First Lady, Hamzat inaugurate Odo Noforija central mosque
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, have opened the Odo Noforija Kingdom Ultra-Modern Central Mosque in Epe. The
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, have opened the Odo Noforija Kingdom Ultra-Modern Central Mosque in Epe.
The mosque was built by the monarch of the Odo Noforija Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, and Chief Executive Officer of Al Hujaaj International Umrah and Hajj Services Limited, Alhaji Abdul Jelili Animashaun.
The mosque features a striking minaret, a dome adorned with Arabic inscriptions, and a spacious prayer hall with separate sections for male and female worshippers. It is designed to accommodate large congregations during Jumu’ah prayers and other Islamic gatherings.
Hamzat commended those who sponsored the mosque project, especially the monarch and Alhaji Animashaun, describing their collaboration as a demonstration of religious harmony.
He noted that building a mosque attracts divine reward and praised the spirit of unity behind the project.
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The Deputy Governor conveyed the message of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by the Special Assistant on Public Affairs and Strategy, Wale Alawiye-King, saying the First Lady expressed joy over the positive developments in Epe and prayed for continued progress in the community.
He called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustain peace, stability, and accelerated development in the country.
Former Minister of Works Babatunde Fashola SAN described the mosque as a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony.
He said, “We have not just come to dedicate a mosque; we have come to send a message of harmony of faith. The collaboration between Christians and Muslims in building the Mosque shows that religious diversity can strengthen society. When the world misunderstands us, some of the best among us can come together and say we are not like that.”
Mr. Fashola revealed that the foundation for the mosque project was unknowingly laid during a memorial gathering held at his residence on August 5, 2023, in honour of his late father. He said his presence at the opening further strengthened the project's symbolic message of unity.
He recalled historical examples of interfaith cooperation in Nigeria, citing the late Chief MKO Abiola, who he said contributed significantly to the building of a Catholic church despite being a Muslim.
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Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, praised the Mosque project as a symbol of the long history of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Odo Noforija Kingdom.
He said the decision to provide the kingdom with a befitting Central Mosque after the demolition of the old mosque is a testament to the monarch’s commitment to equity and inclusive leadership.
“The new Central Mosque is a consolidation of the peaceful coexistence between the Islamic and Christian religions in the Kingdom.”
Etsu Nupe, who chaired the occasion, praised Oba Ogunlaja for his inclusive leadership and prayed that Allah reward him for building a befitting place of worship.
Alawiye-King, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, formally commissioned the Mosque alongside the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Hamzat, with other dignitaries, including the major donors to the mosque project.
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Former Chairman of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, stressed the importance of gratitude and contentment, urging Muslims to reflect deeply on Allah's blessings.
He said, “If you think those engaged in religion are doing too much, then look at yourself in the mirror and reflect on the countless blessings Allah has given you.”
Dr. AbdulLateef, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, explained that the gift of life and abilities are divine blessings that cannot be purchased, saying believers must constantly show appreciation to Allah for sight, speech, health, and every aspect of existence.
