By Abdulbasit Oladejo
With a charge to balance tireless service with fervent prayer, the Amir (National President) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has urged Jalsa volunteers to prioritize prayers during their duties, reminding them that the entire convention ground is a sanctuary for supplication.
The inspection and inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, marked the final countdown to the convention, with hundreds of male and female volunteers declaring their readiness to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (as).
In his address, Alhaji Alatoye expressed deep gratitude to Allah for making Jalsa 2025 a reality, acknowledging the initial fears regarding the nation’s prevailing security climate. He noted that the present situation necessitates heightened security awareness, alongside increased prayers and sacrifices as directed by the World Head of the Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba).
The Amir issued a strong spiritual directive regarding Salat, warning that while service is a blessing, it must not become an excuse to neglect obligations to Allah. He cautioned that no participant should deliberately neglect congregational prayers under the pretext of Jalsa duties, other than exceptional cases. He added that service at Jalsa Salana should be rendered solely for the pleasure of Allah, without expectation of any material reward or incentive.
Conveying a message from His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), the Amir urged volunteers to elevate their standard of service, sacrifice, and worship. He advised the workforce to adopt a four-point operational mantra: to think, talk, act, and evaluate their outcomes constantly.
He further warned against spiritual ailments such as backbiting, arrogance, and ego. Citing the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he reminded the workers that backbiting consumes good deeds just as fire consumes dry wood, urging them to instead embody the Quranic principles of charity, goodness, and reconciliation.
Setting the tone for the event earlier, the Officer Jalsa Salana (OJS) presented a comprehensive briefing on the state of preparedness. He highlighted that lessons learned from the Platinum Jubilee had driven significant operational improvements and attributed this progress to the continued guidance of the Respected Amir Sahib and the unwavering sacrifices of the Jama’at members.
The event was attended by top officials including the Na’ibīn Amīr (Vice National Presidents), the General Secretary, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, and Sadr Lajna Imaillah Nigeria. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as volunteers moved to their respective posts, fully mobilized for the days ahead.
