Al-Ansar Children’s Home Hosts Graduation for Qur’an Students in Abuja

…the Walimah showcases student accomplishments and underscores Al-Ansar’s mission to provide education and care for vulnerable children affected by conflict…

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The Al-Ansar Children’s Home in Kuje, Abuja, held a Qur’an graduation walimah celebrating the academic and spiritual achievements of its students. The event brought together philanthropists, some government officials and members of the community.

In her welcome address, Hajiya Amina Abubakar Abdullahi, mni, Amira of the Al-Ansar Foundation, recounted the early days of the orphanage. She noted that the first four children had been placed at Karu Children’s Home under an agreement that they would later join Al-Ansar once its facilities were operational.

“When the orphanage was built, we brought them here. All of them are now with us,” Hajiya Amina said, adding that one of the first children was among the graduates. She highlighted that the orphanage now houses nearly 40 children, mostly from Maiduguri, Borno State, orphaned by the Boko Haram conflict.

She acknowledged the psychological challenges of institutional care but stressed that Al-Ansar provides essential support for children whose families cannot care for them. “If you pick one child, at least you have relieved their burden,” she said. Hajiya Amina also highlighted that the foundation supports the children through secondary and tertiary education, regardless of where they may go in life.

The Amira credited partners, including the Abdulkabir Aliu Foundation, for their critical contributions to improving the children’s welfare. She further outlined the home’s broader social impact, noting that Al-Ansar supports nearly 300 widows in Kuje, provides free education and feeding for local orphans, and plans to establish a clinic to serve the wider community.

The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Ajani, Amir of the Abuja Muslim Forum, described Islam as a faith rooted in peace and coexistence. He welcomed attendees from diverse religious backgrounds, highlighting the importance of interfaith unity.

“We are people of peace,” Ajani said. “What you have been hearing about Islam does not represent us at all.” He added that insecurity in Nigeria should not be attributed to any single religion, and called for collective efforts to restore safety and harmony across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the Abdulkabir Aliu Foundation, Abdulwasie Kolawole Abdulrazaq commended Al-Ansar for its commitment to education, child care, and moral upbringing. He described the graduation walimah as a moment for gratitude and reflection, and reaffirmed the foundation’s support for initiatives that strengthen children’s learning environments and wellbeing.

Navy Capt. M.Y Abdullahi, representing Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, Commandant of the National Defence College, delivered a lecture on the importance of Qur’anic knowledge and its practical application. He explained that engagement with the Qur’an extends beyond recitation to include implementation of its teachings in daily life.

“Recitation brings spiritual reward, but true obedience lies in believing in its message, implementing its commands, and avoiding prohibitions,” he said. He described Qur’an graduates as Ahlul Qur’an, highlighting their elevated status in the community and the spiritual benefits of embodying Qur’anic teachings through character, discipline, and daily practice.

Hajiya Maryam Abdullahi, Jagaban Mata Zazzau, announced upcoming improvements at the Al-Ansar Children’s Home, made possible through the support of the Abdulkabir Aliu Foundation. She prayed for continued blessings on the foundation and acknowledged the significance of the gathering for the graduates.

Graduating student Nazirah Isah spoke on the virtue of patience, citing Qur’anic verses and prophetic teachings. She urged fellow students and attendees to trust in Allah and persevere through challenges, emphasizing that hardships are temporary and spiritual growth accompanies perseverance.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Hajiya Rahma Musa Sani, chairperson of the Al-Ansar Education Committee, who reaffirmed the home’s dedication to Islamic education, character formation, and community service. She thanked parents, teachers, caregivers, and partners for their contributions, and prayed for continued success for the graduates.

Also present were Hajiya Yaiya Atika Sani Talib (Vice Ameera, Al-Ansar), Hajiya Maimuna Abdullahi(Treasurer, Al-Ansar), and Arc. Hauwa Tudunwada, Managing Director of Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority amongst other guests who attended.