MKA-GH AMSA

SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 9

organises APW,

advocating

changes in

Nigeria

attend Apata

District

Atfal Day

Celebration

Ijtema: MKAN

sends two

Representatives

MKA-GH AMSA Ekiti State

79 Atfal

SEPTEMBER 2018

Ilaro District attends IMYO Hijra Rally By Abdul Roqeeb Ogunrinde

embers of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ilaro District participated in the rally organized by the Ilaro MMuslim Youth Organization (IMYO) on 14th September, 2018 in commemorating Hijrah 1440 AH.

e rally, which was declared opened by the Chief Imam Ilaro, moved through Igboro, Surulere, Sabo to Nawar-ud-Deen Primary School, Leslie, Ilaro.e Chief Imam, in his speech, described MKAN as an esteemed organization all over the world and prayed for the progress of the youth.Afterwards, the IMYO Chairman appreciated the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya for dedicating their time and strength for the success of the rally.

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Public Lecture: Lagos State orientates Public on Advent of Promised Messiah By AbdulKabir Folorunsho

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Lagos State has held a public lecture on prophecies of the advent of the Promised

Messiah (as) at Igbogbo Muqam on 8th September, 2018. Under the leadership of Bro. Shuaib Badmus, Lagos State holds this lecture regularly every month to guide the public on the right way leading to God Almighty.e event was chaired by Ikorodu Circuit President, Pa Malik Ajuwon in collaboration with other Circuit Members - Tajudeen Oladoja, Ustadh Sulaimon AbdulQadir, Pa M.M Busari and members of Lajna Imaillah. e lecturer, Murrobi AbdulBasit Yusuf spoke at length on the topic and enlightened members and non members of the Jama'at on the advent of Imam Mahdi (a.s). He further did strong justification to the lecture by sighting references from the Holy Qur'an and Hadith.Meanwhile after the lecture, questions were entertained and the lecturer responded adequately to the satisfaction of the questioners and attendees.

70 people attend MKAN Security, Safety Training By Bashir Bello

Not fewer than 70 Majlis members across the states attended the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Nigeria Intensive and Safety Training Course held between 12th and 15th July, 2018.e training, organised by National Umumi (Special Duties) Department, has its theme as 'e Nutrients of Loss Prevention', which was facilitated by RY Consultant International.One of the highlights of the training was the physical

health assessment carried out on the participants by Sadr, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and the officials. e topics of lectures delivered at the event include: Introduction to Loss Prevention, Health/Safety and First Aid Skills, Recognizing Risk and reats, Emergency Response, Understanding and Observing Vigilance, Mob and Crowd Control, General Security

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Operation, Schedule of Duty and Tasks, Understanding Search and Arrest, Internal Crime Prevention, Effective Communication, Document and Report Writing, and Electronic Security.In addition, practicals were also taken on physical fitness, obstacle crossing, uniform and dressing and introduction to parades.During closing ceremony, all participants including Sadr were issued certificates.National officers in attendance were Muhtamin Maal, Sihat-e-Jismani, Waqar-e-Amal and Tabligh, just as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Edo-Delta, Ekiti and Kwara States participated in the training.

MKA Ghana Ijtema: MKAN sends two Representatives By By Munawar Ahmad

To honour the invitation and e x h i b i t s o m e b r o t h e r l y relationship between the two

neighbouring African countries, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria has sent two representatives to attend the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Ghana National Convention (Ijtema) held between 30th August and 1st September, 2018 in Bolgatanga.e two delegates were Bro Munawar Ahmad, Naib Muhtamin Tabligh and Bro Hafees Adejumo from Osun State.According to the report, the delegates left

Nigeria on 28th August on Tuesday precisely 4:00 pm and got to Ghana the following day around 7:00 am and were received by Naib Sadr Admin.e Ijtema started on ursday 30th August, 2018 with parade and hoisting of flag. e Ijtema was graced with the presence of the Amir, Ghana; Minister of the Upper East Region, Regional Director for Chraj of Upper East Region and 12 foreign delegates from various African countries, Uganda (3), Mali (3), Burkina Faso (2), Cote d'Ivoire (2) and Nigeria (2).

