Gov. Ambode Commissions Igbogbo Central Mosque 24 Years After

Wale JAGUN

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has commissioned the ultra modern Igbogbo Central Mosque twenty-four years after the foundation was laid.

At the commissioning ceremony,  which was held in Igbogbo on Friday, April 26, 2019, were first class traditional rulers, government functionaries, Islamic clerics and notable dignitaries.

The foundation of the ultra modern structure, which was first built in 1901 with mud and later renovated with burnt bricks, was laid in 1995 by late Alhaji Musediq Alogba, the then Baba Adinni of Ikorodu Central Mosque.

The completion of the mosque was achieved with the intervention of the Lagos State Government.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. ( Dr) Abdul -Hakeem Mobolaji Abdul Lateef, represented the governor at the commissioning.

In an interview shortly after the commissioning, the Governor, speaking through his representative, enjoined residents of Igbogbo to ensure that the edifice is well protected and also ensure that peace and religious harmony in the community.

“The community should make the best use of this great edifice; ensure peaceful religious co-existence and harmonious relationship.

“The mosque should increase the spiritual upliftment of the congregation which must be used to enlighten them on the tenets of Islam and make them contribute their own quota to the development of their immediate community.

 Alhaji (Dr) Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola, Deputy President General (South) Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, was the chairman of the occasion.

In his address at the occasion,  His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, acknowledged the intervention of the state government in the completion of the mosque.

“The help of the Lagos State Government under the leadership of His Excellency towards the realization of this dream (completion of the mosque) is laudable and I cannot fail to express the gratitude of the entire Igbogbo community to his administration. “

He appealed to those who will be using the mosque to always pray for peace and development in Igbogbo.

“I appeal to every user of this edifice to constantly remember the rapid physical, socio-economic development of Igbogbo Kingdom and the safety of the land of cool beauty in their supplications to Almighty Allah.

“In addition, I will encourage continuous voluntary donations in cash and/or kind for further work in the Mosque”, the royal father appealed.

The royal father of the day, Oba Adewale Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, in his goodwill message, appealed to illustrious sons and daughters of Igbogbo to use their respective positions  for the development of Ikorodu division as a whole.

He also used the occasion to implore the state government to compensate the residents of Igbogbo whose houses were demolished for the abandoned road construction in the community.

Also, Comrade Sesan Daini, the Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, described the occasion as a significant one in the annals of Igbogbo history.

“This occasion is one of the most significant for upholding our moral and spiritual obligations to God Almighty. “

He stated that the newly commissioned mosque would contribute to the moral and spiritual development of the council.

“It is my sincere hope and belief that this Central Mosque will contribute largely to the upliftment of moral and spiritual growth of our people through model Islamic teachings and devoted worshiping by all and sundry.

“Believe me, no time would have been better to commission a Mosque than this moment as we patiently await the arrival of Holy month of Ramadan which is due in few days now.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Ahmad Anofi Al-Mubaraq, the guest lecturer, in his paper themed , “Dwelt On Love, Harmony And Peaceful Co- Existence Amidst Muslims And Christians”, commended all those that contributed to the completion of the mosque.

He acknowledged the contributions of the council chairman for maintaining peace and tranquility in Igbogbo and its environs.

Also speaking, Professor Taorid enjoined the muslim community to engage themselves in cooperatives and real estate businesses for sustenance of the officiating clerics and maintenance of the edifice which he rated as first class.

Also at the occasion were Hon. Babajimi Benson, Member, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Nurudeen Solaja, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, former acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, and Hon. Gbenga Oshin, former Member, Lagos State House of Assembly.

Also in attendance were His Royal Majesty, Oba Ajibade Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, APC Chieftain, represented by his wife, Chief Mrs Bolanle Basorun,  Sheik (Engr)Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, the chief Imam of Lagos State, Fadeelat-Sheikh,Al-Imam Dhikrullahi Andu (Tanimose), the Chief Imam of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Alhaji Seifudeen Olowo-Oribi, the Grand Chief Imam, Ikorodu Division, Alhaji Yahya Oshoala, the Chief imam, Oriwu Central Mosque, Alhaji Ganiyu Odusanya (mni), retired Permanent Secretary, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, former Head of Service, Lagos State, Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi, President, Muslim Community of Lagos State and Chairman, Governing Council, Lagos State Polytechnic, Hon. Adeola Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA and a host of others.