In an effort to show gratitude to Almighty Allah for His bounties, favours and mercies, the immediate past Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Olabisi Onabanjo University Governing Council, Alhaja Tamramat Mosun Bello-Olusoga, has built an ultra modern mosque for the institution’s Muslim community.
The newly built ultra-modern mosque, named As-Sujood Mosque, is situated in the school’s main campus, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
The beautiful edifice was commissioned by the National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, and saw in attendance dignitaries from within and outside the university community.
In his sermon, Sheikh Ahmad implored users of the new mosque to sustain its purpose, which is to worship. Further stated: “The Mosque is not meant only for Salat; it is an educational centre, a place to dispense justice, a place for recreation, a place to rest from stress, a place of serenity, a reconciliation centre and a place to bring social justice and ethical orientation to the people.”
Guests at the donation ceremony include, the Pro–Chancellor OOU, Prof. Toyin Ashiru; Vice Chancellor OOU, Prof. Ganiyu O. Olatunde; Senator Sefiu Adegbenga Kaka and the Ebumawe of Ago –Iwoye, Oba AbdurRasaq Adenuga.
Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, (MUSWEN) President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and other top officials and members of the organisation, including Vice President, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti; Alhaji Wale Sonaike, Alhaji Zikrullah Alimi, Alhaji Kamal Akintunde, Lekan Bello, among others, graced the historic event.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Olabisi Onabanjo University Muslim Community, Professor Mikail Lasun Gbadamosi, who doubled as the chief host, expressed his heartfelt joy for having a befitting edifice as house of worship.
He equally thanked the donor, Hajia Belo-Olusoga, and Emeritus Professor Kamaldeen Balogun; Major-General S. A Awosanya rtd, Alhaji Safiriyu Araba, Rahman Ajia, Alhaji Tele Ogunjobi, World Assembly of Muslim Youths ( WAMY) and a host of others for their prominent roles in envisioning and developing an Islamic Centre for the university.
“The name, As-Sujood signifies prostration to Allah. The turning of the sod on July 30, 2021 was like yesterday.
“AlhamduliLlahi, the donor, Hajia Tamramat Mosun Belo-Olusoga, the immediate past Pro-Chancellor fulfilled her promise within the specific time proposed for the project. This is one of the many giant strides recorded during her tenure. I want to immensely thank our VC, Professor Ganiyu O. Olatunde for facilitating the project,” he said.
However, the Vice Chancellor solicited for actualisation of the following projects; construction of administrative block and hostels for Muslim students, provision of buses for the activities of the Muslim Community and MSSN, OOU branch, and construction of befitting mosques for Ayetoro and Ijagun campuses.
The Muslim philanthropist, Alhaja Mosun Bello-Olusoga, disclosed that she donated the mosque in appreciation of God’s grace and mercy upon her.
She said, though she had always wanted to build a mosque, the dream crystallized after she survived a serious illness a few years ago.