Over 35,000 storm Ilaro for Ahmadiyya convention •'Lets reform ourselves with ‘Love for all, hatred for none’'

The site was Jamia

Ahmdiyya, Ilaro, Ogun State, venue of the 65th Jalsa Salana, (annual convention) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria. There was only one route to all motorists, motorcyclists, and commuters. The entire Owode town was last Friday, turned into a Makkah of some sort, with thousands of Muslims finding their way through to the venue of the event.  Inter state chartered buses conveyed people to the venue in droves. In no time, the over three hundred tents were filled.  It was gathered that over 35,000 Muslims registered for the3-day event.
At the opening ceremony, the Amir of the group, Dr. Mashuud Fashola inspected guards of honour mounted by the majlis Khuddam and then proceeded to raise the flag of Ahmadiyya, flying it alongside the Green-white-Green.
Dr Fashola while delivering his Friday Sermon at the Jumaat service said moral re-orientation of all Nigerians was crystal to social-political and economic emancipation of the country.
According to him, by refraining from moral reformation, the country might suffer from socio-political benefits adding, “evil and calamities descend on earth not because of the difference on religions or sects, but on account of evils that men do on earth.”
Also, presenting the main lecture of the event with the theme: “Social, Political and Economic Emancipation through Moral Re-orientation” the Naibul Amirl South West, Barrister AbdulAzeez Olatoye said absence of peace, lack of home training,  decline in the ethical values and good conduct, moral decadence, corruption among others are some of the social retardations in the country.  He called on all Muslims to follow the footsteps of the Prophet  and imbibe the Ahmadiyya’s message of ‘Love for all and hatred for none’.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of awards to some members who excelled in their areas of studies  as well as solemnisation of marriages.  Four members who bagged Ph.D including Dr. Qasim Akinreti, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos Chapter were honoured with ‘Award of excellence’, nine others were also honoured for obtaining Masters degrees in their various areas of studies. Also, mass marriages were  also conducted for no fewer than 18 members.