The inauguration of the Shufawu Awero Bayewu Islamic Foundation (SHABIF) Centre in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State served as a platform for prominent figures to underscore the importance of community service and responsibility. The event, attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, and other dignitaries, highlighted the vital role of community engagement in fostering peaceful coexistence and societal development. The centre, comprising a mosque and event hall, stands as a testament to the legacy of Alhaja Shifawu Bayewu, whose life was characterized by devotion to Islam and a passion for community upliftment. The speakers emphasized the need for individuals to emulate such dedication and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Dr. Hamzat stressed the Islamic principles of charity, respect, and moral uprightness as cornerstones of a harmonious society. He highlighted the importance of compassion and respect in fostering peace and advocated for the embodiment of these values in everyday life. Alhaji Kamal Bayewu, Chairman of the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission and host of the event, explained that the centre was built to honour his parents and late wife, individuals who exemplified humility, resilience, and faith. He envisioned the centre as a space that would promote these values and contribute to the community’s spiritual and social growth.
Speaker Obasa commended Bayewu’s initiative and challenged attendees to strive to create lasting legacies through positive contributions to society. He emphasized that true impact lies in leaving behind a legacy of service and community development. Senator Idiat Adebule, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, expanded on the role of mosques beyond places of worship. She envisioned them as hubs of learning and spiritual development, urging the community to fully utilize the centre and live in accordance with Islamic principles.
Mrs. Kadijat Olajide-Bayewu, Secretary of SHABIF, articulated the foundation’s commitment to advancing Islamic teachings, providing educational support, and delivering faith-based community services, with a particular focus on youth empowerment. The foundation aims to offer scholarships to underprivileged Muslim students, organize Islamic seminars and workshops, and provide social welfare services to those in need, thereby contributing to the community’s educational and social well-being.
Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, the National Missioner of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, delivered a lecture titled “The Mosque: A Community Nucleus,” in which he emphasized the sacred role of mosques as centers of worship and spiritual enlightenment. He cautioned against using mosques for political gatherings, reiterating their primary purpose as spaces for prayer and spiritual reflection. He further expounded on the divine rewards associated with building mosques for the sake of Allah, juxtaposing the blessed builders with those who construct mosques as a consequence of their wrongdoings, serving as a cautionary tale.
The inauguration of the SHABIF Centre serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of community service and the importance of upholding ethical values. The event brought together prominent figures who not only celebrated the legacy of Alhaja Shifawu Bayewu but also inspired attendees to actively participate in community building. The centre itself stands as a symbol of hope, offering a space for learning, spiritual growth, and community engagement. The foundation’s comprehensive approach, encompassing education, social welfare, and spiritual guidance, promises to make a significant contribution to the development and well-being of the local community. Furthermore, the emphasis on the mosque’s role as a center for worship and spiritual enlightenment reinforces the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious spaces and their vital role in fostering community cohesion.
