The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Thursday, commissioned the Iseyin Central Mosque which was renovated and refurbished by the learned silk, Alhaji Ahmed Raji, SAN.
The event which had in attendance Governor Seyi Makinde and his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal was held at the mosque premises amidst jubilation by the Indigenes and residents of Iseyin.
While speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto commended Alhaji Ahmed Raji adding that he has been doing a lot for Muslims and Non Muslims in the country.
He added that the renovation of the mosque has turned it into an edifice which they can be proud of anywhere they are.
His words: “I want to appreciate the Governor for being with bus here today. We thank the Almighty Allah for this beautiful blessing given to us on the day. We thank God for giving us a Muslim humanitarian Nigerian, who has been supporting Islam and other religions to the best of his ability.
“He has been doing a lot for the Muslims and non Muslims. This is an edifice that we can all be proud of anywhere we find ourselves.
“I appreciate Makinde for speaking in a passionate tone and that is how a leader should speak to his people to let them know he cares for them. So, Seyi, don’t worry. We are with you and will keep on praying for you. We will keep on supporting you because you are on the right track.”
Also speaking, the legal luminary, Barrister Ahmed Raji thanked the Governor and other guests for the honour giving to him and the people of Iseyin town.
He urged citizens to always pray for their leaders no matter the challenges they are facing
His words: “We are grateful for the honour the governor has given to us by his presence here today. Iseyin is a particular town, which has a long history with Islam.
“Islam has been here for sometime and still growing. With the support of Sultan, we hope Islam will grow more and more. Your coming is a testimony showing us that we are all one nation.
“As citizens, no matter the challenges we are faced with, let us always pray for our leaders. Wherever you have noticed as a challenge, pray to God to lessen the burden for them.”
Also speaking, Governor Seyi Makinde hailed Alhaji Ahmed Raji over the success of the renovation of the mosque.
He said: “Today, I want to thank Alhaji Ahmed Raji SAN for the success of this renovation.
“We are here for the commissioning of this mosque as it gives our people a befitting place to worship their maker. I Want to also greet CAN representatives who are here.
“What we have demonstrated by the presence of the Christian community is that in Oyo State, we are one. For those who want to destabilise us in this state, I want to tell them that it will not work.”
Professor Adeolu Akande, in his remarks at the event, said: “What you have seen here today is a testimony to the kind of man who does not discriminate on the basis of religion or ethnic groups. I have been his friend for about 47 years. This shows that religion does not determine what he does. He is a man that is free with people and does not discriminate based on class or religion.
“For this event, people have come from all over the country, which is a testimony to our unity in diversity and also points to us the need for us to live in peace and unity.
“He has also extended his benevolence to the Christian community and has been contributing to many of their development projects. So, I want to thank the governor and say we are grateful for his presence in this occasion.
“You are indeed a good father to the people of Iseyin. We express gratitude to Muslim Islamic Association, our royal fathers in Oke-Ogun as well as our men and women who have come to grace this event.”
