Former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged Nigerians to practice the spirit of giving, stressing that charitable acts attract divine reward.
Obasanjo spoke on Friday in Abeokuta
at the public presentation and unveiling of the project’s designs on the remodelling of the Egba Central Mosque and the construction of an Islamic Centre at Kobiti, Abeokuta.
The Former president called on all Nigerians, regardless of their religious status, to consider the project as a collective effort and contribute to its success.
Similarly, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the project as a significant step by the Egba people, particularly the Egba Muslims.
Abiodun, while acknowledging the role of Obasanjo in promoting religious tolerance and harmony, promised to construct the mosque's administrative block and library.
DAILY POST reports that prominent Nigerians such as the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wammako, former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, Sarafa Tunji Ishola, among others have donated in support of remodelling the mosque.
Others notable figures are, Sir Kessington Adebutu, Chief Rasaq Okoya, The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Iya Suna of Egbaland Alhaja Yemi Kolapo, and Senator Shuaib Salisu.
The project, as outlined by the Egba Muslim Council, includes the renovation of the mosque, as well as the addition of various structures such as an administrative block, a library, a Quranic Academy, a multipurpose social hall, an Imam's residence, a shopping complex, a medical center, and a guest house.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, while unveiling the project’s prototype, pledged to personally engage other influential Nigerians to mobilize resources for the mosque’s completion.
The Alake of Egbaland, reflected on the long-overdue renovation of the mosque, emphasizing the historical significance of the project and the role of stakeholders in preserving religious and cultural heritage for future generations.
The committee overseeing the mosque’s remodelling, led by 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.
