Festivity as Adeyemi presents 11 books

There was much fanfare at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday when prominent Muslims from different parts of the country gathered to celebrate the founder of the Islamic Mission Organisation, Alhaji Ayo Adeyemi.

The event, chaired by First Bank Chairman, Prince Ajibola Afonja, witnessed the presentation of 11 Islamic books written by Adeyemi, who recently clocked 80.

Some of the books in the ‘Beginners Series’ are All Roads head to Arafat, The Concept of Prayer in Islam and Abridged History of Prophet Mohammed.

Also among the guests were Senators Ganiyu Solomon and Gbenga Kaka, as well as the Chairman of Island Club, Chief Ademola Dada.

While guests showered encomium on Adeyemi for the roles he has played in the propagation of Islam, various groups that make up the Isolo, Lagos-based IMO staged musical performances that turned out to be inspiring.

Among the groups are the Al-Fajir Junior and Senior; Al-Salam Ladies, Amantullah Ladies, Al-Qudus Sisiters, Nasurulahi Mothers. Dawn of New Era and Al-Asri Mothers.

Afonja, who spiced the programme with wit and humour, was one of those that spoke their minds at the event. According to him, the ambience of the event, which also featured a lecture by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Abdurahaman Bello, who was represented by the varsity’s Director of Distance Learning, Prof. Ganiu Oke, showed that Islam is an exciting religion.

Afonja said, ‘When I entered the hall, I noticed the beauty of Islam. I thanked God that I am able to be present here, in spite of pressure from other sources that are generally material – unlike this one that is spiritual. I looked at Alhaji Adeyemi, looked at his picture on the cover of the programme and the richness of the programme itself; I saw how radiant he is, how confident he is; I listened to the songs and behold the way the entire hall is arranged. I feel that I had never seen Islam in this form before. I am indeed happy to be a Muslim.”

On the significance of Adeyemi’s efforts at publishing the books, Afonja noted that what the writer had done was to expand knowledge as God commands in the Holy Koran.

He said, ‘It is good that at 80, Alhaji Adeyemi is still expanding knowledge. Knowledge is very important and Islam places emphasis on it. The Almighty Allah introduced himself as the all-knowing 122 times in the Koran. If God could emphasise knowledge this much, anybody who expands knowledge is worth celebrating.”

Afonja urged other Muslims to advance the cause to which Prophet Muhammed dedicated himself, saying although he (Mohammed) was a successful merchant, he gave everything to Islam at the expense of his comfort.

“What we see today is the triumph of Islam. More than one billion Muslims are in the world today,” he added.

In the UNILAG Vc’s lecture titled The Role of Religion in Nigeria’s Quest for Security and Justice, as presented by Oke, he noted that virtually all religions propagated values such as peace, love, justice, development, loyalty, kindness and good neighbourliness.

Adding that though it abhored tension, violence, destruction, blood shedding and other vices, Bello lamented that religion had largely been turned upside-down in Nigeria.

He said, ‘The ideals propagated by the religions, notably Islam, Christianity and Judaism are different from the current realities. In Nigeria, for instance, ‘reason’ is being placed above revelation; material gain is emphasised above spiritual gain. Religion is becoming increasingly commercialised as religious leaders now reap huge profits from the spiritual needs of their members.”

Bello explained that the insecurity and other problems porevailing in the society at present were as a result of the non-adherence to the dictates of religion by many people.

He said, ‘This has led to misinterpretation and misrepresentation of the doctrines, which themselves were to ensure security of lives and properties and social justice. Personal, rather than corporate interests, have taken over and the only panacea to the security and social injustice in our country today can only be reversed if we all practice the religions in their pure forms.”

In his review of the books, former Dean, Faculty of Arts at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof. Ishak Akintola, commended Adeyemi for taking steps that were, according to him, drawing children and youths to Islam. He said the books were painstakingly written and that they laid emphasis on the need for Muslims to be pragmatic and moderate in their activities.

Akintola added, “Before now, Muslims were held in contempt. Their music was despised in Nigeria. It didn’t draw youths. But Alhaji Adeyemi came and changed all this. It was from him that we first had first song in English for Muslims.

“Islam preaches tolerance. He is therefore the kind of imam we need today. With imams like Alhaji Adeyemi, Christians, Muslims and even traditionalists will live together in peace. So, Adeyemi is being celebrated today not because he likes partying, but it is because he deserves it. He is a hero among Muslims.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Oba Ajibade Bakare-Agoro, who is the Ranota of Imota Kingdom, recalled that he first met Adeyemi 42 years ago, when he pioneered the publication and distribution of Islamic tracts. The monarch expressed joy that Adeyemi had continued to propagate Islam.

‘Alhaji Adeyemi is a tireless worker,” Oba Bakare-Agoro said.

Also at the occasion were dignitaries such as Mr. Taiwo Alimi, Mr. Leke Salami, Ishola Abudu, Niji Raji and Alhaji Idris Sulaiman.

In his response, Adeyemi thanked all for their love and kindness to him. Also thanking God for the good health he still enjoys at 80, he said he had been inspired to rededicate his life to the service of God and humanity.