*To hold National Dialogue to commemorate centenary anniversary
Foremost Islamic organisation, the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, (ADS) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for waging war against insecurity in the county.
The Deputy National President of the association, Dr. Adebayo Ibrahim, who gave the commendation while briefing reporters in Abuja on Thursday, noted that it was evident from reports that banditry had reduced in recent times.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to continue to support and offer prayers for the president and his team so that they can remain focused and steadfast in their commitment to rid Nigeria of banditry and other forms of criminalities.
Ibrahim also dislcosed that as part of activities lined up for the Grand Finale of the association’s centenary celebrations, the Islamic body will hold a National Dialogue where President Tinubu is expected to be the Special Guest of Honor.
“Insecurity has been there before this government. The previous government did their best, and this present government too is confronting it headlong.
“It is our duty as an Islamic organisation to offer prayers for our leaders. This administration has started very well. You can see that banditry is reducing. We can see that the budget of this year is a little better than that of last year.
“I am sure that in the nearest future, security challenges will be over,” he said.
Speaking further, the ADS National Deputy President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to providing quality education for the growing youths of Nigeria to enable them become better citizens.
Ibrahim who expressed delight at the association’s centenary celebrations, said that achieving a century was a significant milestone by any measure and by any organisation.
He said: “The occasion of the society reaching one hundred years of exiatence prompted us to reflect retrospectively on the benevolence of Allah throughout our journey.
“Esteemed brothers and sisters, it is important to assess our historical trajectory as a means of gaining a comprehensive understanding of our future path.
“In this wise, allow me to delve into the vision of the founding fathers of the Ansa-ur-deen Society of Nigeria.
“Their vision was to provide education for the growing youth, allowing them to keep pace with Western education and preparing them for the challenges of the centuries.”
He recalled that over the years, this vision had materialised through the creation of awareness and the establishment of institutions dedicated to instilling Islamic values and to ensure their continuity in that regard.
“Today, with awareness units and a university, the society is not only recognised in academic circles but also across all facets of the country’s administration.”
This, he added, “signified the fulfilment of its founding fathers’ vision, yet it was not a claim of ultimate achievement because there were still more to be achieved.”
The deputy national president, to this end, implored everyone in the association to redouble their efforts to ensure to leave an enduring legacy for the children and future generations.
According to him, a legacy that encompasses the paths of Islam and education, as advocated by Prophet Mohammed (SAW), which means to “read, read, and read.”
Ibrahim expressed satisfaction that so far, the association could boast of having enrolled thousands of youths in educational institutions as well as inculcating Islamic tenets in them across the country and beyond.
He promised that the focus of the association’s next centenary celebration will be to consolidate on its achievements so far in creating education of the future that is computer-based.
Ibrahim also pledged that the association’s next focus will be to ensure it empowers the teeming unemployed graduates, semi-educated, women, girl child with Islamic teachings and orientation.
