*Photo L-R: Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR welcoming a Christian priest to the event*
In a display of interfaith unity, Muslims and Christians in Itesi community of Abeokuta, Ogun State, have launched a joint fundraising effort to raise N150 million for the remodeling and expansion of the 80-year-old Itesi Central Mosque.
*L-R: Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola and former Ogun State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Kehinde Sogunle*
The initiative was formally unveiled on Saturday during the Turbaning Ceremony and Fundraising Appeal held at the St. Peter Claver’s Convent School compound, Itesi, Abeokuta, bringing together faith leaders, government officials, community representatives, and business stakeholders.
The interfaith spirit was acknowledged by Reverend Adejuwon Adeolu Joseph, who represented the Minister in Charge of Trinity Methodist Church, Itesi.
He described the collaboration as a model of unity.
“This is not common in our environment. Bringing other religions together to raise funds fosters love and unity. Religious leaders must see ourselves as one,” he stated.
Mosque Belongs to God, Not Individuals – Ambassador Sarafa Isola
Nigeria’s former Minister of Mines and Steel Development and immediate past Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, used the occasion to caution against personal ownership claims over worship centres.
*L-R: Balogun Musulumi of Itesi, Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde exchanging greetings with Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR *
He explained that a mosque belongs solely to Allah, regardless of who sponsors its construction.
“There is nothing like community or individual ownership in mosque. Mosque belongs to God… Once you put up a mosque, you can’t lay ownership to it. Even if you single-handedly build it, it doesn’t belong to you. Every Muslim in the world has the right to worship there irrespective of background,” he declared.
Ambassador Ishola also congratulated the newly turbanned honourees, praying for wealth, wisdom and patience to serve the Muslim community with dignity, unity and humility.
Reinforcing his message, the Wakilu Musulumi of Yoruba, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Iskeel Awwal (Sugar), said mosque development must be driven by sincerity and trust in divine support.
He recalled budgeting N150 million to rebuild a mosque he demolished for modernization, stressing that success can only come from Allah.
“It is God that builds a mosque. Once you build it, it belongs to Him. Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola and his family have paid their dues in service to Islam and humanity. He has served as former SSG, Special Assistant to a Minister, Minister, and Ambassador — and you hardly find anyone who occupied such positions in succession. Whatever comes next is in the hands of God,” he remarked.
Chairman of the Ogun State Committee on Musabaqah, Engr. AbdulHameed Femi Omotayo, commended the founding fathers of the mosque and the community for preserving the legacy.
Engr. Omotayo who is also the CEO of Alare Radio emphasised that constructing a mosque is both a spiritual and communal investment.
“Anyone who builds a mosque on the surface of the earth, Allah will reserve a place for him or her in Paradise,” he noted.
He urged Muslims to emulate the Saudi model of monumental religious structures as community assets.
Engr. Omotayo also responded to concerns on religious tension and urged communities to unite for peace and security, insisting that violence in Nigeria does not target any single religion.
“We must work together intentionally. Islam teaches that your neighbours within 40 houses are part of your family. Harmony is the foundation of a prosperous community.”
Notable donations were made, including N1 million each from Prof. Lateef Sanni and Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Abiodun Agbaje, Baba Adinni of Gbagura, among others.
While contributing to the fundraising, Prof. Sanni urged the community to make the most of the spiritual and economic opportunities within worship centres. According to him, mosques should be viewed as monumental assets to community development.
“We should take a cue from the Saudi model. A mosque is a monumental structure, an asset. It has the potential to transform the fortunes of Itesi community. I have lived in Abeokuta since 1984. This is an opportunity for the future,” he stated.
The Secretary of the Planning Committee, Abdul-Hakeem Olajide Bello, assured full accountability in executing the renovation project.
Balogun Musulumi of Itesi Calls for Ethical, United Development
Earlier, the Balogun Musulumi of Itesi, Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, described the ceremony as a historic milestone for the Itesi Muslim community, stressing that the mosque needs to be elevated to meet contemporary needs.
“This undertaking is a recognition of the need to accord our place of worship the dignity it deserves. The Turbaning should not be seen merely as an honour but a solemn call to service.”
Asiwaju Akintunde who is also the Secretary-General of Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) urged faith organiSations to be at the forefront of rigorous compliance with building regulations, adding:
“Non-compliance undermines societal sanity and endangers environmental safety. Faith institutions must lead by example.”
Titles Bestowed on Distinguished Personalities
As part of the ceremony, prominent personalities in the community were turbanned and conferred with Islamic honorary titles, including: Alhaji Owolabi Semiu Shittu (Baba Adeen), Alhaji Muhammad Shansaliu Adeola Adeniji (Olori Adeen), Ustaz Abdur-Rofiu Solahudeen (Mufassir), Imam Abdul Hameed Abdul-Salam (Ekerin Olomokewu), Alhaji Abd-Waheed Owolabi Folorunso (Saraki Adeen), and Alhaji Taofeeq Adisa Shorunke (Akinrogun).
Others honoured were: Ustaz AbdulRasheed AbdulRafiu Kehinde Adebiyi (Balogun Olomokewu), Alhaja Kuburat Omowunmi Abiodun (Balogun Alasalatu), Alhaja Iswat Shogunle (Seriki Alasalatu), Alhaja Muibat Aweni Sanni Waheed (Ekerin Alasalatu), Alhaja Simbiat Okuribido (Bada Alasalatu), Alhaja Lateefat Shorunke (Agbesinga Alasalatu), and Alhaja Rasheedat Apinke Adegbola (Saraki Alasalatu).
The Chief Imam of Itesi, Alhaji AbdurRafiu Odebiyi, explained that those honoured have dedicated themselves to Islam since childhood.
While formally installing the new Islamic chiefs, Alhaji Odebiyi encouraged them to continue serving Allah with their wealth and strength.
Notable dignitaries at the event included the representative of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Sa’adalahi Bamgbola; Alhaji Jamiu Babalola Osundare, Managing Director, Jobazeet Nigeria Limited; the representative of the Olowu of Owu, Olori Ameenah Adeleye Amatemilola; Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Abiodun Agbaje, Baba Adinni of Gbagura; and Chief AbdulFatai Akintunde.
Other personalities who graced the occasion were the former Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Tunji Kalejaiye, who is also the Zonal Chairman, Ogun State Muslim Council; the former Ogun State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Kehinde Sogunle; Hon. Adenekan Ganiu Abiodun, Councilor representing Ward 1, Abeokuta South Local Government; and Mrs. Oluwaranti Ogunjemilusi, Vice Chairman, Abeokuta South Local Government Area.
Organisational delegations also came from the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), Al-Muminat (The Believing Women Organisation), and various bodies of Imams and Alfas across Ogun State.