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Tag: Baba Adinni

  • Baba Adinni eulogises Markaz’s ‘milestone achievement’

    Baba Adinni eulogises Markaz’s ‘milestone achievement’

    • Institution holds maiden matriculation for 22 students

    The Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, has stressed the importance of a succession plan.

    He spoke during the maiden matriculation of 22 students by the Markaz University College, Arabic and Islamic Centre (MARKAZ). The institution is affiliated to the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

    Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy eulogized Markaz for its milestone achievement over the years for producing knowledgeable and courageous students.

    He said the Lagos Muslim Ummah looks forward to the products of Markaz, especially the young ones to be exposed and resume taking over the leadership baton.

    He applauded the Mudir for upgrading the Arabic school to a university.

    The Mudir, Markaz, Sheikh Habeeb Adam Al-Ilory, said the thought about the university came after the centenary anniversary of the Late Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory in 2018.

    He recalled that since then, he has pre-occupied himself with the thought of the life and times of his late father – which he pointed out, were dedicated to knowledge searching, worshipping and spreading of knowledge.

    Sheikh Habeeb specified that Markaz’s idea was an answer to the question of how best he could advance the legacy left by the internationally acclaimed great Islamic scholar.

    Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, urged the undergraduates to make judicious use of the opportunity.

    Read Also: Sultan, Baba Adinni of Lagos mourn Sheikh Muhyideen Bello

    He hailed Sheikh Adam for establishing the institution in the 50’s to provide education for Muslim children.

    “The founder of this place foresaw the Almajiri problems and established this institution in 1954 to eradicate this problem in the Southwest. Many other places did not see it coming, but Sheikh Adam foresaw it and established this place. I could have been Almajiri myself after I finished my primary school. I came into this institution, he trained me. It is from this institution I was admitted into the University of Ibadan,” he said”

    He noted that the institution has produced many professors, vice-chancellors and people who have made their marks all over the world.

    “This is a centre of knowledge when it comes to Arabic and Islamic studies. The institution was established by somebody who has written 100 books that are been read all over the world in the area of Islamic law, jurisprudence, Arabic and literature, among others.

    Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof. Wahab Egbewole, who presided over the matriculation, urged students to seize the opportunity and make the best of it, noting that the essence of matriculation is to expose the student formerly to the institution.

    Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasak, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, Dr Muhammad Awwal Olohungbebe, attested that Markaz has been one of the Nigerian leading institutions, playing a pivotal role, in promoting Arabic and Islamic education within the country and beyond.

  • Sultan, Baba Adinni of Lagos celebrate ‘pious’ leader

    Sultan, Baba Adinni of Lagos celebrate ‘pious’ leader

    Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar, and Baba Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque/Chair of Executive of Juma’atul Muslim Council of Lagos, Sikiru Alabi-MacFoy, have mourned Sheikh Muhydeen Bello, renowned Islamic preacher and Kano State Branch Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society.

    Sheikh Bello died on Friday and has been buried in his home in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The Sultan, also president-general of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)  described the Islamic cleric as a preacher with good conscience and character.

    He said his passing came at a time his preaching is required for nation building through moral reconstruction and spiritual guidance.

    “The death of Sheikh Bello is a loss to the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, especially the Southest and Oyo State.

    “May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and repose his soul in Al-Jannah Firdaus, Ameen.”

    Alhaji Macfoy said the Islamic scholar left behind legacies of dedicated services and exemplary leadership.

    Read Also: CJN, AGF warn against frivolous complaints against judges, threaten sanctions

    He said Sheikh Bello contributed not only in the advancement of Islam, but also in the promotion of tolerance, peace and harmonious co-existence between Muslim Ummah and adherents of other religion.

    “My interaction with him was over 40 years ago in Kano, when I was praying in Ansar-Ud-Deen Mosque, where he was in charge. He was a friendly, compassionate, accommodating, and supportive brother, he said.

