Feyisayo Ogunbiyi
The Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has commenced its 11th Triennial National Conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, celebrating a remarkable 101 years of existence and unveiling strategic plans to position the Society for greater impact in the next century.
The conference will also culminate in the election of new national officers to steer the organization’s affairs.
Themed “Islam and Muslims: Responsibilities and Relevance in a Pluralistic World,” the event has drawn 843 delegates, Islamic scholars, and stakeholders from across Nigeria and the diaspora to discuss the Society’s evolving role in education, faith, and national development.
Speaking at a press briefing, the National President of Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulrafiu Ademola Sanni, reiterated the Society’s commitment to deepening its impact in various spheres.
He emphasized the organization’s focus on Islamic propagation, digital expansion, and youth leadership development.
“We will position Ansar-ud-Deen for sustained relevance by deepening welfare services, promoting interfaith harmony, and modernizing educational institutions to meet contemporary challenges,” he said
Dr. Sanni also revealed that the conference officially commenced on April 17 with courtesy visits to key dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Ogun State, the Alake of Egba Land, and the Chief Imam of Egba Land.
These engagements, he noted, underscore the Society’s dedication to collaboration and unity in fostering societal progress.
A major highlight of the event will be the opening ceremony on April 18, where former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), will deliver a keynote address.
In a significant educational development, Dr. Sanni announced that Summit University, owned by the Ansar-ud-Deen Society, has integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its curriculum, making it one of the first Nigerian institutions to embrace AI across all disciplines.
“Our university is evolving into an international institution because we have adopted the use of AI.
“ Summit is one of the first universities to introduce Artificial Intelligence into our curriculum. It doesn’t matter the discipline—even if it is Islamic studies,” he stated.
A key topic of discussion at the conference was the recurring discrepancy in moon sighting, which often leads to differences in the observance of Ramadan and Eid in Nigeria.
The Society reaffirmed the position that the Islamic leader in Nigeria remains the Sultan of Sokoto, emphasizing the need for unity.
Head of Mission, Sheikh Abdulrahman Ahmad, weighed in on the controversy, stating, “every country has its own moon sighting principles because the moon does not appear at the same time around the world. As such, Saudi Arabia cannot dictate the moon sighting for other countries.”
Sheikh Ahmad also linked the moon sighting differences in Nigeria to the country’s broader political landscape, ignorance, and struggles for dominance.
“The situation of moon sighting differences in Nigeria is reflective of the political situation of the country, the widespread ignorance, and needless struggle for power,” he said.
He further highlighted that Nigeria’s moon sighting committee includes representatives from all regions, including the South West.
“The moon sighting committee in Nigeria has members from all regions of the country, even the South West.
“We believe the practice of Islam is not better in one region than in another. It is inevitable that we have clashes based on our cultural differences,” he added.
As the conference progresses, key activities will include a special Jumu’ah prayer, a merit awards ceremony recognizing individuals and groups that have contributed significantly to the Society’s mission, the presentation of final reports, and the election of new national officers.
The Ansar-ud-Deen Society remains resolute in its mission to uphold Islamic values, advance education, and promote societal development as it steps into its second century of existence.
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