacity of Naib Amir (Deputy Head) for years and believed the system and administration of the organization is a continuum. The Amir, therefore, urged the incoming national executive members to be ready for the enormous task ahead. According to him, “ I have to commend Dr. Fashola for successfully steering the ship of the Ahmadiyya community in Nigeria for 15years. I have known him to be a strong individual and a spiritual person who is also energetic. The Jamaat is always proud of him in all respect. No doubt, the position of the Amir is an enormous task. The head can only succeed with the collective support of everyone. The system of the organization is a continuity,” he concluded. L-R: General Secretary Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Alhaji Abbas Iromini; Outgoing Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama ‘at Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; Incoming Amir, Alhaji (Barr.) Abdul Azeez Alatoye and Missionary-in-Charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Murabbi Afzaal Ahmad Rauf, during the handing over ceremony at Ahmadiyya Headquarters Ojokoro, Lagos on Saturday 2019. Barrister Alatoye assured that the new regime will strive to improve on whatever is on the ground in the interest of the Jamaat and not for personal gains. Hence, he charged the executive officers and everyone to work positively going forward. He noted that “ mindset is how do we improve on what we are doing now. If you pick any concept, there would be many approaches to that concept. We need to reposition ourselves. I will also request that we reduce arguments on issues and most importantly, refer ambiguous issues to the spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya community and His Holiness for guidance and clarification. We must implement all the instructions of Huzur Aqdas (May Allah be his Helper), the Amir counseled. In his speech, Dr. Fashola said the Muslim organization was in safe hands with the new Amir and promised to give his full support for a successful regime. ” Alhaji Alatoye is a blessed person by all standards. He is a man of discipline, a man of God and a prayer warrior. He has all the qualities and attributes of a good leader. I will give him all the support needed because he also supported me a lot,” he said. L-R: General Secretary Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Alhaji Abbas Iromini; Outgoing Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama ‘at Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; Incoming Amir, Alhaji (Barr.) Abdul Azeez Alatoye and Missionary-in-Charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Murabbi Afzaal Ahmad Rauf, during the handing over ceremony at Ahmadiyya Headquarters Ojokoro, Lagos on Saturday 2019 Other New officers Similarly, new officers have emerged in eight positions of the Jama’at for the next three years. The new officers are Barrister Muhammad Bashir Badr who succeeded Dr. Saheed Timehin as the National Secretary Tabligh (Preaching). Alhaji Mudathir Dada replaced Dr. Qasim Akinreti as the National Secretary Isha’at (Publications). Alhaji Abdul Ghaniy Idrees also handed over to Alhaji Mudathir Adefarati as the Finance Secretary L-R: Former Financial Secretary, Alhaji Abdul Ghaniyy Idris handing over to Bro. Mudathir Adefarati, during the handing over ceremony at Ahmadiyya Headquarters Ojokoro, Lagos on Saturday 2019. while Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu took over from Alhaji Hussein Sunmonu as the National Secretary External Affairs. Engineer M.A Alli equally succeeded Alhaji Muili Olagunju as the National Secretary General Affairs L-R: Former Welfare Secretary, Alhaji Olagunju handing over to Engr. Musliu Aliu, during the handing over ceremony at Ahmadiyya Headquarters Ojokoro, Lagos on Saturday 2019. and Alhaji Z. A Junaid handed over to Engineer Shakirudeen Abdussalam as the National Secretary Wasayya (Wills). L-R: Former Wsiyyat Secretary, Mr. Z. Junaidu handing over to Engr. Abdul Salaam, during the handing over ceremony at Ahmadiyya Headquarters Ojokoro, Lagos on Saturday 2019. Mr. Hussein King replaced Alhaji Muheeb Idrees as the Internal Auditor while Engineer Abdul Waheed Adeoye handed over to Engineer Imran Adeyemi as the National Audio-Visual Secretary. L-R: Former Audio-Visual Secretary, Alhaji (Engr.) Adeoye Abdul