NASFAT to complete 3000 ­- capacity mosque in Ogun next year

Barring any unforeseen circumstances the Nasrul-Lahi-Faith Society (NASFAT) has unveiled plans to commission the first phase of its N2.5 billion Islamic Centre with a 3,000-capacity mosque by June next year.

The multi-purpose complex, located in Aseese, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, would contain all the necessary facilities to enhance worshipping and intellectual activities, including a mosque, library, bookshop, event and training halls and school facilities among others.

The Chief Missioner, Nasril-Lahi-L-Fatih Society, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Onike, during the media tour of the center said the center would serve as hub for Islamic propagation, urging the Ummah to partake in the building of the facility and obtain a ticket for Aljanah.

“Apart from the ultimate reward, the building of a mosque in a way affords a person to continue to earn the blessings of Allah even after death,” he said.

He urged members of the public to donate generously to ensure rapid completion of the Islamic center, noting that it would be accessible to both Muslims and non-Muslims upon its completion.

“Anybody is allowed to enter the mosque. The question is what is the person’s intention? In Europe today, there is what is called ‘the mosque tour’ to enable non-Muslims to have close contact with Islam. They interact with Muslims and that engenders good inter-faith relations.

“That is why NASFAT decided to build a mosque that is befitting of Islam and that will serve the pristine service the mosque was rendering in the early part of Islam. This center will be very conducive to spiritual activities and intellectual work.”

The Project’s Consultant, Alhaji Abdul-Afeez Akiyode, stated that the construction of the Islamic center was in four phases, with the 3,000-capacity mosque being the first phase to be completed next year.

“The second phase contains two extensions of 2,000 capacities to accommodate more males and females, catering service, dining, health care facility for first aid, toilets, bathrooms, laundry and Information Technology room. A bookshop will also be available for people to buy books and Islamic materials.

“The third and fourth phases will include event and training halls, library, school, recreation center, car parks, among other facilities. The ultimate desire is that we want to make the mosque not only for prayers, but also a living place. What you can’t get in your neighbourhood, this mosque will provide it for you, including playgrounds for children.”

The Vice Chairman, NASFAT Mosque Development Committee, Alhaji Remi Bello, said the society had committed about N300m to the project and the members contributed 90 per cent of the funds.

“We are reaching out to the entire Muslim Ummah to come and support the viable project. The mosque would be the second milestone achievable by NASFAT as an organization after the establishment of Fountain University”, he said.

NASFAT National Women Affairs secretary, Alhaja Samiat Omolara Mumuni, also encouraged Muslim women not to be left out in the charitable and ceaseless rewarding venture.

She appealed to all blessed Muslims to support the project. “I seek for your kind support to donate towards the project as we have set a minimum target of N2.5 billion to be raised,” she said.