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

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.