AMJN National Exhibition 2022
Welcome to National Exhibition 2022 It was Sara Sheridan who wrote: “Without archives, many stories of real people would be lost, and along with those stories, vital clues that allow us to reflect and interpret our lives today.” It is with this huge sense of preserving history that the Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Nigeria presents to the public an Exhibition titled: “National Exhibition 2022”. The theme of the program is “Islam-ul-Ahmadiyya in Prints and Visuals”. For full details pls follow this link NATIONAL EXHIBITION 2022
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 Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds UK Islamic Conference
The 2022 annual Islamic Conference (Jalsa Salana) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, UK, holds on 5th to 7th August in Islamabad, Alton, UK. Due to COVID-19 constraints, the event is not open to external guests across the world, except for selected leaders of the Ahmadiyya Community and those residents in the UK. The Amir (National Head), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria, Barrister Alatoye Azeez Folorunso is among the special dignitaries attending the conference in London. However, members of the public are welcomed to join live proceedings of the programme which can be watched at various homes and Ahmadiyya mosques across the world via the Community’s satellite television channel, the Muslim Television Ahmadiyya, (MTA International) Also, Murhi International Television, MITV, and Gaskiya Cable TV will join other 20 television channels across Africa to broadcast the Islamic Conference live for three days. In Nigeria, the Ahmadiyya Headquarters’ Central Mosque at Ojokoro, Lagos, and others across the country will play hosts to members and guests for the three-day proceedings. According to the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah (as), the primary purpose of the Islamic Convention, which commenced since 1891 in Qadian, India, but now spread across the world, is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits, enhance their knowledge, promote mutual understanding and strengthen fraternal ties within the Islamic Community. He said the gathering is not an ordinary human assembly, but a phenomenon that is based purely on the Divine Help for the propagation of Islam, translating to an affirmative action the declaration contains in Quran chapter 4 verse 115 that, “There is no good in many of their conferences except the conferences of such as enjoin charity, or goodness, or the making of peace among men. And whoso does that, seeking the pleasure of Allah, We shall soon bestow on him a great reward.” The high points of the gathering are addresses to be delivered by the Supreme World Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Hazrat Masr r Ahmad, khalifatul Masih, V, goodwill messages from world leaders, prominent scholars, and very important guests for three days, and the global acceptance of new members and renewal of commitment to Islam and e Ahmadiyya community – “the Global Bai’at”, a tradition noted in Islam – that will be performed by His Holiness on Sunday. Other soul-inspiring topical issues in Islam and the global progress report of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will also feature during the conference. The live streaming of the Conference proceedings can also be watched or followed on the social media platforms such as www.alislam.org, www.mta.tv/africa, www. Youtube.com/africa Facebook Twitter, and Instagram. You can listen to online radio proceedings in www.voiceofislam.org Qasim Akinreti Ph.D Head, Media Team, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria
THE HEAD, AMIR, AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMAAT NIGERIA 2022 (EID-UL-ADHA ) FEAST OF SARCRIFICE.
On behalf of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, I felicitate with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the auspicious Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) of this year 1443/2022. It is gratifying that Eid-ul-Adha serves as a reminder of that example of sacrifice set over 4,000 years ago. Despite so much time having elapsed, the believers have kept this memory alive and it has not diminished. Yet there will be those who celebrate this Eid merely as a festival; who sacrifice animals merely as an occasion of happiness. However, a true believer must remember the importance and the spirit of that sacrifice offered by the Great Patriarch, the Prophet Ibraheem (peace be on him). The spirit and essence of this sacrifice have been declared in chapter 22 verse 38 of the Holy Quran thus: “Their flesh reaches not Allah, nor does their blood, but it is your righteousness that reaches Him. Thus, has He subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for His guiding you. And give glad tidings to those who do good.” In this light, as we go through this festive season, it is imperative that we reflect on the fact that the narrative of the sacrifice and righteousness of Prophet Ibraheem, the patience of Prophet Isma’eel, and the fortitude of his mother, Hagar reverberates the core ethos and virtues that Eid-ul-Adha annually enlivens in the consciousness of the faithful to emulate and demonstrate in our divine-human relationship and in all ramifications of our actions, reactions, interactions, and transactions. More importantly, for us in Nigeria, there is no doubt that we are currently passing through a critical time as a people and a nation. This is hallmarked by the gamut of challenges of political economy, endemic corruption, crippling educational and power sectors, and the heightening crisis of insecurity characterized by the dastardly acts of banditry, terrorism, and the incessant heinous cases of kidnapping for ransom and for ritual and the senseless killings and destructions by the so-called “unknown gunmen”. Above all, however, as we move closer to the Osun State governorship election and the ultimate 2023 general elections, the ongoing electioneering season is gradually witnessing a sharp surge of issues associated with elections in Nigeria, ranging from hate speech and fake news to bitter and dirty politics, to secessionist or separatist jingoism, divisive tribal or ethnic partisanship, the politicization of religious issues and endemic cases of vote-trading and