    “The values he propagated and portrayed should be lessons for us. He practised what he preached as prescribed by the Holy Quran. For us, death is inevitable. Our major worry should be how we’ll be remembered?

    “I condole his family and loved ones, the Ansar-Ud-Deen families home and abroad, and the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah. We grieve. As we mourn this Islamic colossus and Icon, may Allah Allah (SWT) give us all the fortitude and patience to bear this heart-rending loss.”

  • Mosque collapse saddening, says Baba Adinni

    Mosque collapse saddening, says Baba Adinni

    • MURIC demands rebuilding

    The Baba Adini of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, has commiserated with victims of the collapsed Mosque at Papa Ajao, Mushin.

    Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy expressed condolences to the victims and those who lost their lives during the incident.

    He said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic collapse of the mosque. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the deceased, the injured, and the entire Muslim community in Lagos.

    “This is a time of immense grief and loss. The mosque was a place of worship, solace, and community for many. The collapse of this sacred space leaves a deep wound in the hearts of all who knew it.”

    He urged members of the community to support one another.

    Read Also: Lagos Central Mosque presents Baba Adinni to Jam’ah

    “Let us offer our prayers for the healing of the wounded and comfort for the grieving families. May the Almighty grant strength to all those affected by this tragedy. May Almighty Allah forgive the shortcomings of the departed and grant them a place in paradise, Ameen”

    Also, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) visited the site of the collapsed mosque and the home of the bereaved family.

    The organisation made five demands, which included the rebuilding of the mosque by the Lagos State Government within six months and compensation for parents of the victim.

    Its Executive Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, urged the government to also pay the hospital bills of the injured and refund burial expenses of the 11 year-old girl who died.

  • Alabi-Macfoy emerges 14th Baba Adinni of Lagos

    Alabi-Macfoy emerges 14th Baba Adinni of Lagos

    The Executive Vice Chairman of Lagos Central Mosque and Bashorun of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, has emerged as the 14th Baba Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque.

    Alabi-Macfoy’s emergence followed a keenly contested but free and fair election yesterday at the Lagos Central Mosque, Idumota.

    The Nation learnt that out of three persons said to be interested in the position, only Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy and the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Al-Hujjaj International Umrah and Hajj Services Ltd, Alhaji Jelili Animashaun, were present for the screening.

    Read Also: Alabi-Macfoy emerges 14th Baba Adinni of Lagos

    The screening and election lasted from some minutes past 11am till 3pm

    One of the Executive Council members of the Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji Fatai Dawodu, chaired the 30-man Screening and Election Committee.

    The two candidates, The Nation learnt, were drilled for hours before the committee members went into voting.

    Alabi-Macfoy emerged victorious with 22 votes, while Animashaun had eight votes.

    With this, the coast is clear for the Bashorun of Lagos to replace Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou, who died on January 9, 2024, at 101, as the 14th Baba Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque.

  • How Baba Adinni of Lagos died, by Lagos central mosque chief

    How Baba Adinni of Lagos died, by Lagos central mosque chief

    Executive Vice Chairman of Lagos Central Mosque and Bashorun of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, has said the last moments of the late Baba Adinni of Lagos and chair of Executive Council of Lagos Central Mosque, Sheikh AbdulAfis Abou, was peaceful.

     Alabi-Macfoy said the 101-year-old scholar never lost his memory.

     He said the centenarian died a few minutes past 9 pm.

     According to him, till his last moment, Abou’s memory was intact.

     He said Baba Adinni still attended the 150-year anniversary of the first Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque.

     “He was healthy till his death. In his last moments, he prayed for the country and everyone and preached unity to the family and Ummah. Afterwards, I learnt he went to sleep only for his children to check him some few minutes past 9 pm and discovered Baba has gone,” Alabi-Macfoy said.

     Treasurer of Lagos Central Mosque, Ademola Mustapha, said Lagosians would miss a man of piety, truthfulness and wisdom.

