On November 11, 1939, a group of visionary young men from Lagos Island founded the Crescent Bearers to uplift Muslim children through education. 85 years later, their legacy remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Muslim community. The anniversary celebration at MUSON Centre, Lagos, showcased the group’s enduring contributions to Muslim education, social justice, and community development. From establishing Nigeria’s first Muslim secondary school to offering scholarships and promoting unity, Crescent Bearers has shaped countless lives, embodying education, philanthropy, and service to humanity. Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF reports.
In the 1930s, Lagos was a city on the brink of transformation. Amid the hustle of colonial life, a group of young men—vibrant, educated, and deeply aware of the socio-economic disparities around them—saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Despite hailing from privileged families on Lagos Island, they were conscious of the struggles of the less fortunate, particularly the Muslim community, whose access to education and opportunities for social advancement were severely limited.
Spurred by a desire to change the status quo and guided by a deep sense of humanity, 16 young Muslim men from families indigenous to Lagos Island took a bold step. On November 11th, 1939, they formed the Crescent Bearers—a collective of idealists determined to uplift their community through education. Their mission was simple, yet revolutionary: to promote the acquisition of Western, secular education by Muslims, not just for individual advancement but for the collective improvement and upward social mobility of the entire Muslim community in colonial Lagos. They sought to dismantle the systemic discrimination that Muslim children faced in education and to elevate Islam’s standing in the mainstream cultural, political, and socio-economic life of an evolving modern Lagos.
Led by founding members such as Mobolaji Odunewu, S.M. Onigbanjo, I.A.S. Adewale, A. Fatayi-Williams, and others, the Crescent Bearers not only focused on education but also sought to eliminate the discrimination Muslim children faced. They were determined to reshape the cultural, political, and social landscape of Lagos, advocating for a more inclusive society where Islam could take its rightful place in the mainstream. Over eight decades since its founding, the Crescent Bearers, or CB39, have remained dedicated to their mission. The group’s influence has extended far beyond education, helping to unite various Islamic sects in Lagos and strengthen the community’s collective voice. Through their tireless efforts, they have upheld the core principles of Islam, promoting it not only as a religion but as a guiding philosophy for life and social organisation.
Today, the legacy of the Crescent Bearers continues to inspire future generations, proving that the power of education, vision, and unity can transform even the most entrenched societal structures Founded on November 11, 1939, the Crescent Bearers celebrated a remarkable 85 years of existence last week, marking the occasion with a joyous gathering on Sunday, November 17, at the MUSON Centre in Lagos. It was evident at the event why CB39 remains a beacon of the lofty ideals of Islam, fostering mutual understanding, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the complete education of the Muslim child.
Now a trans-generational movement, Crescent Bearers has grown to 28 members, with some of its most distinguished figures including elder statesman and legal icon, Alhaji Lateef Okunnu, SAN; businessman and founder of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola; boardroom magnate, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, whose wife, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, currently serves as the Chief Justice of Nigeria; and renowned scholar, Prof. Adele Jinadu, among others. The anniversary event, which celebrated the group’s enduring legacy, foresight, and commitment to education, was attended by prominent dignitaries such as Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria; Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State; and Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State. The event was chaired by Professor Tajudeen Gbadamosi, a History professor at the University of Lagos, while renowned Islamic motivational speaker, Mrs. Maryam Lemu, delivered the anniversary lecture on the theme “Islam and Family Values – Building a Nation of Citizens.”
In his welcome address, the chairman of Crescent Bearers, AbdulWasiu Ayodele Martins, reflected on the significance of the occasion, stating, “This event commemorates and celebrates the 85th anniversary of an association that has remained steadfast in its commitment to the education of Muslim children of Lagos State origin. Our primary purpose is to facilitate, promote, and support the acquisition of Western education for Muslims, while fostering an environment that upholds the values and teachings of Islam that we hold dear.”
Martins further emphasized the remarkable legacy of the association, asserting that the roll call of its members would be the envy of any organisation worldwide. Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, who chaired the event, also paid tribute to the founding fathers and current members, acknowledging their unwavering dedication to the association’s core mission. He expressed his deep honour at chairing such a prestigious event and noted that, had he not been chosen as chairman, he would have been content simply to attend as a guest.
Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, also praised the founding fathers, recognizing the immense significance of their efforts. “It’s important to mention their names individually,” he said, “because they initiated something truly exceptional. At a time when it was not easy for a Muslim child to receive an education, they came together and said, ‘We will be Muslims, and we will help many others access education.’ And, by the grace of Almighty Allah, they were granted the resources and determination to do so.”
