The newly constructed Akede Iyaloja Ataoja Mosque, located within the Akede Iyaloja Ataoja International Market in Osogbo, Osun State, has been officially unveiled in a ceremony attended by traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, market leaders, community representatives and other dignitaries.
The mosque was built through the initiative and support of Dr. Sheikh Fadh Abiola Al-Imam, Founder of the Centre for Ahlu Sunnah Wal-Jama'ah of Nigeria, as part of efforts to promote Islamic worship and learning within the market and the surrounding community.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Dr. Sheikh Fadh Abiola Al-Imam, who was represented by Sheikh Nureni Bakare, commended the Ataoja of Osogboland, HRM Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, for his support for Islam and his efforts toward ensuring the successful establishment of the mosque in the community.
He also commended the Otun Babaloja of Sasa Market, Osogbo, and representative of the Ataoja across markets in Osogbo, Alhaji Chief Kamarudeen Yusuf Efe, for his supervision and commitment throughout the construction process.
Dr. Fadh, through his representative, further expressed appreciation to the Iyaloja of Akede Iyaloja, other market chiefs, Akede community leaders, market women and everyone who contributed to the successful completion of the project.
He explained that the mosque was established primarily for the worship of Almighty Allah and the promotion of Islam, urging members of the community to protect and maintain the facility.
According to him, the mosque should be preserved as a place of worship and Islamic activities and should not be used for activities outside its intended purpose. He specifically urged worshippers and users of the facility to make proper use of the mosque and avoid damaging its equipment and facilities.
He encouraged members of the market and the wider community to embrace the mosque and make regular use of it for prayers and other appropriate Islamic activities.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Ataoja of Osogboland, HRM Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, by the Oluroki of Dagbolu, Osogbo, Oba Oyebode Solagbade Sule, the monarch expressed appreciation to Dr. Sheikh Fadh Abiola Al-Imam for deeming the market and its surrounding community worthy of such a significant religious investment.
The Ataoja described the establishment of the mosque as a valuable contribution toward strengthening Islamic worship and teaching in the area.
He noted that the unveiling represented a memorable occasion for those present and expressed hope that the mosque would continue to serve the community and remain a point of reference for generations to come.
The monarch also urged members of the community to entrust their challenges to Almighty Allah rather than resorting to curses, crises or violence.
He emphasised the importance of peace, patience and faith, noting that individuals and communities have different roles to play in the development of society.
The Ataoja prayed for Almighty Allah to continue to guide and protect everyone who contributed to the project, particularly the builder and benefactor of the mosque.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Otun Babaloja of Sasa Market, Osogbo, and representative of the Ataoja in markets across Osogbo, Alhaji Chief Kamarudeen Yusuf Efe, expressed profound appreciation to Dr. Sheikh Fadh Abiola Al-Imam for constructing the mosque within the market and community.
He said the project was particularly significant because it fulfilled a need identified by the Ataoja of Osogboland, who had called for the establishment of a mosque in the market.
According to him, Dr. Fadh responded positively to the request and subsequently ensured that the project was completed.
Alhaji Chief Kamarudeen Yusuf Efe described Dr. Fadh as an individual who has continued to make meaningful contributions to the development and promotion of Islam in Osogbo, Osun State and Nigeria at large.
He cited Dr. Fadh's support for education, including the provision of scholarships to some students in Iludun, as well as his humanitarian activities during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, when food was provided for people around the White Mosque.
He further disclosed that the Ataoja would select the Imam to serve at the newly unveiled mosque, describing the decision as part of the traditional institution's involvement in the administration and religious life of the facility.
Dignitaries Grace Unveiling Ceremony
The unveiling ceremony attracted prominent traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, market leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Oluroki of Dagbolu, Osogbo, Oba Oyebode Solagbade Sule; Asiwaju of Osogboland Rtd Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe; Iyaloja and Babaloja; Chairman of Akede Community, Alhaji Omoola; Sheikh Nureni Ajisafe; the Khalifah and former Chief Imam of Osogboland; and Sheikh Nureni Bakare, who represented Dr. Sheikh Fadh Abiola Al-Imam and others.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for stakeholders to celebrate the completion of the mosque while reaffirming the importance of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, community development and support for Islamic worship.
The newly unveiled Akede Iyaloja Ataoja Mosque is expected to provide a dedicated place of worship for traders, residents and other members of the Akede Iyaloja Ataoja International Market and the surrounding community.
The organisers expressed appreciation to all individuals, traditional institutions, Islamic leaders, market associations and community members whose support contributed to the successful completion and unveiling of the mosque.
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