     Mustapha, a relative of Sheikh Abou, said: “He lived an exemplary life. He was passionate about helping people. He dedicated his life to Islam and truthfulness.”

     Former Chair and Chief Executive Officer of National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, described Abou as a custodian of knowledge and wisdom.

    Hassan said Sheikh Abou lived a peaceful and impactful life, worthy of emulating.

     Amir of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Alhaji AbdulWasiu Bangbala, described Sheikh Abou as an example of devoutness and knowledge.

     Bangbala said he leaves behind a legacy of faith and steadfast commitment to Islam.

    “Sheikh Abou’s legacy is one of dedication to humanity and advancement of Islamic knowledge. His contributions and service to the Muslim community and nation earned him the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) honour. This serves as proof of his impact and role in the spiritual and social fabric of Nigeria, reflecting his influence as a revered spiritual leader,” he said.

    Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof Ishaq Akintola, described his death as a huge loss.

     Akintola said: “Sheikh Abou was a quintessential Islamic scholar, humble, warm and unassuming. He loved the young and old and he was so loved. He was the doyen of the Lagos Muslim Community. If he ever had any enemy in his lifetime, it must be Shaytan (Satan) himself.

     “The whole life of the centenarian is an open book full of lessons for both the young and old. We charge Muslim leaders to emulate his simple way of life and his piety.”

     National Publicity Secretary, Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN), Alhaja Mudirakat Ajibona, said Sheikh Abou was a peace lover, teacher of teachers, community leader and an opinion moulder. She said Lagos State and Nigeria will miss him.

     Former International Ameerah of The Criterion, Alhaja Fatimah Oyefeso, said she received the passing away of the late Abou with mixed feelings; sadness and joy.  “Sadness because we shall see him no more and all his counsels, service to humanity, boldness and words of wisdom and encouragement are all gone,” she said.

     According to her, Sheikh Abou was a unifier and an astute fountain of knowledge.  Alhaja Oyefeso said: “The ummah has indeed lost a rare gem.  He was a father to all.  Baba was always a delight to be with.  He was very cerebral and all his senses were intact up till his death even at the very ripe age of 101 years. Baba was blessed, highly respected and loved by all.

     “He was very particular about the progress of Lagos state and was a forerunner in the emancipation of Muslims in the west.”

     Amir of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, Kamoldeen Abiona, expressed its deep condolences with Sheikh Abou’s, the Muslim community in Lagos, as well as the Lagos State Government over the loss.

     Abiona described Sheikh Abou’s life as a testament to unwavering faith, dedication to scholarship, and a profound commitment to serving Allah and humanity.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Baba Adinni of Lagos dies at 101, Tinubu, Adebule, others mourn

     Abiona said: “Sheikh Abou’s teachings, mentorship, and exemplary life have been a source of inspiration for countless individuals, and his legacy will endure through the lives he touched.

     “During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Sheikh Abou’s family, friends, and all those who were privileged to know him. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and shower His mercy upon his soul. May Allah also grant patience and strength to his family and loved ones to bear this profound loss.

     “In honouring Sheikh Abou’s memory, let us strive to embody the values of humility, knowledge, and compassion that he so exemplarily lived throughout his life. Sheikh Abou (10th August 1922 – 9th January, 2024) is a distinguished Islamic Scholar from a noble lineage of Imams and religious devotees. He is a great asset to Muslims at local, national and international levels. He was a patron of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in the 1960s and was turbaned as Baba Adinni of Lagos on August 14, 2009.”

     Executive Chairman, Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Disu Kamor expressed deep condolences on the painful loss of the eminent scholar to his honourable family and the entire Lagos State Muslim community.

     Kamor described him as a great scholar and pray that Allah have mercy on him.

     “Without a doubt, this is a great loss for the Ummah and especially for the Muslims of Lagos State to whom he spent decades teaching, guiding and leading,” he said.