other election malpractices. In the face of this critical situation, it becomes imperative for a people that yarns for peace and development to translate to affirmative action all the lessons of Eid-ul- Adha as demonstrated by the Prophet Ibraheem, particularly as Muslim and Christian reverence him as the Father of the faithful; incidentally, Nigeria is majorly made up of the two religious groups with 53.5% Muslim, 45.9% Christian and 6% others, according to the 2018 CIA Factbook estimate. In the spirit of Abrahamic sacrifice and for the sake of a greater and peaceful Nigeria, great sacrifice must be made towards organizing free, fair, credible and peaceful elections, as “Verily, Allah commands you to make over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice,” (Quran, 4:59). Selfishness and parochial interest must be sacrificed for the collective, national interest. More so, political participation, activism, leadership and governance must be underpinned by the spirit of sacrifice, righteousness, sincerity of purpose and selfless service to humanity and national development, cohesion, solidarity, peace and stability. Imperatively, Nigerian politicians and political leaders must sacrifice dirty and bitter politics on the alter of altruistic politics, selfish political godfatherism for patriotic statesmanship, political thuggery for sportsmanship, nepotism and favouritism for equitable distribution of the commonwealth, warfare for welfare, iniquity for equity and injustice for justice. As the worldwide Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community noted in his 2021 Eid-ul-Adha Sermon, “We cannot regard these incidents as mere stories; rather these stories are a model for us. When every man strives to inculcate the example of Ibrahim, when every woman tries to inculcate the example of Hagar, when every youngster tries to inculcate the example of Isma’eel; only then will a true change come about……These all require sacrifices. No change can come about by merely listening to stories of sacrifice, rather they must be implemented. Every nation around the world will have to present sacrifices. Thus can a unity come about in the world.” May Allah the Almighty grant us the best of Eid-ul-Adha experiences with all the divine grace, peace, and happiness that accompanies it. Āmīn!
EIDUL FITR MESSAGE BY THE HEAD OF AMJN
LET US DECIDE TO PERMANENTLY RETAIN THE PROGRESSIVE HUMAN VALUES TAUGHT BY RAMADHAN – TEMPORARY CHANGE IS INSUFFICIENT All praise and glorification belong to Allah through Whose providence, grace and blessings we have been able to begin and complete this year’s Ramadan fasting. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions and his true followers till the Day of Judgement. On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, I am deeply delighted to felicitate with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the globe on this auspicious day of Eidul Fitr of the year 1443/2022. Lessons of Ramadan The just concluded Ramadan fasting has offered us the unique opportunity of engaging in moral reformation, spiritual rebirth and regeneration of our social values and ethos. Indeed, like a medical clinic, we have been discharged from the Ramadan clinic after a month-long admission for both therapeutic cleansing of our bodies and the treatment of our various moral and spiritual diseases and vices including hypocrisy, unrighteousness, corruption, dishonesty, fraud, selfishness, cruelty, lying and wickedness, among others are all temporarily cured. More importantly, now, having completed our annual Ramadan training, it is crucial for us to continue to engage in those various CORE VALUES of worship and virtues that had characterized our lives during Ramadan as we pass through the rest eleven months ahead and beyond. The Build up to the 2023 Elections. The month of May and June are very crucial to the democratic growth of Nigeria. The political parties are set to conduct their party primaries in readiness for the 2023 general elections, with the presidential election in February 2023. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community enjoin political participants to ensure a smooth and rancor free party primaries with the fear of Allah and absolute patriotism. It is expedient to appeal to all aspirants, delegates and citizens to ensure justice, equity and fairness in the choice of candidates for various elective positions in Nigeria. It is time to pray that Allah choose leaders for us as a result of the elections those whom He will support fully to enable us get out of the economic, security, civil and physical challenges. We should be hopeful that our dear country Nigeria will rise. We employ all to participate in the current voters’ registration exercise which will enable us to elect good political leaders. The Global challenge As the state of global affairs shows, our world is currently passing through a precarious, crises-laden phase shaped by the effect of the post-Covid-19 economic and political challenges that are being aggravated by the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war the growing global effects and tensions of which are driving humanity to the brinks of a world war. Despite warnings by the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih the fifth, (May Allah Be His Helper) on the consequences of the Russian- Ukraine war, he has continued to pray for the peaceful resolution of the self-inflicted war. In his words”, I pray that the World leaders strive earnestly to safeguard and protect mankind both today and future, from the torment of warfare, bloodshed and destruction”. In the same vein, at the national level, while some levels of progress are being made in some sectors of our national life, there is no gainsaying that Nigeria has continued to be bedeviled by the crippling challenge of insecurity characterized by the pandemic of kidnapping for ransom and/or ritual killings and the spate of senseless and heinous bloodshed and destructions being perpetrated by the terrorists, bandits and the so-called “unknown gunmen.” More so, our country has continued to wallow in the whirlpool of intra and inter-religious distrust and unhealthy relations, bitter partisan politics, crises of political economy, poverty and unemployment and widespread economic, political and social vices, like corruption, nepotism, injustice, fraud