The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria (AMJN) has successfully concluded its 71st Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana), with a fervent call on world leaders and the Muslim Ummah to embrace absolute justice and divine unity as the only viable solutions to the escalating global crises.

The three-day spiritual gathering, held between Friday, 19th and Sunday, 21st December 2025, at the Jamia Ahmadiyya ground along Ilaro-Owode road, Ogun State, attracted an attendance of 35,770 delegates from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Equatorial Guinea, with thousands more joining virtually via Jalsa Salana Connect TV.

Centered on the theme “And Hold Fast, All Together, By The Rope of Allah And Be Not Divided,” the convention served as a platform for spiritual rejuvenation and strategic discourse on national development.

In his opening address, the Amir (National President) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, charged the faithful to adopt an “Intellectual Jihad” rather than aggression. He emphasized that the challenges facing the modern world require a defense of Islam rooted in moral excellence and rational engagement. The Amir reiterated that the “Rope of Allah” signifies a collective reliance on the Holy Qur’an and the institution of Khilafat, urging Nigerians to turn to sincere prayer and “Tawakkul” (reliance on Allah) as the ultimate panacea to the nation’s economic and security challenges.

The intellectual tone of the convention was further set by the renowned academic, Prof. Sa’eed Olurotimi Timehin of the Lagos State University, who delivered the main lecture on Saturday. Speaking on “Unity Is Strength: Lessons from Islamic History as a Guide to Contemporary Global Challenges,” Prof. Timehin identified racial arrogance and the systemic injustice of Western powers as the root causes of global terrorism. He argued that the world’s only escape from chaos lies in embracing the Islamic concept of unity grounded in justice, asserting that the Ahmadiyya Community, under the leadership of its Supreme Head, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), possesses the spiritual architecture to lead this global unification.

The academic don also attributed Nigeria’s lingering instability to deep-seated injustices and governance failures, urging that government should address all acts of injustice that have given birth to feelings of resentment and rancour in all regions to achieve peace and stability in Nigeria.

Adding a diplomatic weight to the discourse, the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafadeen Tunji Ishola, lauded the Jama’at as the “true representatives of what Islam stands for.” Visibly impressed by the serenity of the gathering, the diplomat commended the Community for its century-long contribution to Nigeria’s education and health sectors. He challenged the wider Muslim community to emulate the discipline and brotherhood exhibited at the Jalsa, noting that if such unity could be replicated nationally, Nigeria would overcome its security challenges.

The convention also featured a series of high-impact social and spiritual interventions. In a landmark move, the Ahmadi Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (AMLAN) launched its maiden “Free Legal Clinic,” described as a “professional gift” to complement the spiritual blessings of the gathering. Simultaneously, the community celebrated family values with a mass Nikkah ceremony for 16 couples, preceded by a unique counseling session led by the Amir and Heads of Auxiliary Bodies.

Furthermore, the Jama’at reaffirmed its commitment to intellectual excellence by presenting merit awards to 68 members, ranging from university professors to secondary school students, while also rallying academic elites to support the newly licensed Minaret University in Ikirun, Osun State.

The event was graced by a host of distinguished personalities, including the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Dr. Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle; the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Dr. Mikhail Akinde; the Managing Director of Raqeem Press International, UK, Sir Malik Muzaffar Ahmed; and Alhaji Fadil Olaniyi Ajadi, Commissioner, Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission, representing Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi). Religious leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Chief Imam of Ilaro were also in attendance, underscoring the convention’s spirit of interfaith harmony.

In the communique issued at the end of the conference, the Jama’at resolved that unity among Muslims is a divine command essential for strength and progress. It further called on all citizens to become righteous role models for future generations, emphasizing that character building begins at home.

The convention concluded with a special prayer led by the Amir for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria and the world at large.

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The Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has described the current and common palliative measures by the Nigerian government as temporary and unsustainable, urging leaders to prioritize long-term solutions to the nation’s problems.  

Addressing journalists during the press conference for the Platinum Jubilee of the Jalsa Salana (Ahmadiyya Annual Conference) held on 4th December 2024 at the Ahmadiyya National Headquarters in Lagos, the Amir highlighted corruption, bad leadership, and ignorance as the root causes of Nigeria’s challenges. He emphasized the need for societal reformation through godliness, integrity, and humane governance.  

“The solution to Nigeria’s challenges lies in self-reformation and adherence to Allah’s commands. Palliatives are a stopgap and will not address the underlying issues of corruption and mismanagement,” the Amir said.  

He advised leaders to adopt humility and respect for humanity in their dealings, citing the importance of empathy in governance. “Leaders should place themselves in the shoes of their people. They must avoid practices that oppress and inconvenience the masses” he noted.  

The revered religious leader also urged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable while praying for their guidance. Quoting the global leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his helper), he remarked, “Preach to your leaders and tell them the right thing to do. Pray for them because a cursed leader’s actions will ultimately harm the masses.”  

On the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, the Amir highlighted initiatives such as interfaith peace conferences aimed at fostering religious harmony and supporting national progress. He called on traders to desist from price gouging and hoarding, noting that such actions undermine societal well-being.  

He concluded by reiterating that only Allah has the ultimate solution to Nigeria’s problems, urging Nigerians to seek divine guidance and adhere to moral and ethical standards in their daily lives.

The post Challenges Beyond Palliatives, Amir Ahmadiyya Advocates Long-Term Solutions for Nigeria  appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

By Abdulquadri Olanrewaju

The Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has described the current and common palliative measures by the Nigerian government as temporary and unsustainable, urging leaders to prioritize long-term solutions to the nation’s problems.