The Deputy Governor described the Crescent Bearers not just as an association but as a collective response to the need for guidance and support in the pursuit of knowledge. He emphasized that the group’s efforts were aligned with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who said, “Seek knowledge, even if you have to go to China,” a reference to the distance and effort required to obtain knowledge during that time. Hamzat highlighted the remarkable achievements of Crescent Bearers, which include the establishment of the first Muslim Secondary School in Nigeria in 1948, the first multi-purpose mosque in Lagos State in 1955, and the introduction of Islamic education curriculum in Nigerian schools.
He also commended the group’s provision of scholarships, the organisation of conferences and lectures, and their ongoing contributions to medical services, charity work, and fostering unity among Muslims. “At the time, these were no small feats,” he said, noting the sacrifices made to ensure these milestones were reached. The Deputy Governor concluded by underscoring the relevance of the event’s theme, “Islamic and Family Values: Building a Nation of Citizens,” calling it particularly compelling in today’s context.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Maryam Lemu reminded everyone of the importance of keeping their mortality in focus, urging them to reflect on what they are able to accomplish in this life. She emphasized that all gifts—be they financial, spiritual, intellectual, or based on status and influence—are bestowed by Allah for the benefit of humanity. She encouraged everyone, particularly Muslims, to never shy away from showing kindness, highlighting that this was at the heart of Crescent Bearers’ 85th anniversary celebration. She quoted Allah, saying, “We have raised you by degrees above others so that we may try you with what we have bestowed upon you.”
The event also featured the cutting of the anniversary cake and a special recognition of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, following her appointment as Nigeria’s Chief Justice earlier that year. Bearer Lateef Femi Okunnu, SAN, the oldest member and a distinguished legal luminary, praised the Crescent Bearers for fulfilling their mandate of uplifting the less privileged through education. Reflecting on the group’s humble beginnings, he fondly recalled how a group of young Muslim boys from Lagos Island, who had completed school about 11 years earlier, came together under the leadership of the late Alhaji Mobolaji Odunewu to form the Crescent Bearers. He described it as an extraordinary journey, saying, “I feel over the moon. I am happy because it is like going into outer space to see an organization that began with just a few young boys from very Muslim backgrounds, and over decades, they have continued to educate the Muslim child.”
Bearer Liasu Adele Jinadu, another esteemed member, expressed his deep pride in being part of the Crescent Bearers, acknowledging its profound impact on his life. He reflected on how the group has shaped his understanding of Islam and the importance of working to strengthen the Muslim community, particularly in Lagos State. He described Crescent Bearers as a unique and remarkable group—restrictive but not elitist, with members of high integrity, committed to propagating the Islamic faith within their communities. “This is an organisation of dedicated Muslims, who are pursuing a mission,” he affirmed.
Bearer Olusegun AbdulQuadri Williams, the General Secretary of Crescent Bearers, also shared his sense of privilege in being part of such a legacy. He expressed profound humility and honor in continuing the philanthropic work begun by the group’s visionary founders. “The founders were selfless, dedicated, and passionate about the education of the Muslim child in Lagos. Being part of this association is a responsibility that I cherish, and I stand to uphold the values that have defined the organisation for 85 years,” he stated.
Bearer Mustapha Abiodun Jaji, who served as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Crescent Bearers at 85 and was the Chairman of the association in 2007, shared his gratitude for being a part of the group. Having spent 17 years as a member, he reflected on his involvement in organizing several significant milestones for the association, including the 80th, 83rd, and now the 85th anniversary celebrations. “I thank God for being a member,” Jaji said. “I have had the privilege of organizing these important events and playing my part in the development of this small but impactful association. We usually have a maximum of 30 members, but we are currently 28,” he added, emphasising the close-knit nature of Crescent Bearers.
Bearer Hakeem Olusegun Oki, a trustee of Crescent Bearers, expressed his deep honor in being part of the organization. Reflecting on the cardinal mission of the founding fathers, he emphasized their commitment to supporting the less privileged Muslim community, particularly through scholarships. “Crescent Bearers is truly a child of circumstances,” Oki remarked. “The founding fathers, despite coming from well-to-do Lagosian families, were schoolmates who sought to uplift the less privileged by providing access to education.”
Bearer Mustapha Akanni Oshodi, a member since 1985, also spoke with pride about the progress and impact of the association. “The founding fathers set out to support the Muslim community, especially at a time when Muslims were marginalized in terms of education,” Oshodi explained. “Through their efforts, the Crescent Bearers have achieved their goals of uplifting the Muslim society in education and the propagation of Islam, leaving a lasting impact on the community.”
