*Alhaji Abdullahi, Dr Shekoni and other alfas at the event
The Ashipa Central Mosque, Ayobo on Saturday, March 15 played host to eminent Islamic and community leaders. The event that attracted the dignitaries was the maiden edition of the Sakirat Atanda Annual Ramadan Lecture, one of the cardinal programmes of the barely one- year-old organization.
Fittingly, the programme started with fidau prayer in memory of the late Sakirat Atanda.
The Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Abdullahi recalled how the late Sakirat Atanda lived a life of piety as a God-fearing person who took her religious duties seriously. He narrated how she contributed to the development of the mosque and made life easier for mosque officials, including himself.
According to the Imam, the Foundation stands as sadakatul jahiriya, a good work that does not have an end or any limits.
“The late Sakirat made her mark while alive, either in mosque circles or in the community, he said. “After a person’s death, there are some good works that still benefit the deceased. This Foundation stands as a continuation of the good works that the deceased was doing while alive.”
The lmam told the gathering that though the lecture is the first public outing of the Foundation, he was aware it has been working quietly to support the indigent over the last one year.
*Mr Layi Atanda
In his welcome speech, Mr Waheed Layi Atanda, Chairman of the Foundation, said the Foundation arose out of a need to give meaning to the lessons learnt through the life of his late.
He narrated how the deceased battled with health challenges for years – before and after kidney replacement operation before she finally died on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
“The management of her illness exposed the family to the challenges of managing chronic diseases,” Atanda said. “This Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for those battling kidney disease and other chronic diseases. The Foundation hopes to support those suffering from kidney disease and those supporting them.”
Atanda, who said he late wife’s life was a testament to resilience, said her memory lives on through the foundation.
As part of its activities over the last one year, the Foundation has donated four wheelchairs to LASUTH and has made donations to orphanages as well as supporting the Ashipa Central Mosque.
*Members of the Club ’20’ Erin Osun at the lecture
Sheikh Dr Abdullateef Shekoni, the Deputy Registrar at the Lagos State University (LASU) and National Missioner of ISMUF, was the guest lecturer.
In his lecture titled ‘Life after death,” Shekoni said no human could truly comprehend the secret behind the reality of God.
*guests at the programme
He noted that the establishment of the Foundation is a demonstration of the strong bond between the late Sakirat and her husband.
“If the deceased had worked against the husband, he would not have established a foundation in her memory,” he said, adding that all of us have a specified time to live. “It is up to each to decide what people would say after he or she is gone. God will never be unjust to anyone.”
*Leaders of the Ashipa Central Mosque at the event
The lecturer said when things are going wrong in any society, questions should be asked of the political leaders and the religious leaders, especially on how the alfas carry out their duty to call the attention of the leaders to the state of things.
He also stated that every life will experience the vicissitude of life. “Everyone is on the pathway to death and every life will experience joy and sadness,” he said. “As people gather in groups, so will they disperse for one reason or the other. Everything done by every human is noted and they will answer for it before God.”
The lecturer advised that couples must learn to tolerate their partners because no one is perfect. He admonished wives to be especially tolerant of their husbands and worship God through their husband’s. Husband’s he said, must also live up to their responsibility and take care of their wives.
Saying there is nothing God cannot do, he advised that we should never give up on one another. He said a bad child could grow up to be a pillar of the family and a discarded wife could be a savior of her husband. The needed virtue is patience, prayers and forbearance, he said.
Launch of the Foundation
*Cheque presentation to one of the beneficiaries by Alhaji Ayodeji Adigun
The formal launch for the Foundation was led by Asiwaju of Erin Osun, Alhaji Hassan Alao, supported by Alhaji Ayodeji Adigun and Alhaji Moruf Agboola.
According to Alhaji Alao, the Foundation was initiated during the 8th day fidau of the late Sakirat Atanda. He praised the managers of the Foundation for the work done since, saying the Foundation has done well since it was established. He therefore called for support for the work of the foundation because the smooth running of a Foundation depend on availability of funds. Individuals present at the lecture made pledges of varying sums to support the Foundation
After the launch, financial support grants were presented to some beneficiaries. The presentation was done by the main launcher, Alhaji Ayodeji Adigun.
*Members of the Erin Progressive Union at the event