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e programme was done together with the Majlis Atfal Ghana and the total number of the participant was more than 3,000. e welcome addresses delivered by both Amir and Sadr were based on the theme of the Ijtema "Self Reformation". In his speech, Amir emphasized greatly on Ghana TV License and he instructed all Majlis members to subscribe for the TV License for the progress of their country. Besides, the Majlis members were also admonished on the importance of blood donation and at the end of the event, they donated more than 200 pints of blood and also more than 50 Khuddam subscribed for the TV License.All the foreign delegates were given the opportunity to give their remarks which the Naib Muhtamin Tabligh used to deliver the Sadr MKAN's Goodwill message. On Saturday, Tabligh Seminar was held mainly for the officers of Tabligh/Nao Mubain and the new converts. MKAN also participated in the seminar and gave their own submission on the way forward for Tabligh. During the closing session, the Sadr Sahib gave the report on MKA-GH activities throughout the year based on figures and percentage.According to Sadr's report, the total number of Majlis was 14,500 while an average of 9.8% usually attend the MKAN programmes and meetings. Also, the total number of Atfal was calculated to be 9,761 in Ghana but 1,220 usually attends programmes annually.Still on the report, the top achievement in the last two years was the building of AIWAN KHIDMAT project funded by the Majlis Khuddam Ghana and they spent $350,000 to achieve that goal.e Ghanaian Majlis also constructed eight mosques in some remote areas, mainly for the new converts at the total cost of $40,000.e Majlis also had a certain donation for the humanity first at the ijtema; at the fund raising, more than #400,000 was realized in which the MKAN delegates also participated in the exercise too.However, according to the delegates, the secrets behind the successes recorded by Ghana Majlis were: total obedience to the Khalifah, just as Huzur's directives are followed strictly and unconditionally; total respect to Amir and Sadr Sahibs respectively; love of one another; little complaint about their shortcomings and always encourage themselves to do more on the right path; their hospitality may be second to none in African Jama'ats and their familiarities and the spirits of brotherhood are commendable.

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Kaduna State plants trees at Govt CollegeBy Bilal Ahmad

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Kaduna State has Mplanted some trees at Government College, Kaduna State on 16th September, 2018.

No fewer than five Majlis members took part in the exercise that lasted for more than 3 hours.e youths planted Mango trees, Guava trees, Cashew trees, Pawpaw trees at the College, about 500m from Kaduna State Governor's House to beauty the school and to help in releasing clean air and also help in reducing polluted air in the environment.

Circuit Waqar-e-Amal: Ikorodu District participates in Mosque Decking By Ibrahim Awe

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ikorodu MDistrict has participated actively in the Waqar-e-Amal organized by the Circuit

on 22nd September, 2018.e Majlis collaborated with the Circuit to carry out dignity of labour, decking the second floor of the newly-donated Mosque by a non-Ahmadi woman at Igbo-Olomu, Agric, Ikorodu. e programme was graced by the Baale of Igbo-Olomu with other non-members of the Jama'at in the town. Over 169 young, old, male and female members of the Jama'at participated in the Waqar-e-Amal.e members worked for more than 10 hours with enthusiasm in the decking of the second floor and in two newly constructed staircases for the mosque. e project was successful and the members went home with joy that they have contributed to the progress of Islam.

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Atfal IVC/Ijtema: OtaDistrict rewards Handlers, Others By Lukman Bankole

s a mark of appreciation to the undaunted efforts of AAtfal Handlers and other members during the Atfal IVC/Ijtema held at Oyo State, the Majlis

Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ota District has rewarded them with certificates of excellence and recognition. e presentation of the certificates was done during the monthly Khuddam Dil'a meeting, having considered it imperative to celebrate the Nazim Atfal and the Khuddam for their humanly support, perseverance and the way they prioritise the welfare of the children before and after the programme.

“e reward of hard work is more work,” said the Dil'a Qa'id, Ibiyemi Ahmad, while presenting certificates to the awardees.

Apata District holds Waqar-e-Amal at MIU again, plants crop seedsBy Taofeek Salaudeen

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Apata District on 7th September 2018, took a routine visitation to

Ikirun, Osun state for the clearing and cleaning of Minaret International University farmland.

No fewer than 15 Khuddam from the Dil'a took part in this activity which lasted for two days.In continuation of the work, another 18 Khuddam travelled to the University ground on 14th September, 2018. e team went with 1000 young cashew plants and 300 plantain suckers. While on the farm, about 400 cashew seeds were planted and the banana suckers were also planted accordingly.Meanwhile, 16 Khuddam from Osun State also joined in the planting and clearing which lasted for two days.

