Obasanjo, Others Call for Support to Remodel Ogun Central Mosque

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to embrace charity, saying that they are benevolent acts that attract divine reward from God.

According to a statement on Friday, Obasanjo made the call during the public presentation and unveiling of the prototype and designs of the remodelling of Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta.

The unveiling was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The project, as outlined by the Egba Muslim Council, includes the renovation of the mosque, as well as the addition of structures such as an administrative block, a library, a Quranic Academy, a multipurpose social hall, an Imam’s residence, a shopping complex, a medical centre, a guest house among others.

Leading the campaign for the remodelling project, Obasanjo urged guests and believers to support the project, emphasising that “such charitable acts attract divine reward.”

He added, “This is one project that all Nigerians, regardless of religion or status, must consider to be part of; it is a project that requires the collective effort of all to ensure its successful completion within the shortest time possible.”

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the project as a significant step by the Egba people, particularly the Egba Muslims, to further entrench the frontiers of Islam.

He acknowledged the role of Obasanjo in promoting religious tolerance and harmony, urging the people to always prioritise peaceful coexistence and tolerance.

The governor also promised to construct the mosque’s administrative block and library.

A former Governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun, while lauding the project, promised to construct the mosque’s multipurpose hall and donated an additional N100 million toward the project.

Sir Kessington Adebutu, represented by his son, Ladi Adebutu, also donated N100 million towards the actualisation of the project.

Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola and Senator Shuaib Salisu also supported the project with N10 million each.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, while unveiling the project’s prototype, commended the Egba Muslim Council’s efforts and encouraged continued support from Nigerians.

He also pledged to personally engage other influential Nigerians to mobilise resources for the mosque’s completion.

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, reflected on the long-overdue remodelling of the mosque, emphasising the historical significance of the project and the role of stakeholders in preserving religious and cultural heritage for future generations.

The Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate and guest lecturer, Sheikh Sulaimon-Faruq Onikijipa, highlighted the importance of mosques in Islam, explaining that they serve as vital centres for peace, unity, and community development.

He encouraged contributions for the mosque project as a means to gain divine reward.

In his remarks, the Baba Adinni of Egbaland, Retired Navy Captain Rasheed Raji, stated that the Islamic Centre and mosque remodelling represent more than just physical infrastructure but rather a renewed commitment to education, worship, and community development.

The committee overseeing the mosque’s remodelling, led by Alhaji Abdulhakeem Tunji-Kalejaiye, confirmed that 78 houses around the central mosque at Kobiti would be demolished to make way for the new project.

The displaced occupants will be compensated with new homes to be built on 22 acres of land in the Sodeke-Titun Sabo area of Abeokuta.

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