Date: 2012-03-31

As part of resolute commitments to promote reading culture among Muslim clerics, the Chief Imam of Offa, Alhaji Muhideen Salman Hussein has built a befitting library with capacity of about 150 readers at a time.

The library which was also well stocked with books on Arabic, Islamic Studies and other relevant materials on Islamic jurisprudence was commissioned last Saturday where eminent personalities across the country were in attendance.

Also featuring at the event was the presentation of merit awards to some selected Nigerians who have contributed enormously to the growth and development of the humanity.

The former President of Appeal Court and pioneer chairman of Independent Corrupt Practice and other offences Commission (ICPC) Justice Mustapha Akanbi (rtd) and the GrandKhadi of Kwara State, Justice Abdullah! Idris Haroon were among the cream of the society that made the list of awardees.

The event was like no other as the organizer pulled crowd including the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamasi Esuwoye II who personally performed the official commissioning of the project along side with some awardees.

The project was described by many as first of its kind. Unarguably, construction of a befitting library by cleric or religious leader for public use is an uncommon scenario.

Addressing the gathering at the occasion, the Chief Imam of Offa, Alhaji Muhideen Salman Hussein said the decision to construct the library was born out of his willingness to promote reading culture and as well aggressively address the lingering inter persona crises among Islamic scholars. According to him, the emergence of the project was principally targeting to empower students and scholars of Islamic Studies to have undiluted exposure to factual through reading of relevant materials.

"I travel far and wide simply to gain and acquire more knowledge. This library project is pure product of my exposure in life. It is expected of me as a religious leader to replicate in my own environment what I observe as instrumental to the growth and advancement of Islamic education"

"The library is situated in a conducive reading environment so as to suit the purpose for which it was established and I thank God the library is well stocked with relevant books that will go a long way in helping the users to conduct any research of their choice"

The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II who passed encomium on the initiator of the project said he was not
surprise by the edifice put in place by the Imam.

He described Imam as a considerate, generous, accommodating and highly educated religious leader who according to him has been using his wealth of experience to propagate Islam in Offa and the entire country.

The monarch advised Imam Muhideen to continue in the same spirit pointing out that whatever path one is chosen to follow, it is good to do it to the point of effectiveness.

"I am a farmer to the core and Imam also proves to be leader of all clerics in Offa both of us are keeping the flag of our town flying and that has been the virtues expected of good leaders" Olofa said.

Speaking during the programme, one of the awardees, Justice Mustapha Akanbi (rtd) considered people of Offa lucky for having such an upright and futuristic leader as Imam.

"I personally see this project as first of its kind and challenges to other clerics because 1 have not seen any Imam within our contemporary environment that builds such a befitting and well stocked library for public use".

This, according to Justice Akanbi, is an uncommon virtue that calls for commendation, support and assistance so as to enable the initiator do more for the humanity.

The first Wakili of Ilorin thanked the Olofa of Offa for rallying round the Imam, an affinity and synergy he described as the vehicle that makes the dream of Imam come true.

Those who present at the official commissioning of the project apparently gave kudos to the initiator for committing a huge amount of money to the project.

The library comprises five rooms with modern facilities and every ingredient that makes readipg and learning conducive.

In his own comment at the occasion, the Grandkhadi of Kwara State who is one of the awardees, Justice Abdullah Idris I Haroon extolled the virtues of Imam Offa describing him as young, vibrant, educated, purposeful and God fearing Muslim leader who does not hesitate to spend his wealth of experience and resources to render selfless service to God and humanity.