Apata District organises public lectureat NNPC By Awwal Onaade

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Apata District has organized its monthly public lecture at NNPC Junction, MApata in August, 2018.

In the lecture titled "Salat in the Bible", the lecturer, Alh Afeez Apooyin, enlightened the Jama'at members, community

SEPTEMBER 2018

members and passers-by on several verses in the bible which supported the Muslims' prayer injunctions.In addition, Apata Circuit Missionary, Missionary Dhunurain Bello and Muallim Obaditan also contributed on the discussion. e lecture, despite being held at a very busy area of NNPC and lasted for more than two hours, witnessed crowd. ey were lots of questions from passers-by and were answered adequately, while amazing that the Bible also talked about ablution and Salat.

79 Atfal attend Apata District Atfal Day Celebration By Awwal Onaade

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Apata District has Morganized Atfal Day Celebration as 79 members attended the event held at the Palms Shopping Mall,

Ring-Road, Ibadan. e Atfals, dressed in their sparkling white uniform, were conveyed to the mall from Apata Central Mosque.e Apata Circuit President, Alh Teslim Oniyide, in his welcome address eulogised the Dil'a for organizing the event for the kids, while advising the kids to be of good and worthy ambassadors of the Jama'at. e Naib Dil'a Qai'd, Bro Gafar, also spoke on the responsibilities of a good Atfal to His God and parents as elders were also advised to make sure that the kids strive to be the best in conducts and observing prayers at all times.Afterwards, the Atfals were given the privilege to play with some kiddies' equipment at the mall. ey enjoyed the bouncing castle, rocket, water melon, train slides etc. ere were lots to eat and drink for the kids as they enjoyed their time at the mall. At the end of the event, the Dil'a Qa'id; Bro Muftau Hussein appreciated Almighty Allah for the success of the event and also thanked the planning committee, the Atfal handlers and the parents for their support.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Welfare: Apata District visits Muqam Qaid, Dil'a Motamad By Awwal Onaade

embers of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Apata MDil'a paid a welfare visitation to Apata Muqam Qa'id and Motamad Dil'a on 2nd September, 2018

respectively.e 13-man team, led by Dil'a Qa'id, Bro Muftau Hussein, visited Apata Muqam Qaid, Bro Maruf Akinola, whom his wife gave birth to a baby boy (Ahmad Hassan) and Dil'a Motamad Bro Monsur Oladeji, whom his wife gave birth to a set of twins. e Dil'a Qaid appreciated Almighty Allah's blessings in two homes and thereafter prayers were offered for the new born babies and the families.

Welfare: Epe District visits Elders By Ogundele Ahmad

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Epe District has paid a Mwelfare visitation to elders of the Jama'at on 2nd September, 2018.

e team, which comprises Bro Ahmad Ogundele, Epe Muqam Qaid; Bro Ismail Nosirudeen, Dil'a Motamad II; Bro Jamaldeen Sanyaolu, Nazeem Atfal and Bro Solih Jadesinmi (Ode-Omi), visited Bro Agbomeji and Pa Adenuga, the oldest Ansarullah member of Epe Dil'a. e youths prayed for the safety, health and protection of the elders. Besides, the Majlis team also visited a Lajna member. ey thanked Allah for giving her long life and called on Allah to continue protecting her and family.e elders of the Jama'at thanked the youths for their visits and prayed that Allah continue to be with the Majlis members.

Ekiti State holds Waqar-e-Amal at Iyin Township By Azeez Lateef

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ekiti State has carried out Mits Waqar-e-Amal (Dignity of Labour) at Iyin Township, Ekiti State.

No fewer than 28 Majlis members and one Atfal participated in the exercise. e youths involved in the clearing of a drainage within Iyin Township to

SEPTEMBER 2018

allow free flow of water and to prevent flood. ey also engaged in filling up of potholes on a major road to minimize accident and for the road to be suitable for the movement of goods and services.

