Muhammadul-fareed Ajimoti, Nigeria
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria held its 70th Jalsa Salana, marking the platinum jubilee, on 20-22 December 2024, at the Conference Ground, Jamia Ahmadiyya Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria.
The Jalsa was inaugurated with the flag hoisting by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Alhaji Barr. Alatoye Folorunso Aziz Sahib, followed by a silent prayer. The Jalsa Salana proceeded with the introduction of guests and recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by an Arabic qasida. The special message from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was read out by Amir Sahib, followed by his inaugural address.
On the next day, the second session commenced with Amir Sahib Jamaat Nigeria presiding. The session had a number of dignitaries in attendance – including government officials, traditional rulers, educators and representatives of other communities, such as the United Kingdom and neighbouring countries, who were all introduced and recognised. After the recitation from the Holy Quran, an Urdu poem and an Arabic poem, a speech was delivered by Dr Olurotimi Timehin Sahib, Member of the Qadha Board, Nigeria. Subsequently, the annual academic awards were distributed. Some of the guests were invited to give short speeches as well. The programme was brought to a close by a silent prayer, which was followed by the visitation of the exhibition stands by the guests.
The third session was presided over by Missionary-in-Charge Nigeria, Adnan Tahir Sahib and began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a qasida. This was followed by a speech on “Inherent blessings in the prayers of Khulafa” by Dr Lateef Busari Sahib, Naib Amir Jamaat Nigeria. The second day ended with a question-and-answer session and dinner.
The fourth and closing session commenced on Sunday immediately after the Fajr prayer. The recitation from the Holy Quran and a qasida was followed by a speech on “Essence of Love and Mercy in Matrimonial Homes” by Dr Sanni Taofiq Sahib, Naib Sadr Saf-e-Dom, Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria.
The Jalsa Salana was brought to an end by the closing remarks by Amir Sahib Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria. Jalsa Radio continued to provide live translations of the proceedings in three different languages: Yoruba, Hausa, and Etsako. Jalsa Salana Nigeria 2024 recorded a total checked-in attendance of 36,283 individuals, comprising 5,703 guests.