PHOTOS: Dignitaries in Attendance As VP Shettima Commissions Senator Buhari’s Ibapon Central Mosque in Ogbomoso

Afeez Bello,
Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

As part of his efforts to enhance his service to Almighty Allah, the Senator Representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Dr AbdulFatai Omotayo Buhari, has constructed a city’s central mosque in Ibapon, Ogbomoso, which was officially commissioned by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Friday, November 8.

The Vice President, Senator Shettima, noted that,“Buhari’s act of generosity has conferred inspiration on each of us. With no expectation of revenue but recognition of others, he has done this for Allah and Al-Ummah. Indeed, this is a reminder that our actions toward Allah are for the benefit of others.

Shettima continued,”This is a Saddaqatu Jariah—continuous charity, and blessings of Allah await the bearers. Every section of our lives is a reminder of kindness. This life is a test. This is a moment of reflection and also a test, and I’m sincere with everyone here. This programme is an inspiration to the community.

Shettima described the event’s groundbreaking achievement. He lauded the Soun of Ogbomoso as a symbol of tolerance and acceptability and extolled other traditional leaders in attendance.

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Eng. Abiodun Seyi Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Bayo Lawal, lauded royal fathers and the league of Imams and Alfas in attendance. He congratulated the immediate family of Sen. Buhari, whom he described as a son that is making them proud all the time.

Makinde congratulated the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso for what Sen. Buhari has achieved.

The Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Senator Jibrin Barau, commended Senator Buhari’s mosque donation. He described it as service to Islam, Prophet Muhammad, the state, and humanity in general, and more importantly to the Almighty Allah.

Barau hailed Buhari as one of the most respected senators in the country due to his integrity and good characters,”Sen. Buhari is really trying his best to bring succour to the people of his district. His service to the people of Oyo North, the state, and Nigeria at large is commendable. May Allah continue to protect, guide, and reward him abundantly”,he prayed.

In his lecture, the internationally renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Muhideen Ajani Bello, commended the Vice President, Governor, and other dignitaries in attendance. He encouraged the people of Ibapon to take appropriate care of the mosque since Kaabah remains relevant up to this moment because of proper and collective care by the people of Saudi Arabia,”Buhari has constructed this mosque, and we should contribute our quota to sustain the mosque by maintaining its beauty.

Bello also offered prayer for Senator Buhari and the entire people of Ogbomosoland.

In his Jummah Sermon, Bello continued,“We thank almighty Allah for guiding us to the straight path. On the day of judgement, Allah would not accept the work of those that died as unbelievers.

“God shall change us to good in this country. If He changes us for better, Nigeria will be great. To all believers, one of the lessons of Jummah is that God authorised us that we should be a balancer in every situation. If anyone wants not to be forgotten, he should build a mosque. Whenever one dies, if people do not remember one, they will remember the mosque he built in his lifetime.

According to prophet Daud, you refund your debt the way you owe it. If one owes 10 million Naira and he refunds 200,000 Naira, his refund will not be accepted by Almighty Allah. If your friend supports you during your trying times, if you fail to support him during his own time, Almighty Allah would not be happy with you except your friend is happy with your action. We should all know that we will reap whatever we sow,” he emphasised.

While appreciating people, Senator Buhari expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ogbomoso people to the Vice President, Governors, Senators, the Ulamas, and other dignitaries for the love they have been showing to him despite all their tight schedules,”May Almighty Allah reward them for me”,he prayed.

Immediately after the Jumah sermon, Bello led the congregation in observing Jumah. And offered a special prayer for Shettima, Buhari, Barau, Abdulrazaq, Lawal, and other worshippers that graced the historical Jumah service.

Prior to the official commissioning of the mosque, two Islamic clerics, Sheikh Asifat Salman and Sheikh Tajudeen Alawaye, were turbaned as the Chief Imams of Ibapon Central Mosque, and staff of office was presented to them.

In attendance were Governor Abdulrazaq AbdulRrahman (Executive Governor, Kwara State), Senator Abdulrahman Olalekan Mustapha (Ogun East), Senator Teslim Folarin, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye (Soun of Ogbomosoland), Oba Khalid Olabisi (Okere of Saki), Barrister Iyiola Oladokun, ably represented by Hon. Dele Okunleye, Alhaji Ismail Busari (Grand Mufti of Oyo State), Eng. Idris Adeoye, and Hon. Sayo Fatoki, among several others.