AMSA Ekiti State organises APW, advocatingchanges in Nigeria By Azeez Lateef

Th e A h m a d i M u s l i m S t u d e n t s ' Association (AMSA), Ekiti State Chapter has held its Annual Propagation

Week between 21st and 23rd September, 2018, advocating positive changes among youths in the country.No fewer than 21 males and 18 females AMSA members attended the event which had in attendance members of the Majlis Khuddam led by the State Qaid who supervised the programme.

e event, tagged "Advocating for Change in Nigeria: e Role of Ahmadi Youths", featured various programmes including humanitarian visit to a motherless baby home with gifts donation, public lecture, Rishtanatah Session, indoor games and a symposium which was attended by Ahmadi students across the state higher institutions and secondary schools.

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Oluyole-Ona Ara District renovates OgbereCentral Mosque By Toheeb Apooyin

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Oluyole-Ona Ara

District has renovated Ogbere Central Mosque to wear a new look while expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah and members for their support. It was learnt that the renovated mosque which was set to be commissioned by the Sadr Sahib, E n g r S a h e e d A i n a , w a s inaugurated in the early 80s under old Ibadan circuit. e mosque, which was nearly dilapidated, was renovated and reconstructed to meet modern standard for the purpose of enhancing tabligh activities and spreading the message of Islam. e project was single-handedly embarked upon by Maj l i s Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.e members of the Jama'at quoted that Hazrat Aisha (ra) relates that: "the very first thing the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) did after reaching Medina was to build Mosque."is action of the Holy Prophet demonstrated that the Mosque is the foundation of Islam.ey further stated that out of

about 17 founding members, only two of them were alive to witness the renovation. ey prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant them Al-Janah Firdaus.

AMSA Oyo State holds 3-day APW By Abass Adebayo

Ahmadi Muslim Students' Association (AMSA), Oyo State has held its 3-day Annual Propagation Week (APW) between 13th and

16th September, 2018.e programme, which was hosted by the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saaki, had the theme "Lazy Nigerian Youth: Fact or Fiction".e members were exposed to various educational and

sports events coupled with lectures, seminars and symposium. ey participated in scrabble, dart, arm wrestling, concentration race, 100m, 200m and football. Missionary Ojoye, while addressing students on marital

issues, emphasized on the criteria to be considered while choosing a partner. He said most brothers are much concerned about facial appearances of sisters. He then urged that they should also give more priority to health status, that is, both parties should know their genotype and blood group before going into lengthy or deep relationship. Besides, a public lecture was also organized at Sango Junction, Saaki and was graced by Oke-Ogun Circuit President, Pa. Abdul-Kareem Abdul-Azeez, Circuit Tabligh Secretary, Bro Teslim Ibusokanleko, Missionary Ahmad Adebimbe from Saaki Jama'at and Missionary Ojoye.e lecture, delivered by Missionary Abdul-Fatih Abdul-Salaam, had the topic "Mending the Broken Ethnic Relationship: the Role of Patriotic Youths." Missionary Abd Salaam said the youth constitutes approximately 70% of the estimated 200 million plus strong population (195,875,237) in Nigeria.According to him, the impact of youth in any society in the world could not be over-emphasized. Youth being the power house or engine room of any society be it small or large has an active role to play when it comes to development of such society. e belief that youths are

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not capable of assuming leadership positions in the society is baseless and nothing but fallacy as proven by so many historical facts. He also mentioned the challenges facing the Nigerian youths as include: selfishness, lack of education, poverty, unemployment, marginalization, exclusion in the political world and diseases such as, HIV-AIDS, STDs, etc, while the solutions and recommendations were as follows:government should create an environment that allows citizens to voice their views online; youth should play active roles during election; youth empowerment/ employment; government should give youths some chance; integrity and morality should be youths' watchword.A total of 131 members, 10 Ansarullah, 9 Lajna, 14 Atfal and 10 Nasra attended the lecture.e symposium, held at Ansar-ud-Deen Comprehensive School, was graced by dignitaries in the Jama'at. It had two lectures delivered by erudite speakers. e first lecture was delivered by Barr. Raji

