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Freedom Of Religion Is Guaranteed — President Tinubu Assures Nigerians
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of religion as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, while calling for stronger collaboration between government and faith-based organisations to promote national development.
The President made the declaration on Saturday during the commissioning of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) National Headquarters, the Hassanat Abebi Okunnu House, in Surulere, Lagos.
Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to uphold religious liberty and encourage religious organisations to foster tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
“The government under my watch will continue to guarantee freedom of religion while encouraging religious organisations to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity,” the President said.
Tinubu praised the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society for its more than a century of contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, moral development and community advancement, describing it as one of Nigeria’s foremost Islamic organisations.
He stressed that government alone could not achieve sustainable national development, noting that faith-based institutions remain critical partners in building an enlightened, disciplined and compassionate society.
“The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society has consistently demonstrated that religious organisations remain indispensable partners in national development,” he said.
The President also commended elder statesman and philanthropist, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, for donating the new secretariat in honour of his late mother, describing the gesture as a lasting legacy of faith, generosity and service to humanity.
He further lauded the Okunnu family for its enduring reputation for integrity, patriotism and selfless service to Nigeria.
Paying tribute to the late Alhaja Hassanat Abebi Okunnu, Tinubu said her greatest legacy was reflected in the exemplary lives and accomplishments of her children.
“There can be no greater testimony to a person’s character than the quality of the children they leave behind. Looking at the accomplishments and impeccable reputation of her children, we need no further evidence that she was a woman of faith, discipline, noble character and uncommon wisdom,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, urged the society to preserve its founding ideals by promoting education, moral values and righteous living.
He recalled that the organisation played a historic role in encouraging Western education among Muslims at a time when many were reluctant to embrace formal schooling.
Hamzat expressed concern over what he described as a growing decline in societal values, warning against the increasing trend of young people dismissing education as unimportant.
“One of the greatest challenges confronting our society today is the erosion of our values. We hear young people saying, ‘Education is a scam.’ Others glorify ignorance and reject the pursuit of knowledge. Our Islamic educational institutions must confront this dangerous trend because no nation can develop if its citizens are not properly educated,” he said.
In his remarks, the National President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Alhaji Mosediq Kazeem, described the inauguration of the new headquarters as the fulfilment of a long-standing vision and a renewed commitment to faith, education and national development.
According to him, the facility symbolises the society’s enduring legacy of vision, sacrifice, service and scholarship after 103 years of existence.
Kazeem said the organisation was positioning itself for a stronger future through institutional development, innovation, youth empowerment and sustained excellence.
“For over a century, we have worked alongside government in nurturing responsible citizens and building stronger communities. Our contribution is measured not only by the schools we have built or projects we have undertaken, but by the generations of Nigerians whose lives reflect scholarship, integrity, patriotism and service,” he said.