Member representing Ikeja constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu and Alhaji Ibrahim Olorungbebe an Islamic cleric on Monday tasks faithful and Nigerians on the importance of prayers and alms giving.
The duo emphasized this faith based perspective at the maiden Alhaja Dr. Abibatu Mogaji Ramadan Lecture 2023 organized by the lawmaker, who noted that his decision to put up a lecture to honour the memory of the Mogaji Martriach and two other great women posthumously was borne out of a spiritual instruction he received via a dream he had.
Kasunmu used the avenue to eulogize the stylish and humane mien of the late Mama Mogaji, whom he claimed is selfless and kind hearted.
He said that the Ramadan lecture and prayer will continue to be an annual affairs, adding that the maiden edition is also held in honour of his late mother Chief Mrs. Arafat Abiodun Kasunmu and his political mentor- Chief Mrs. Olukemi Nelson.
Hon. Kasunmu said: Truly it is 10 years before we started this Ramadan lecture but God says it is time. We are praying for all our late matriarch.
“God purposely allowed Asiwaju to win. To ensure this is why we felt prayer is important to lead the way and it starts from the family, he is our person but we have given him to serve Nigeria.
“He will make Nigeria like America, London and Canada for all Nigerians there to come back home when all becomes better.
“I urge the clerics to be mindful of the fact that this gathering was borne out of a dream I had one night, I saw my grandma Mama Abibat Mogaji regaled in her opulent attire sitting on a golden chair.
Have you forgotten me? I told her I used to kill three rams quarterly four times a year, she said no I want a gathering of many people that is why we are doing this.” Kasunmu said.
The cleric Olorungbebe who spoke about the importance of prayers and alms giving, narrated how the late matriarch imparted him immensely while he was still a young graduate, adding that her sense of concern for others even in her opulence remain her legacy to the world.
“Mama Mogaji practically made me who I am today, remembered my days after graduating from University of Ilorin when I had nothing doing , she sent for me and after sometime offered me pilgrimage to Mecca.
“ At the set time I had issues getting BTA, she did asked someone to give me, on getting to Mecca she still reached out to me beyond my wildest imagination.
“I want us all to know that Asiwaju’s emergence as President of this nation was sanctioned by this matriarch we are here celebrating.
“You wonder why Asiwaju’s move towards attaining power could not be thwarted in spite of all the bickering?
“Prayers and alms giving paved the way for him, I remember Ladoja’s scenario, when he was about to be disposed as Governor of Oyo, Tinubu was there for him,so little wonder when Ladoja told him ‘it is payback time’, amidst a tight hug and tears.”
Asiwaju reaped the benefit of spending selflessly, just like others who did same, Nigeria’a presidency is not a thing you get on a sudden prompt by through careful links of precepts of good rapport.
Many of the faithful at the lecture and prayer session received a praying mat and rosary each courtesy Kasunmu.