Ashimowiy on “Lazy Nigerian Youth: Fact or Fiction” while the second lecture was delivered by the representative of Alh. (Missionary) Muhammad-Waiz Apooyin, Missionary Ahmad Adebiyi from Saaki Jama'at on the topic "Not Too Young to Rule Bill: Catalyst for the Liberation of the Economy and Virtual Development."In both lectures, the problems facing the contemporary Nigerian youths were summarised as: illiteracy-which of course is a disease, lack of morals, poor decision making skills and pursuing of vain desires, while they were

urged to: "show their distinctive high standard of moralities and integrity, while ensuring their impact in the society with good influence. ey should never forget to be the flag-bearers of the truth; they should be hardworking and prayerful.218 people attended the symposium. To encourage academic prowess, prizes were presented to the secondary school students who came distinctive in the Masroor Mathematics Competition organized by AMSA Oyo State Chapter. Prizes were also distributed to AMSA members who performed well at the various events. e BEST unit

award was presented to AMSA e Polytechnic Ibadan; while the recognition award for the BEST State Executive was presented to Bro. Abass Adebayo, the AMSA Oyo State P.R.O.1, from e Polytechnic Ibadan and the BEST AMSA member award to Bro. Shoboyede Nurur-Raheem, also from e Polytechnic Ibadan unit.

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Facts About Camel for Kids

Dromedary camels live in the Middle East. ey have one hump. Bactrian camels live only in China and Mongolia. ey have two humps.

People in the Middle East use camels like horses. ey ride them and use them to carry things. Camels can carry up to 200 pounds.

ey can reach a height of 7 ft.

Camels look big and awkward, but they can move as fast as a horse. As fast as 40 mph.

Camels have long eyelashes and a protective eyelid to keep out sand in the desert during sandstorms. ey can even close their nostrils.

Camels are born without humps.

A baby camel is call a calf, a male adult is a bull and a female adult is a cow.

e scientific name for a camel is “Camelus”.

A camel will spit and kick if provoked in self defense.

e spit is vomit, not nice.

A cow (female camel) will give birth to one calf.

Although there are still wild camels roaming around in parts of the world, camels became domesticated around 5,000 years ago.

Camels mate sitting down.

Camel racing is a very popular sport in countries like Pakistan, Australia, Egypt and Bahrain.

Apart from being a beautiful looking animal the word camel actually means “beauty” in Arabic.

PAGE 14SEPTEMBER 2018

Foreign News

Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Concludes Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Ijtema with Faith-Inspiring Address


azrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addresses over 5,600 Muslim youths from across the UK.

“Be the ones who are at the forefront of spreading the enlightened teachings of Islam far and wide” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

On 23 September 2018, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered a faith-inspiring address to conclude the three-day National Ijtema (Annual Gathering) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association in the UK (Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya).

e objectives of the Ijtema, held for the second time at Country Market, Kingsley, were to educate the Muslim

youths of the true peaceful teachings of Islam and to inspire them towards serving both their faith and nation to the best of their abilities.

e theme of this year’s Ijtema was ‘Salat’, the five daily prayers that are to be offered by every Muslim. During the concluding address, His Holiness spoke extensively about the importance of Salat, saying that the five daily prayers ought to remain the ‘constant companion’ of a true Muslim.

His Holiness directed that having accepted the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as the Promised Messiah it was incumbent upon Ahmadi Muslims to act upon Islam’s true teachings.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“If we are negligent in our religious duties, we will have no right to assert that our acceptance of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has brought about a spiritual revolution within us or has enabled us to follow the true teachings of Islam. Rather, our acceptance of him will merely be a hollow and meaningless claim uttered by our tongues.”

To highlight the importance of offering the five daily prayers, His Holiness quoted chapter 2 verse 239 of the Holy Quran which states:

“Watch over Prayers, and the middle Prayer, and stand before Allah submissively.”

His Holiness explained that whilst the verse calls on Muslims to guard against inattention to the five daily prayers, it particularly reminds Muslims to watch over the

‘middle prayer’. Explaining the term ‘middle prayer’, His Holiness said that the ‘middle prayer’ is whichever prayer which is at risk of neglect due to material interests. His Holiness explained that in the modern era the early morning prayer Fajr often the ‘middle prayer’ for many people.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“In today’s world, people of all ages, including many youngsters, stay up late studying, or wasting time in immoral or wasteful things such as aimlessly surfing the internet, watching films or TV, scrolling endlessly on their phones or tablets or sending messages late into the night. As a result, they fail to wake up for Fajr and so, due to their routine, Fajr actually becomes the middle prayer for them. us, the middle prayer is whichever prayer is


at risk of being forsaken as a result of worldly or material pursuits.”

His Holiness advised Ahmadi Muslim youths to go to bed early so that they could easily wake for the Fajr prayer. He said if that was not possible they must still go to bed with a firm intention and determination to wake up for the Fajr prayer.

