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Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi, the lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Abuja has congratulated and felicitated with The Ahmadiya Movement In Islam [AMIIN] on the 100years of existence of the movement in the country.
Speaking in his capacity as the Chairman/Special Guest of honour at the centenary programme organised by the Ahmadiya Movement In Islam, Nigeria [AMIIN],Ibadan Mission, to mark the 100years of the existence of the movement in Nigeria where Senator Akanbi also at the occasion commissioned the 4-storey edifice built by the Islamic mission at Idikan area of Ibadan, Oyo state capital, the lawmaker lauded the spirited efforts of the religious organization i.e. [AMIIN] in propagating the gospel according to Prophet Mohammed in different nooks and crannies’ of Nigeria, adding that the religious organization has done a lot in their crusade of religious emancipation ,peace and harmony in their 100years of existence in Nigeria.
Still at the occasion, Senator Adesoji Akanbi also presented an award of distinguished performance and excellence on behalf of Ahmadiya Movement to the Nigerian Tribune – One of the stable of African Newspaper of Nigeria [ANN] Plc for their significant role in information dissemination and good service delivery in the Media sector and most importantly for the newspaper’s contribution to the cause of Islam in general as beign propagated by Ahmadiya Movement.
Going down the memory lane,Senator Akanbi used the occasion to salute the brilliant and tireless contribution of the late sage, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo to the development of religions in Nigeria. The Oyo South Senatorial District Senator revealed that unknown to some people, It was Chief Awolowo himself when he was the Premier of the Old western region [now South-West of Nigeria] that established the Hajj Pilgrimage Board in the propagation of Islam in the country. This action of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Senator emphasized, eventually helped in the smooth Hajj Pilgrimage /operation in Nigeria.
He however tasked all religion leaders as well as their followers and faithful in the country be it-Christian or Muslim to see themselves as one before Almighty God and be tolerant of each other belief while practicing their religions. ‘Religious tolerance and harmony is a basic ingredient’, he added.
Senator Akanbi in addition greeted all the Muslim faithfuls in the country as this special season of Sallah.
Furthermore, Senator Akanbi felicitated with all the Muslim/Islamic faithful in his Senatorial District in Oyo state and in Nigeria as a whole and greeted all the Alhaji’s and Alajha’s who are presently in Saudi Arabia for Holy pilgrimage, wishing them ‘Happy Eid-Kabir, as well as enjoying them to be good ambassador of Nigeria just as he also wished them safe and prosperous journey back home.
In conclusion, Senator Akanbi appreciated the high level of perseverance of many Nigerians without allowing this tough time and economic hardship enveloping the country presently to exhaust their patience and saluted their courage in keeping their hope alive. He said he was aware of the fact that several Nigerians are being confronted with the problems of economic recession in the country but however appealed and pleaded for understanding on the part of Nigerians to continue to pray for the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari even as his government is trying everything possible to lift the country/nation found of itself.
“Nigeria will soon regain its lost glory, Nigerians will soon laugh and our standard of living will soon improve if only we don’t grow weary in our patience and prayer. Let us keep our hopes alive in President Buhari’s government”, he begged.