President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, pledging continued support for faith-based organisations that foster peace, tolerance and national development.
The President made the commitment on Saturday during the commissioning of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) National Headquarters, Hassanat Abebi Okunnu House, in Surulere, Lagos. He was represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
“The government under my watch will continue to guarantee freedom of religion while encouraging religious organisations to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity,” the President said.
Tinubu commended the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society for its more than a century of contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, moral development and community advancement, describing it as one of Nigeria’s foremost Islamic organisations.
He stressed that government cannot achieve national development alone, noting that partnerships with faith-based organisations remain critical to building an enlightened, disciplined and compassionate society.
“The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society has consistently demonstrated that religious organisations remain indispensable partners in national development,” he said.
The President also applauded Alhaji Femi Okunnu for donating the new secretariat in honour of his late mother, describing the gesture as a lasting legacy of faith, generosity and service to humanity.
He further praised the Okunnu family for its longstanding reputation for integrity, patriotism and selfless service, saying the accomplishments of the late Alhaja Okunnu’s children reflected the values she instilled in them.
“There can be no greater testimony to a person’s character than the quality of the children they leave behind. A tree is known by its fruits, and a mother’s legacy is most clearly reflected in the lives of those she nurtured,” Tinubu said.
Also speaking, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, urged the society to remain faithful to its founding ideals by continuing to promote education, moral values and righteous living.
He commended the organisation’s pioneers for championing Western education among Muslims at a time when many families were reluctant to embrace it.
Hamzat expressed concern over what he described as a decline in societal values, warning that growing negative attitudes toward education pose a threat to national development.
“One of the greatest challenges confronting our society today is the erosion of our values. We hear young people saying, ‘Education is a scam.’ Our Islamic educational institutions must confront this dangerous trend because no nation can develop if its citizens are not properly educated,” he said.
The National President of ADSN, Alhaji Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), described the inauguration of the new headquarters as the fulfilment of a long-standing vision and a renewed commitment to faith, education and national development.
Kazeem said the secretariat represents vision, sacrifice, faith and service, adding that after 103 years of existence, the society is strengthening its institutions, embracing innovation, empowering young people and preserving its tradition of excellence.
“For over a century, we have worked alongside government in nurturing responsible citizens and building stronger communities. Our contribution is measured not simply by the schools we have built or the projects we have undertaken, but by the generations of Nigerians we have helped to shape—men and women whose lives reflect scholarship, integrity, patriotism and service,” Kazeem said.
