ODO NOFORIJA CENTRAL MOSQUE OPENS AS LAGOS DEPUTY GOVERNOR URGES UNITY, PRAYERS FOR TINUBU

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, has urged Nigerians to consistently pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasising that national unity, patience, and shared responsibility are crucial for maintaining peace, stability, and development across the country.

He made the appeal last Friday in Epe during the commissioning of the Odo Noforija Kingdom Ultra-Modern Central Mosque, a landmark religious project developed through collaboration between traditional and religious stakeholders, including Oba Babatunde Ola Ogunlaja and philanthropist Alhaji Abdul Jelili Animashaun.

The mosque, which features a large minaret, Arabic-inscribed dome, and spacious prayer halls for both male and female worshippers, is designed to accommodate large Islamic gatherings such as Jumu’ah prayers and other religious activities.

Hamzat called on citizens to continue supporting the government and avoid actions that could threaten national stability, stressing that progress is dependent on unity of purpose and collective discipline.

He noted that “when a nation is united in prayer and purpose, progress becomes more sustainable,” while warning against divisive tendencies that could hinder development.

The deputy governor also praised the interfaith cooperation behind the mosque project, describing it as a strong example of religious harmony, where a Christian monarch and a Muslim philanthropist worked together to promote community development.

He further delivered a goodwill message from First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hon. Alawiye King, who commended development efforts in Epe and prayed for continued progress.

In a related address, former NDIC chairman Hon. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef encouraged Muslims to embrace gratitude and contentment, reminding believers to appreciate life, health, and divine blessings.

He cautioned that ingratitude is a spiritual weakness and stressed that Islam promotes humility and appreciation of God’s favours.

Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), also described the mosque commissioning as a symbol of religious harmony, noting that it reflected how faith diversity can strengthen national unity.

He referenced past examples of interfaith cooperation in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of tolerance and shared values in nation-building.

The Etsu Nupe, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, commended the initiative, describing it as evidence of peaceful coexistence and inclusive leadership in the community.

The mosque was officially commissioned with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, after which the first Adhan was delivered, signalling the start of worship activities and drawing emotional reactions from attendees.

Delivering the inaugural sermon, Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Prof. Luqman Zakariyah, stressed the importance of proper mosque maintenance, urging communities to ensure accountability, qualified leadership, and sustainable funding to preserve religious institutions.

He warned that many mosques decline due to poor management after their founders pass away, calling for stronger structures to sustain them.

The host monarch, Oba Ogunlaja, described the mosque as a symbol of unity, resilience, and cultural progress, while recalling the loss of historic religious sites in the area due to infrastructure development.

The event ended with prayers for Epe, Lagos State, and Nigeria, marking the mosque as a significant milestone in faith-based cooperation and community development.