Concluding his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Ahmadi Muslim youths should be the ones who work day and night to refute those who defame Islam’s name or who make false allegations against it. You should be the ones who are at the forefront of spreading the enlightened teachings of Islam far and wide so that we come to see that blessed day

where the world unites under the peaceful banner of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“You should be the ones who fulfil your pledge of being ever ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of your faith. Only then will you be playing your role in bringing about a spiritual revolution in the world by bringing mankind towards the worship of Allah the Almighty. Only then will we see the dark clouds of today begin to part and be replaced by an emergent blue sky. For this great task, you must be ever ready and ever willing. Until your last breath, you should consider this the primary task and objective of your lives.”

Reflecting again upon the value of prayer, Hazrat


Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“May our prayers be filled with emotion, sincerity and deep anguish seeking the love and nearness of Allah the Almighty. May our hearts melt before our Lord when we bow down before Him. May we pray with such intense humility that every fibre of our being lies in a state of submission before Allah the Almighty. Such heartfelt prayers will surely be accepted and take us towards our true purpose and objective, which is to gain the love of Allah the Almighty.”

During the Ijtema, Ahmadi Muslim youths from over 100 local communities from across the United Kingdom (Qiadats) competed in various academic and sports competitions, including a special Kabaddiexhibition match.

e Muslim youths were also able to visit the ‘e Hub’ where they had the opportunity to ask questions in a confidential environment about religion or social issues.


RISING

Ridwānullah Apooyin, an indigene of Ibadan. In this interview with Ismail Ro�mi Lawal, Ridwānullah, who is currently studying Agriculture at University of Ilorin, explained the problems facing Agriculturists in Nigeria and suggested possible solu�ons to the problems to ensure that Nigeria achieves food security.

May I know you? I'm Apooyin Ridwānullah. I was born and grew in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. I a�ended Taas Interna�onal Nursery and Primary School, Ibadan, Oyo state, where from I graduated and had my primary school cer�ficate. I proceeded to Mahmud Ahmadiyya College, Ijede for the high-school. Presently, I'm a student of Agriculture at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

Very few students wish to study Agriculture. May I know why you choose to study Agriculture? There are so many students out there whose childhood dream is to become Agriculturists. I didn't opt to study Agriculture; I was only admi�ed for the course. I felt bad ini�ally but my dad called me and talked some senses into me. Then, the love for it developed miraculously.

Briefly tell me what Agriculture is about? Agriculture is derived from two La�n words: ''Ager (field)'' and ''cultura (cul�va�on)''. Agriculture has been defined over ages simply as the science which puts into prac�ce the cul�va�on of land for growing plants and rearing of animals for the sole purpose of man's survival.I believe for any course a student is studying, there should be its significant importance to the society.

Can you share with me the importance of your course? The importance of agriculture is mainly for man's survival. Mankind depends on every drop of our sweat on the field.

Someone who studies Agriculture is called what? Professionally, such person is called an agriculturist, but a layman would plainly say a farmer. Well, we accept either of the two names and smile on.

What are the challenges you are facing as a professional in this important career? So many! Let me just touch a few salient ones. Firstly, I'll say individual's a�tude and mindset aren't in anyway encouraging at all. For example, an average Nigerian will go

for a China parboiled rice rather than Nigeria grown rice; we are not encouraging the farmers.Another thing is poor infrastructure and machinery. If we have all these, with the blessings of Allah, we should be producing more than we are producing and foodstuff would probably be cheaper. Also, some farmers are uneducated and they only fend for their families based on their sales. We, the so called educated ones, will s�ll go to them and haggle frustra�ngly with them for some ridiculously low price, and the poor seller, probably a woman, will just sell her goods hanging her head so low in disappointment. If you go to a shopping complex, do you even have any right to argue on their tagged prices?Let's be empathic as we patronize the poor farmers.

What do you think are the solu�ons to combat these challenges? Well, I just pray we all get to live up to that �me when

Irrespective of your grade, agriculture ispractical-oriented – Ridwānullah, University of Ilorin Agriculture Student


Nigeria will receive a breakthrough. There are so many underlying problems we're facing and we've got li�le or no resource to tackle them.Agriculture is mul�-faceted and each part has its own problem. I'll just make a general comment to cover all. Like I said earlier, we need to go into a serious mechanized farming coupled with assured storage houses and other infrastructures; not only in the government sector but also on privately-owned farms. How then will an individual get all these if the said purchasers are not so encouraged with the way we ridicule the efforts of farmers? Let's pay to eat; don't dupe to eat because you become what go down your throat.If good orienta�ons start with us, it will circulate. Remember, every home is an integral part of a society and the socie�es as well form the state and then the whole country.