Waheed handing over to Bro. Adeyemi Imran, during the handing over ceremony at Ahmadiyya Headquarters Ojokoro, Lagos on Saturday 2019. Among the dignitaries present at the ceremony include the Missionary In-charge Maulvi Afzal Ahmad Rauf; L-R: General Secretary Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Alhaji Abbas Iromini; Outgoing Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama ‘at Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; Incoming Amir, Alhaji (Barr.) Abdul Azeez Alatoye and Missionary-in-Charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Murabbi Afzaal Ahmad Rauf, during the handing over ceremony at Ahmadiyya Headquarters Ojokoro, Lagos on Saturday 2019. the Naib Amir, Northern zone Alhaji. Yaqeen Habeeb; Naib Amir Special Duties Alhaji Ahmed Alhassan and former Amir AMJN Alhaji Hussein Sunmonu. L-R; Former Amir, Engr. Hussein Sunmonu Naib Amir Northern Region, Dr. Yaqeen Habeeb; Naib Amir South West, Alhaji (Barr.) Abdul Azeez Alatoye and Naib Amir Special Duties, Engr. Ahmed Al-Hassan, during the Amila meeting, at
The Truth Newspaper
Established in 1951, The Truth Newspaper is the first Muslim newspaper in Nigeria. It continues to report Islamic news from across the globe. Publication of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria. https://thetruth.ng/
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Nigeria
100 years of Ahmadiyya in Nigeria: A brief appraisal
“…….and if He(Allah) intends good for thee, there is none who can repel His grace…….”(Q. 10: 108) The history of the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Nigeria in 1916 (formally), for there are some evidence of its having been heard of in the country as early as between 1913 and 1914), was more of circumstantial (borne out of the condition of the Muslims at the time) rather than as a result of a yearning for true religion (Islam) by most of the pioneering converts. This explains why some of the pioneer members broke away from the Jama’at between 1920 to 1924, on various flimsy excuses, to form their own groups/societies, even without having really had any fair understanding of what Ahmadiyyat was really about; having had just a little taste of the Jama’at Administrative standard from the first expatriate Missionary to Nigeria, Malana Abdur Raheem Nayyar. It needs to be recalled that the first five years of the establishment of the Jama’at in Nigeria (1916 -1921) was a period when it was the pioneer members, who were not yet trained in the principles and values (Nizam) of the Jama’at, who were the sole determiners and decision-makers on how the Jama’at was then to be run and at what pace, with little or no input from the Jama’at headquarters, then ONLY based in Qadian, India, which was also the Seat of the Khalifa. Their main and major contact with the headquarters during this early period was through some books and pamphlets being sent to them from Markaz for their guidance, and occasional letters or Tele/Cablegrams on some minor issues. In other words, though they signed the baiat of the Jama’at, they continued to administer the Jama’at along the same line in which they were administering their erstwhile Muslim Literary Society, which later metamorphosed into the foundation of the Jama’at; as there was no well-groomed Ahmadi Missionary to train them. This situation also, perhaps, explains why there was no record/evidence of the Jama’at ever spreading beyond the Lagos Island during this period. However, the establishment of the time it took place in Nigeria (1916 to be specific), twenty-seven years after its inauguration by Allah through the hands of the Promised Messiah (a.s.) in 1889, whatever form or coloration it might assume then, was a clear fulfillment of Allah’s assurance to the Promised Messiah (a.s.) in 1886 that: “I Shall convey thy message to all the corners of the earth.” It was also a vindication of the divine ordination of Hazrat Mirza Ghu-lam Ahmad as the Promised Messiah/Imam Mahdi (a.s.). After all, Allah Himself vows that: “If he had forged (and attributed) any saying to Us, We would Surely, have seized him by the right hand, And then, surely, We would have cut his life vein; And not one of you could have Held (Our Punishment) off him.” (Q. 69: 45 – 48) The First Test of Faith The first test of faith, loyalty, and commitment came on the…
