A devout Muslim and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Alhaji Ahmed Raji, has replaced an eighty-year-old Church building with a modern 400-capacity Assembly Hall.
The old building which was housing the Catholic Diocese of Oyo at St John Baptist Catholic Church, Isalu, Iseyin has been replaced by the Muslim faithful.
Handing over the building to the Church, Raji commended them for not discriminating against people of other faiths.
According to him, the modern 400-seater Assembly Hall, was built to replace the former 80-year-old edifice which collapsed due to age. The new hall was, however, named after the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese and Metropolitan of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegurin.
In his Speech, Raji, who was accompanied by other eminent Muslim associates, explained the rationale behind his commitment to working with the Catholic Church.
He listed the Church’s long-standing tradition of humble service, which has endured for centuries. He mentioned the remarkable strides of the Church in the development of the society and humanity at large. And the unparalleled foresight of the Church in the service of humanity and especially of the Iseyin Community.
According to reports, Raji had in 2022 donated a state-of-the-art operating theatre building and equipment to Our Lady Catholic Hospital, Iseyin, Oyo State. The hospital has been described as one of the health institutions of the Catholic Diocese.
The SAN noted that the Church, by preaching the Gospel with all she possesses, has saved many lives. He also noted that the Church has helped many through her medical and educational institutions.
Talking from his experience, Raji stated that the Church, especially at the grassroots level, does not discriminate against anyone.
The SAN, therefore, urged the Catholics, especially the youths, not to abandon the Church and also to scrap the ‘japa’ trend. He noted that syndrome has proved to be a scourge to grassroot development and the society at large.
He bemoaned that japa syndrome takes away the necessary manpower needed to build the culture of the society.
Raji advised the Catholic faithful to stay in the faith and to appreciate what they have. He encouraged them to do as much good as they should. And to make it spread through them to other people and other places.
Delivering the Homily Mass at the new hall, the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, expressed appreciation. The bishop reminded all present of the need to seek the good of others.
He, therefore, lauded the zeal of Raji for his inter-faith relations, which has borne fruits.
Badejo noted that the kind gestures of the erudite lawyer towards the Catholic Church are an act of appreciation of the Church’s sacrifice. Dedication to integral human development, solidarity, and the common good of humanity.
The bishop, therefore, challenged all present to keep working for the good of their neighbours. He urged them to work for the society without caring about race, creed, or status.
In his remarks, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, having earlier received the keys to the Hall thanked the donor. He, also expressed delight at the honour done to him by naming the hall after him.
He thanked the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev Emmanuel Badejo. And most especially, the donor of the Hall, Alhaji Barrister Ahmed Raji, SAN, and the entire Iseyin Catholic Community.
source: Leadership
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