By Wasiu Owolewa
It was an exciting moment on Saturday as one of the prominent Muslim organizations in Nigeria, ALFATHU-L-QAREEB, Ekiti state chapter celebrated its 20th anniversay.
The event which was held at the state headquarters of ALFATHU-L-QAREEB in Omisanjana, Ado-Ekiti was full of activities such as presentation of merit award to Muslims who have one way or the other contributed to the progress of Islam,
turbaing ceremony and cutting of the anniversary cake.
The Grand Imam and President General league of imams and Alfas in South West including Edo and Delta, Fadlat Sheikh(Imam) Jamiu Keulere in his brief remark congratulated ALFATHU-L-QAREEB on the auspicious occasion of its 20th anniversay celebration. He expressed his joy for the success recorded by the organization over the years which he attributed to the mercy of Almighty Allah on the organization.
The Grand Imam commended the state Missioner of ALFATHU-L-QAREEB, Sheikh Abdul Hakeem Bamidele for his exemplary leadership style. He described Imam Abdul Hakeem as an humble person who has not derailed from the path laid down by Prophet Muhammed(SAW) which also contributed to the success of the organization in Ekiti state.
“It pleases my heart to congratulate ALFATHU-L-QAREEB for clocking 20 years as an organization. It is not an easy thing because of different challenges that might have been faced by this organization. We thank Almighty Allah for upholding ALFATHU-L-QAREEB till very this moment.
“Let me use this opportunity to commend the state Missioner who is like a son to me, Abdul Hakeem Bamidele for his exemplary leadership style. If there is one thing to say about the State Missioner is his act of humility which greatly helped in the sustainance of this organization. The kind of leadership in place affects the operation of an organization. We thank God that ALFATHU-L-QAREEB is blessed with a submissive and focused leader”
While congratulating the Muslim Organization on its 20th anniversay, Alhaji Keulere called on the members of ALFATHU-L-QAREEB to move closer to Almighty Allah and be harmonious in everything they do.
Speaking in the same vein, the National Missioner of ALFATHU-L-QAREEB, Fadlak Sheikh Muqadam Fadlu Rahmon Tijani Kehinde, rejoiced with members of the organization in Ekiti state on the celebration of the organization’s 20th anniversay and wished them more years to celebrate.
The climax of the celebration was the presentation of merit awards to Muslim faithfuls who have contributed to the progress Islam. Some of the awardees are, the Personal Assistant(P.A) to the Secretary to Ekiti state Government, Mr Jimoh Rasheed Kolawole, Chief Yusuf Ibrahim, the Senior Special Assistant to Ekiti state Governor on Tax, Mr Ayodeji Adarabierin, Hajia Rashedat Idris, Hon. Babatunde Oke and others. Also Alhaji Teslim Liadi Abulesowo and Alhaja Muhabat Olayemi were turbaned as Saraki Adini and Alaranse Adini.
The 20th anniversay celebration of the Muslim Organization was graced by the National Missioner of ALFATHU-L-QAREEB, Fadlak Sheikh Muqadam Fadlu Rahmon Tijani Kehinde, state Missioner of ALFATHU-L-QAREEB, Sheikh Imam Abdul Hakeem Bamidele Afenifere, Ekiti House of Assembly member, Hon. Maryam Abimbola Ogunmilade, Alhaji Suleiman Afolabi Ogunlayi, The Alafin of Akin Akoko, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulroheem Mustapha, all branch Missioners of ALFATHU-L-QAREEB and teeming members from all the branches in Ekiti state.
