The Rasaq Ajala and Muyibat (ARM) Foundation on Monday hosted its annual Ramadan public lecture and distributed food packages to over 5,000 residents in the Mushin area of Lagos, as part of efforts to support the underprivileged during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event, held at the residence of the immediate past Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rasaq Ajala, featured the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Salman, who delivered a lecture on the topic, “Am I a Muslim.” The gathering attracted religious leaders, political figures and community members from within and outside Mushin.
Declaring the event open, Ajala expressed appreciation to guests who attended despite their busy schedules. He also acknowledged the presence of the Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Seyi Jakande, and other dignitaries who graced the occasion.
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Ajala recalled his humble background and childhood struggles, noting that his past experiences motivated him to establish the foundation and initiate the annual distribution of Ramadan food packages to the needy.
“I remember when I was young and had to queue for food. I prayed to Allah to bless me so that I could one day provide for those in need. I am grateful today that Allah has made it possible for me to do this,” Ajala said.
He added that the initiative was also designed to inspire young people to embrace charity and community service in the future.
“We are doing this so that the young ones gathered here today can replicate this initiative in the future and continue to support those who are less privileged,” he said.
Delivering the Ramadan lecture, Sheikh Salman emphasized that understanding Islam is fundamental to becoming a true Muslim. According to him, a Muslim is someone who places complete faith in Allah above all worldly possessions or positions.
“A Muslim is one who prioritises their belief in Allah above everything. Let Allah, not wealth or position, be the most important thing in your mind. Allah is greater than any other thing you possess,” the cleric said.
The Islamic scholar also stressed the importance of caring for the less privileged in society, noting that supporting the needy, widows and vulnerable members of the community is a key attribute of a true Muslim.
“Anyone who cares for the needy, widows and the underprivileged is a true Muslim. When people provide food for children and the vulnerable, it reduces the tendency for crime and immorality in society,” he said.
He further urged Muslims to constantly reflect on their deeds and strive to live righteous lives that would earn them a place in paradise.
“A good Muslim is always concerned about how they will end their life. They constantly evaluate themselves to know if their deeds will grant them access to paradise,” Salman added.
The cleric commended Ajala for sustaining the humanitarian initiative, describing it as a noble effort that promotes compassion and strengthens community values.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the member representing Mushin I Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adeyemi Alli; Hon. Lekan Fatodu; Hon. Funmi Tejuoso; Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Seyi Jakande, alongside his vice, Hon. Niyi Awodogan.
Also present were Hon. Toyin Fayinka, HRM Oba Sikirullahi Olamide Williams, Alhaji Ismail Babatunde, Hon. Lekan Adey, Muslim clerics from different communities and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Branch, Bishop Babatunde Durowoju, reflecting the interfaith unity at the gathering.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of Ramadan food packages to over 5,000 residents, particularly widows, children and other vulnerable members of the Mushin community. The initiative, according to the organisers, is aimed at easing the burden of families during the fasting period while encouraging acts of kindness and generosity.
