Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has spearheaded the initiative to remodel the Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Daily Trust reports the mosque, an architectural masterpiece, was said to have been built in 1925 on the site of the first Mosque erected in the 1830s, on a piece of land donated by Oba Sodeke shortly after the Egbas had settled there.

However, the Egba Muslim Council has begun moves to remodel the 100-year-old mosque.

The project, as outlined by the council, includes the renovation of the mosque, as well as the addition of various structures such as an administrative block, a library, a Quranic Academy, a multipurpose social hall, an Imam’s residence, a shopping complex, a medical center, and a guest house.

Prominent Nigerians donated to the project at the public presentation and unveiling of the project’s designs held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasanjo spearheaded the initiative, with several dignitaries in attendance, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

Other notable figures include former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Sir Kessington Adebutu, Chief Rasaq Okoya, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Iya Suna of Egbaland Alhaja, Yemi Kolapo, and Senator Shuaib Salisu.

Islamic leaders at the event include Grand Chief Imam of Egbaland Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Bamgbola, Wakeel Muslumeen of Yoruba Land, Edo, and Delta States, Sheik Iskeel Lawal and the Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Sulaimon Farouq Onikijipa.

Leading the campaign, Obasanjo urged guests and believers to support the mosque’s remodelling, emphasizing that such charitable acts attract divine reward.

He called on all Nigerians, regardless of religion or status, to consider the project as a collective effort and contribute to its success.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, while unveiling the project’s prototype, commended the Egba Muslim Council’s efforts and encouraged continued support from Nigerians.

He also pledged to personally engage other influential Nigerians to mobilize resources for the mosque’s completion.

Abiodun, represented by his deputy Noimot Salako-Oyedele, appreciated the project, describing it as a significant step by the Egba people, particularly the Egba Muslims.

He acknowledged Obasanjo’s role in promoting religious tolerance and harmony.

The Governor also promised to construct the mosque’s administrative block and library.

The Alake of Egbaland, reflected on the long-overdue renovation of the mosque, emphasizing the historical significance of the project and the role of stakeholders in preserving religious and cultural heritage for future generations.

Amosun promised to construct the mosque’s multipurpose hall and donated additional N100 million toward the project.

The business tycoon, Sir Kessington Adebutu, represented by his son Ladi Adebutu, also donated N100 million.

Sheikh Sulaimon-Faruq Onikijipa, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate and guest lecturer, highlighted the importance of mosques in Islam, explaining that they serve as vital centers for peace, unity, and community development. He encouraged contributions to the mosque project as a means to gain divine reward.

The committee overseeing the mosque’s remodelling, led by Alhaji Abdulhakeem Tunji-Kalejaiye, confirmed that 78 houses around the central mosque at Kobiti would be demolished to make way for the new project.

The displaced occupants will be compensated with new homes to be built on 22 acres of land in the Sodeke-Titun Sabo area of Abeokuta. (Daily Trust)

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