and immorality, all of which have combined to sink the lives of many individuals and the nation into the abyss of deprivations and miseries. In light of all these, there is need for us to resolutely imbibe and practice continually all the virtues and learnings of Ramadan, like fear of Allah, selflessness, righteousness, honesty, truthfulness, simplicity, generosity, dutifulness, sympathy and sacrifice, among others, in order to positively turn things around. Expediently, we must entrench mutual cooperation for the promotion of common good and welfare, not warfare, and of inclusivity and social responsibility; rededicate to serve God sincerely and humanity selflessly and beneficially; and let reconciliation, loyalty to the nation, peaceful relations, justice, equity and mutual respect, tolerance and love for all and hatred for none be our guiding principles (Qur’an 5:3 & 9; 4:115; 49:10-14) as we move ahead to frontally tackle our common challenges with a view to realizing sustainable peace and development of ourselves, our country and the world. Once again, I heartily rejoice with everyone on this blessed, festive season and pray that Allah let the peace, blessings and happiness that characterize the Eidul Fitr be permanent in the life of every individual, the nation and our world at large. Āmīn. Ramadan Mubarak !!! Alatoye Folorunso Azeez Amir (National Head), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria
FORMAL COMMISSIONING OF AMJN CENTRAL MOSQUE AND SCHOOL IN OWODE
The Formal Commissioning of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria Central Mosque and Ahmadiyya Nursery and Primary School, Oke-Ore, Owode Circuit, Ogun State. The Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alh (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah, Alhaji Adeoye AbdulWaheed Akanji; Former Naib Amir Special Duties, Alh (Engr) Ahmed Al-Hassan; Circuit President, Owode, Alh. Ajibade; Circuit President, Ota, Bro. Salman; Naib Sadr Admin, Alhaji Raji Dauda; Engr. Aziz Shonibare, Chairman, Building Committee, Coordinator Zone 2, Ustaz Shoboyede, Chief Imam Oke Ore Central Mosque, and others, during the commissioning of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria Central Mosque and Ahmadiyya Nursery and Primary School, Oke-Ore, Owode Circuit, Ogun State on Saturday, January 29th, 2022.
OBALADI OF AFON PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO AMIR AMJN
Courtesy visits Obaladi of Afon to Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez at National Headquarters, Ojokoro, Lagos. With Obaladi Babade, Missionary Ikumapayi Abdul Jelili; Circuit Missionary Afon, Babade Yusuf; Missionary Bankole Jamiu, Circuit Missionary Ayetoro, and Bro Omidokun Abdul Lateef, Circuit President, Afon.
NEW YEAR GOODWILL MESSAGE BY THE AMIR OF AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT OF NIGERIA
The entire members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria heartily rejoice with Nigerians and the government on the occasion of the new year 2022 that just started. Just like the year 2020, the year 2021, was also a challenging one for the country, no thanks to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic especially with the discovery of OMICRON Variant. The efforts of the government and the health institutions in curtailing the pandemic are well commended. The masses are further urged to implement all COVID-19 protocols to further stop the spread of the OMICRON Variant. The Jama’at further recognized and applaud the indomitable spirit for survival and resilience of Nigerians in the face of daunting challenges in the socio-economic, political, and technological spheres. The religion of Islam has no room for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, ritual killing of human beings, exploitation of any kind or any act of wickedness against one another. The government, as a matter of urgency, is urged to be more proactive towards eliminating the social vices which are now daily occurrences in the country. The high level of poverty, unemployment, and under-employment are still serious challenges to Nigerians, in spite of the abundance of both human and material resources at our disposal. It is incumbent on all levels of government to provide affordable food, health care facilities, shelter, security, and good road network for the populace. On the part of Nigerians, they should not lose faith in the present government and continue to support her with prayers and good deeds. They should also be alive to their civic responsibilities. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria also uses this medium to admonish Nigerian government on corporate and all-embracing governance, maintenance of equity and justice as well as fair play. No region should be segregated or denied rightful needs. This act will no doubt, bring about peaceful coexistence and progress to the country. There should be justice for all. Leaders of all agitators should be invited for a meeting in a bid to address all contending issues in an amicable way. The government is urged to eschew nepotism, religious bigotry among other ills. Pointedly, as the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the Jama’at hereby advises the President, General Muhammad Buhari GCFR to ensure a hitch-free election exercise at all levels. All necessary machinery must be put in place to achieve free and fair elections. All political parties must resolve their differences internally. Politics should be seen as a game of numbers and not a do-or-die affair. No eligible voters should be disenfranchised. Nigerians must be allowed to exercise their civic duty without any form of molestation. Electoral malpractices must be totally wiped out. Government should ensure appropriate electoral reforms are duly signed into law. Conclusively, the role of religious bodies towards the attainment of our dream country cannot be over-emphasized. Religious leaders must continue to preach peace and unity. Religious Centres must be Holy places void of social vices and where worshippers are well enlightened on a true value system. We pray fervently for a new order and more prosperous years ahead for Nigeria. Signed: Alhaj (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez Amir (National Head) Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria.
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
