LKJ Gardens Muslim Community launches N25m mosque fund, holds Iftar for 400

Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ) Gardens Muslim Community in Lagos has launched a N25 million appeal fund for the construction of its mosque.

The launch held at the Igando Lagos estate featured a number of activities including a special iftar (breaking of fast) for over 400 fasting Muslims where they were given special treats such as sumptuous meal, dates, drinks, yoghurt, among other edibles.

Guest lecturer at the event, Dr Jibril Salaudeen, commended the commitment of the Muslim community, noting that they had made tangible contributions to the development of Islam.

Salaudeen, who is Director of Executive Education and Consulting at Nungu Business School, said, “It is a middle-income Muslim community. Quite a number of people around here are educated, and they came out in their numbers. The response from them is very good.

“They are willing to contribute to the development of the community. We were able to bring in a total of 68 families and they came around. Most of them have made tangible contributions to the development of the ummah.”

Salaudeen also said the first school and learning centre established by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Madinah was the mosque.

“It is a place of convergence, a place where we meet, not just to pray, but also to learn. Thus, it is a school. The first school of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the masjid. It was also his court, a place where disputes are settled, where counselling takes place,” he said.

According to him, it is the duty of Muslims to establish and maintain the mosque in their various communities.

Chairman of the LKJ Gardens Muslim Community, Dr Mushafau Adewale Akinsanya, said the plan to build a mosque in the estate was mulled about three years ago.

“It was, however, in January 2025 that we sat down and concluded that we have to set aside a day for launching, so that people will know that this is what we want to do. We cannot do it alone; we need support from members outside of the estate,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the project would be ready before next Ramadan (2026).

“I want to appeal to our members in the estate that they should not be tired. I understand the country is a bit difficult financially now.

“But Allah has been meeting our needs. So, I’m sure Allah will meet our needs with regard to the mosque construction. Please, let’s be steadfast and committed,” he stated.

Akinsanya thanked Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for approving the request of a piece of land in the estate for the construction.

He said professionals including architects and structural engineers had been commissioned to draw up the plan for the mosque.

“The plan will be submitted to the relevant offices of the Lagos State Government to vet before we move on. We are also looking for a builder to commence the foundation once the plan has been approved by the government. This is how far we have gone,” Akinsanya said.

Imam LKJ Gardens, Mallam AbdulLateef AbdulGaniy, said contributing to the construction of the mosque is sadaqatul jariyah (perpetual charity).

“If I donate my N100, N1,000 to a masjid project, as long as the mosque is standing and they are performing salat there, I will be getting my reward, once I do it with ikhlas,” he said.

The Imam said the mosque would serve multiple functions, including as a madrasah and a platform to resolve marital and family disputes.

“We have a close community here, but it’s also a big community. We will be able to bring our children together and ensure that they are nurtured on the path of Islam,” he added.

Imam AbdulGaniy appealed to Muslims everywhere to support them in achieving the project.

“Kindly pay into Lateef Kayode Jakande Gardens Igando Muslim Jaiz Bank Acct: 0009565481,” he stated.

A resident of the estate and member of the project planning team, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, said the mosque would serve as a legacy for the generations to come.

Dr. Shuaib, who is Principal Partner at AS & Associates and member of the community believes the mosque project is achievable within 12 lunar months.

“When we leave this dunya, it will be there for those coming after us to enjoy, and our efforts today will also be used as good deeds for us,” he said.

“The most popular hadith of the Prophet is that if you build a house for Allah, He will build a house for you in jannah.

“That alone is enough for whoever has a concern to meet their Lord after this day. Whatever contribution we make today, even if it is a humble contribution, will go a long way when we pull the resources together to accomplish this mission.”

Another member of the Muslim community in the estate, Dr. Ruqayat Bakare, commended the initiative of the lecture and special iftar, noting it offered a platform for the faithful to bond better.

Rivers: Military on high alert, says Defence minister

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has expressed his strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasising that this decisive action is vital for restoring stability to the state’s turbulent political landscape.

Matawalle stated that the declaration is a necessary measure to address the ongoing political crisis, which has hindered the delivery of democratic governance and the welfare of the people of Rivers State.

He called on all political actors involved in the crisis to adhere to the President’s declaration and work collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution.

A statement by the Minister’s office said, “In light of the current situation, the Nigerian Military is on high alert to safeguard government infrastructure and ensure the security of the citizens”.

He “warned that any attempts to attack government facilities or disrupt public order will be met with a resolute response from security forces”.

Reflecting on the President’s address regarding the state of emergency, he acknowledged the gravity of the political crisis in Rivers State and the urgent need for intervention.

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He highlighted the unfortunate demolition of the House of Assembly by the state governor, which has left the state without a functioning legislature for over fourteen months.

This action has contributed to the ongoing political impasse and the inability of the government to effectively serve the people.

The Minister also noted the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which reaffirmed the constitutional necessity of a functioning legislature and condemned the governor’s actions as unconstitutional.

He emphasized that the court’s findings call for immediate restoration of democratic governance in the state.

Rivers: Military on high alert, says Defence minister

Ibas: 18 things to know about Rivers administrator

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as the administrator for Rivers State.

Ibas was named after Tinubu announced the suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, for six months.

Until his appointment, he was the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff, a position he held until 2021.

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Below are 18 things to know about the new Rivers state administrator:

1. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (CFR, psc+ GSS AM ndc MSc) was born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria.
2. He enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26 Regular Course on June 20, 1979, and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
3. Ibas completed his primary education at Nko Primary School and Big Qua Primary School in Calabar in 1971.
4. He attended the Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar from 1972 to 1976, followed by the School of Basic Studies in Ogoja from 1977 to 1979.
5. He continued his schooling at the Nigerian Defence Academy and then earned a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan.
6. He completed the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India, from 1983 to 1984, and Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, from 1986 to 1987.
7. In 1990, he completed the Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji.
8. He then went on to the Amphibious Warfare Course at the United States Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, in 1992.
9. He also specialised in underwater warfare at NNS Quorra in 1994 and completed the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji in 1997.
10. He also took the National Defence Course at the National Defence College.
11. He served as the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe from 1993 to 1996.
12. He was also the commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School from 1997 to 1998 and then the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, from 1998 to 2000.
13. His service positions included directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Service College in Jaji from 2000 to 2002, followed by deputy commandant in 2014.
14. He was the navy provost marshal from 2003 to 2004, and from 2004 to 2005, he was the Chief of Navy Staff’s primary staff officer.
15. He served as commander of the Naval Air Base in Ojo from 2006 to 2009 and then as chief staff officer at the Naval Training Command in Lagos from 2010 to 2011.
16. He also served as the Chief of Administration at Naval Headquarters (2011-2012), Navy Secretary (2012-2013), and Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (2013-2014). In 2014, he was named chief of logistics and later GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited.
17. On July 13, 2015, Ibas was named the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff, a position he held until 2021. After retiring from the Navy, he remained a prominent player in national security and maritime issues.
18. Following the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu named Vice Admiral Ibas as the state’s sole administrator on March 18, 2025. His responsibilities include monitoring government and restoring state order in the face of political upheaval.

Ibas: 18 things to know about Rivers administrator