ABEOKUTA – Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of charitable giving, emphasizing that such acts attract divine reward.
Obasanjo made the call on Friday in Abeokuta during the public presentation and unveiling of the proposed remodelling of the Egba Central Mosque and the construction of a new Islamic Centre at Kobiti.
Addressing dignitaries and members of the public at the event, the former president called on all Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation, to support the project, which he described as a collective endeavour for national and spiritual growth.
“This is a project that transcends religion. It is an opportunity for us to give, to build, and to uplift,” Obasanjo said. “Charitable acts are not just noble—they attract divine blessings.”
Also speaking at the event, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the initiative as a significant stride by the Egba Muslim community. He lauded Obasanjo’s continued efforts in promoting religious harmony and pledged the state government’s support, including the construction of the mosque’s administrative block and a modern library.
Prominent Nigerians were in attendance and have pledged support for the project. They include the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence 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, Senator Aliyu Wammako; and former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, Sarafa Tunji Ishola.
Others who made generous donations include Chief Kessington Adebutu, Chief Rasaq Okoya, Professor Ishaq Oloyede (Secretary-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs), Alhaja Yemi Kolapo (Iya Suna of Egbaland), and Senator Shuaib Salisu.
The Egba Muslim Council outlined the scope of the project, which will include the renovation of the mosque as well as the addition of several key structures—an administrative block, a library, a Quranic academy, a multipurpose social hall, an Imam’s residence, a shopping complex, a medical centre, and a guest house.
The Sultan of Sokoto, while unveiling the project’s prototype, expressed his commitment to personally mobilize influential Nigerians to raise the necessary resources for its completion.
Speaking on the significance of the project, the Alake of Egbaland highlighted the long-overdue nature of the mosque’s renovation and emphasized the importance of preserving religious and cultural heritage for future generations.
The Chairman of the Mosque Remodelling Committee, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Tunji-Kalejaiye, revealed that a total of 78 houses surrounding the mosque at Kobiti would be demolished to make way for the project. He confirmed that affected residents would be compensated with new homes, to be constructed on 22 acres of land in the Sodeke-Titun Sabo area of Abeokuta.
The event marked a major step toward the realization of a modern religious complex in Egbaland, one that leaders hope will serve both spiritual and communal purposes for decades to come.