Addressing journalists during the press conference for the Platinum Jubilee of the Jalsa Salana (Ahmadiyya Annual Conference) held on 4th December 2024 at the Ahmadiyya National Headquarters in Lagos, the Amir highlighted corruption, bad leadership, and ignorance as the root causes of Nigeria’s challenges. He emphasized the need for societal reformation through godliness, integrity, and humane governance.

“The solution to Nigeria’s challenges lies in self-reformation and adherence to Allah’s commands. Palliatives are a stopgap and will not address the underlying issues of corruption and mismanagement,” the Amir said.

He advised leaders to adopt humility and respect for humanity in their dealings, citing the importance of empathy in governance. “Leaders should place themselves in the shoes of their people. They must avoid practices that oppress and inconvenience the masses” he noted.

The revered religious leader also urged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable while praying for their guidance. Quoting the global leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his helper), he remarked, “Preach to your leaders and tell them the right thing to do. Pray for them because a cursed leader’s actions will ultimately harm the masses.”

On the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, the Amir highlighted initiatives such as interfaith peace conferences aimed at fostering religious harmony and supporting national progress. He called on traders to desist from price gouging and hoarding, noting that such actions undermine societal well-being.

He concluded by reiterating that only Allah has the ultimate solution to Nigeria’s problems, urging Nigerians to seek divine guidance and adhere to moral and ethical standards in their daily lives.

The post Challenges Beyond Palliatives, Amir Ahmadiyya Advocates Long-Term Solutions for Nigeria appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

By Abdulquadri Olanrewaju

The Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has called on Nigerian political leaders to desist from the ostentatious display of wealth, which he described as insensitive to the plight of the masses enduring economic hardship.

Speaking during the press conference for the 70th Anniversary National Conference (Jalsa Salana), held on 4th December 2024 at the Ahmadiyya National Headquarters in Ojokoro, Lagos, the Amir lamented the nation’s current state, noting that while citizens grapple with the rising cost of living, the political elite continue to indulge in excessive opulence.

He criticized the persistent long convoys of official vehicles, which inconvenience citizens and symbolize the government’s failure to heed the President’s call for reduced cost of governance. “The nation is bleeding, yet the political class continues to display wealth extravagantly. Such practices are both inconsiderate and harmful to our progress,” the Amir stated.

As part of his recommendations, Alhaji Alatoye urged political leaders to match their actions with their words by adopting modest lifestyles and reducing governance costs. He also called for stricter measures to punish corrupt officials as a deterrent, while urging state governors to implement the payment of minimum wages promptly.

Furthermore, the Amir advised Nigerians to pray for their leaders while advocating for an end to practices such as price hikes and hoarding by traders. “Only godliness and truthfulness can lead to meaningful progress. Ungodly actions and falsehood are the root of our challenges,” he said.

He concluded by emphasizing the need for Nigerians to focus on locally made goods and services, describing the high taste for imported items as detrimental to the nation’s economy.

The post Avoid Vagrant Display of Wealth, Amir Urges Nigerian Politicians appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

By Abdulquadri Olanrewaju

The Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has announced preparations for the Platinum Jubilee Anniversary of the Ahmadiyya National Conference, popularly known as Jalsa Salana.

This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Ahmadiyya National Headquarters in Ojokoro, Lagos State, on 4th December 2024.

This year’s conference is scheduled to take place from Friday, 20th December, to Sunday, 22nd December 2024, at the Ahmadiyya Conference Ground, Jamia Ahmadiyya, Ilaro-Owode Road, Ogun State. Themed with a Quranic declaration “And We Have Sent Thee (Muhammad) Not But As a Mercy For All People” (Qur’an 21:108), the event will explore the exemplary character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as a model for personal and national reform, highlighting his leadership and beneficence as keys to development.

The conference will feature various sessions, including lectures by renowned scholars addressing critical aspects of the theme. Other key highlights include recitations of the Holy Qur’an, praises of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), a special message from the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Community, and goodwill messages from Nigerian leaders. Notable figures invited to the event include Nigerian President and Commander- In Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors across the federation, as well as political, religious, and traditional leaders. Special prayers will also be offered for the nation’s peace and progress.

In his address, Alhaji Alatoye explained that the Jalsa Salana is the annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, initiated by the community’s founder, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him), in 1891. He emphasized that the gathering is rooted in the Qur’anic principle that states: “There is no good in many of their conferences except the conferences of such as enjoin charity, or goodness, or the making of peace among men” (Qur’an 4:115).

The Amir further expatiated that Jalsa Salana serves as a platform to address the moral deficiencies and leadership gaps contributing to societal unrest in the world, particularly in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of godliness, truthfulness, and righteousness in fostering peace and progress, lamenting the current state of the nation caused by corruption, ignorance, and inhumane acts.

Reflecting on the history of the event, Alhaji Alatoye recounted that the journey toward the 70th anniversary began in April 1949, with a weekly meeting at the Ahmadiyya Central Mosque on Ojo Giwa Street, Lagos Island. This inaugural meeting was attended by 75 delegates, comprising 50 men, 25 women, and children, mirroring the first-ever Jalsa Salana held in Qadian, India, in 1891, which also welcomed 75 participants.

The conference has since evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of attendees worldwide.

Prominent figures such as former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and former Governors Olusegun Osoba and Rauf Aregbesola have also attended past editions of the Jalsa Salana, commending the Ahmadiyya Community for its contributions to peace and development in Nigeria and globally.

In preparation for this year’s historic 70th anniversary event, the Amir has embarked on courtesy visits to key Islamic scholars and traditional rulers across the country. Among those visited are Sheikh Muideen Ajani Bello, Sheikh Abbas Zakariyyah in Ibadan, and His Royal Highness Dr. Abubakar Ahmad Sodiq Yakubu, the Ejeh of Anka Kingdom in Abuja, extending invitations to them to join in the event’s spiritual and social upliftment.

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