By Ishola Balogun
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s continued commitment to guaranteeing freedom of religion as entrenched in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The President stated this at the commissioning of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) National Headquarters (Hassanat Abebi Okunnu House), in Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday.
The President, who was represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said: “The government under my watch will continue to guarantee freedom of religion while encouraging religious organisations to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and national unity.”
Tinubu commended ADSN for its contributions to education, moral development, religious service, healthcare, humanitarian intervention, and community development over a century ago, describing the organisation as one of the foremost Islamic bodies in Nigeria.
“Government alone cannot build the nation of our dreams. It requires strong partnerships with faith-based organisations that share the vision of building an enlightened, disciplined, and compassionate society. The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society has consistently demonstrated that religious organisations remain indispensable partners in national development,” he stated.
President Tínubu lauded the donor of the Secretariat, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, for immortalising his late mother through the construction of the facility, describing the project as a lasting act of faith and generosity that will continue to serve humanity for generations. He also commended Okunnu’s integrity, humility, public service, adding that the Okunnu family is known with integrity, patriotism, and selfless service to Nigeria.
Describing the late Alhaja Okunnu, President Tínubu said: “There can be no greater testimony to a person’s character than the quality of the children they leave behind. A tree is known by its fruits, and a mother’s legacy is most clearly reflected in the lives of those she nurtured. Looking at the accomplishments and impeccable reputation of her children, we need no further evidence that she was a woman of faith, noble character, discipline, and uncommon wisdom.”
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadiri Hamzat, urged ADSN to preserve the organisation’s founding ideals by promoting education, moral values and righteous living, describing knowledge as the greatest asset for national development.
Hamzat, who lauded the pioneer of ADSN, said they helped change the narrative at a time when many Muslim children were discouraged from pursuing Western education by establishing schools and encouraging learning, adding that present generations continue to benefit from those efforts.
He said: Sadly, one of the greatest challenges confronting our society today is the erosion of our values. We hear young people saying, “Education is a scam.” Others glorify ignorance and reject the pursuit of knowledge. Our Islamic educational institutions must confront this dangerous trend because no nation can develop if its citizens are not properly educated.”
The National President of ADSN, Alhaji Mosediq Kazeem, said the new National Headquarters was a fulfilment of a long-held vision and a renewed commitment to faith, education, and national development.
He said that the Secretariat represents more than a physical structure, describing it as a symbol of vision, sacrifice, faith, and service, adding that after 103 years of existence, the Society is preparing for an even greater future by strengthening its institutions, embracing innovation, empowering young people, and sustaining its tradition of excellence.
He said: “For over a century, we have worked alongside government in nurturing responsible citizens and building stronger communities. Our contribution is measured not simply by the schools we have built or the projects we have undertaken, but by the generations of Nigerians we have helped to shape, men and women whose lives reflect scholarship, integrity, patriotism and service.”
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