The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has commissioned an ultra-modern mosque built by renowned businessman and philanthropist, Chief Khamis Olatunde Badmus, as part of activities marking his 80th birthday anniversary, where he commended the celebrant for investing in projects that promote spiritual growth and community development.

The monarch also urged Nigerians to embrace the true teachings of religion by promoting love, unity, and collaboration among people of different faiths, saying genuine religious practice should eliminate hatred and division in society.

The Sultan, who was represented by Deputy President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, advocated for religious tolerance.

“Let us make efforts to understand our religion properly. True religious understanding should produce disciplined, compassionate, and enlightened Muslims who build peace and not destroy it. Religion should transform us inwardly, turning intolerance into friendship, hostility into love, and conflict into collaboration. In essence, we become agents of peace and reconciliation.”

Speaking on behalf of the celebrant, Executive Director of Marine and Operations, Nigeria Port Authority(NPA), Dr. Olalekan Badmus, disclosed that it has been a long-time goal for Asiwaju Badmus to build a mosque.

He said: “This gesture from our father, whose life has been a beacon of discipline, purpose, and enduring impact, is a long-time wish; we thank Allah for bringing it into fruition. Building this ultramodern mosque is a way to give gratitude to Almighty Allah, who has sustained him thus far in the journey of his life. We have learnt a lot from him, his unwavering passion for Allah and his work has shaped many lives and restore hope for many of us.”

The National Missioner of Ansar-u-Deen Society, Sheik Abdulrahman Ahmad, commended Badmus for the edifice, noting that a mosque should not be reduced to just observance of five daily prayers, saying it is the nucleus of the Muslim society, where social, economic, and political conflicts are resolved for the progress of the society.

In his remarks, a prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Suliman Faruq, said: “Alms giving are highly rewarding, but building mosques is more rewarding. Quran said all those things we are pursuing on earth do not carry weight but what we are doing for him on earth. God will question the rich people about the source of their wealth and how they spend it. If they fail to provide an answer to the two, they will go to hell.”

Similarly, Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services NPA, Engr. Abba Umar said: “It is very inspiring, and thank God for what he has done. The Prophet said whoever builds a Mosque, Allah will build a house for him in Jannah. May Allah reward him for what he has done. Everyone of us needs to learn from what he has done and try to build a Mosque.” (The nation)