We have been told that there is no professional that is irrelevant to Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Is there any way you can use your knowledge, skills and experience for the p r o g r e s s o f t h i s Community? Oh yes! Well, let me point this out that the Jama'at so far has been a con�nuously progressing community. My service may just be an icing on her cake and not actually the quality/quan�ty of the cake. Regarding that, firstly, I've hoped and s�ll hope that I keep serving as a khādim even if I'm spared to live very old as inspired by our beloved Huzoor (atba) in his words: 'The dream of a community may not come to pass without the youth present.'Secondly, I wish to serve as a lecturer at our University Inshā-Allah. And thirdly, I wish I were blessed enough to always make immense contribu�on to feeding in our various conven�ons.

Undoubtedly, you must have wri�en some exams at the university. What do you think are the secrets to academic excellence? To me, I don't think academic excellence is all about having a first, second or even third class. Well, it could just be a measure of one's effort so far either lawfully or unlawfully.

What's the essence of a first class graduate of mechanical engineering who can't fix his own car whenever it breaks down, or a botanist who can't but asser�vely mistake a rhizoid for the antheridium in a pteridophyte.No ma�er what grade you've graduated with, as long as you can relate it out of the book with reality, it's sure a success. You've not wasted your �me learning it.The key is to learn to know and not to only to pass. We

learn for the future a n d n o t f o r t h e present alone. I don't think there's any legit secrets to success but h a r d w o r k i n g , persistent and most importantly, prayer.

Who are your mentor and why you chose them?

I have just one who means the world to me. He's the best of men and my beloved, Muhammad (saw). Why? That sounds ridiculous though, but, if I'll say, he deserves it from every Muslim because in him is every f o r m o f v i r t u e perfected.

Are you married ?

I'm not married, but in a serious rela�onship.

What would you like to change in the world if you are chanced to make a change? I wish to establish the right to prac�se one's faith freely without any form of threat or persecu�on. To save our brothers in Pakistan and every other places where there are persecu�ons.

Tell me something about your rela�onship or communica�on with the Khilifa? The first means of communica�on I ever had and s�ll have is through his weekly sermon, though, it's a one-way communica�on with no feedback. Almost every �me, I feel he's speaking to me. Secondly, kudos to the brains behind it, my unit has adopted wri�ng le�ers to His holiness at least once every semester which we


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send to him all at once. I've been doing that and I s�ll hope to do more Inshā-Allah

What mo�vates you? The beauty, knowledge and the inspira�on buried in my immediate surrounding; and that's nature.Nature is love, and its life.

How will you describe your ac�veness in AMSA program at school?

It has been fine Alhamdulillah. Presently, I'm the Ta'leem Secretary of my Unit.

What is your favorite colour and food? My best food is beans and plantain while my favourite colour is blue.

Is there anything you would like the house to know about you, and your profession? Yes, I'll say that not everyone who studies agriculture eventually ends in the farm, and not everyone who prac�ses agriculture is a cer�fied agriculturist on paper. Either formal or informal, one thing about farmers and the surrounding is passion. The beauty we worship in nature; is it the earth and its features, the hydrosphere and its denizens, the ornamentals and the charms they bear, the

sun as it feeds the plant, or the rain that soothes and quenches the parched throat of the earth and lots more.So, it's not always all about the final produce, but the passion developed to see the dream produce come into a fulfillment. It should be so in every other field too.

What advice will you give to the youths of this Jama'at? This Jama'at is one blessed fold. And it's a seed sown by Allah Himself that no powerful breeze dares uproot. So everyone that finds himself in this fold should consider that as a massive grace. It's so sad that despite the large frac�on of the world popula�on that youths take, all forms of immorality is perfected in us. But as Ahmadis, let's all try and be a good ambassador of the Jama'at anywhere and any�me.Let's stand dis�nct among other youths in the society and throw others into so much awe that they won't but ask from you who you really are. And guess what?The beau�ful reply would simply be that '' I'm an Ahmadi Muslim''.


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MKA-GH AMSA

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