Image caption: VP Kashim Shettima stepping out of the plane for the commissioning of Senator Dr Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari-built Ibapon Central Mosque in Ogbomoso
Ibapon Mosque commissioning: Buhari hails VP Shettima as ‘friend of Ogbomoso,’ Soun lauded for tolerance
Khalid ABRAHAM
Nigeria’s vice president, Senator Kashim Shettima Friday commissioned the Ibapon Central Mosque in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, built by the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District.Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari.
Shettima who described the multi-million naira mosque as a gift for generations, noted “it stands in stark contrast to prevailing materialistic trends.”
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The vice president expressed worry about what he called “the shifting societal values in contemporary Nigeria,” emphasizing “the need to address the problem.”
The former Borno state governor also called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to “exemplify true leadership, prioritize community service and invest in legacy-building over personal gain.”
“Nigerians need to prioritise spiritual obligations and community service over personal interests in an era where people are becoming more individualistic and giving less premium to God.
“Today, the world is unfortunately marked by a mindset that values self-interest over selflessness, and many see giving back or even engaging in spiritual obligations as burdens or distractions.
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“Every second of our lives is a reminder of our impermanence, and the brevity of life underscores the urgency of filling our days with deeds that matter in the hereafter,” the VP added.
Shettima, enthused by the project, described it as an example of “Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), an example of legacy projects that the society needs.”
“This is a legacy, a bridge between this world and the next, grounded in kindness and devotion,” he stated.
Dismissing the prevailing cupidity for wealth and emphasizing hereafter,: he harped, “We must ask ourselves—what remains when this race ends? In the end, all that endures are the records of our selfless deeds, our adherence to our faith, and our acts of charity.”
This is as he expressed hope the new mosque will “be a source of spiritual strength and inspiration for this community and beyond.”
Shettima in similar vein praised the Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, asserting the monarch exemplifies tolerance and acceptability.
“I want to sincerely thank Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, for gracing this occasion. He is of Christian faith. He was here about three hours waiting for us to commission this project,” he stated.
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In his remark, Senator Buhari expressed joy at the presence of the vice president saying “l almost collapse when the vice president called me on Wednesday that he would be coming to Ogbomoso on Friday. I had to rush down to Ogbomoso to make further preparations.
Buhari described Senator Shettima as a friend of Ogbomoso noting “this year alone he has come to Ogbomoso twice. He came during the commissioning of the road named after my brother (late Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala). You are most welcome sir.”
Oyo state deputy governor Barrister Bayo Lawal speaking on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde hailed the gesture of Buhari congratulating the Ibapon and Ogbomoso people in general for having a “son like Buhari who makes them proud everytime.”
Barrister Lawal appreciating the vice president for gracing the occasion said, “On behalf of the governor of Oyo state, we appreciate the vce president for coming to our state.”
He observed the project was not just a physical building but a spiritual exercise with lots of reward extending beyond now.
“It is also a means of spiritual purification and unity, fostering the unity of Nigeria because whenever we worship, we call for the unity and peace of Nigeria.”
Also, speaking, deputy president of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, lauded Senator Buhari, noting the mosque project was not just a service to the Muslim Ummah but to humanity at large.
“My prayer is that God reward you with Al-Jannatul Firdaus. You are an epitome of good character and someone who is always at the forefront of service to this country and humanity at large,” he asserted.
Islamic scholar and preacher, Sheikh Muideen Ajani Bello, in his exhortation, urged that the mosque be properly maintained while eulogizing Buhari for building it.
Many dignitaries graced the occasion including the governor of Kwara state, Dr Abdulrahman Abdulrasak; deputy governor of Oyo state, Barrister Bayo Lawal; deputy Senate president, Barau Jibrin; Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosoland, Alhaji Ganiyu Owodunni; and Chief Imam of Soun Palace, Sheikh Habeeb Ayilara.
