Lifestyle
Tajudeen Olukoya Celebrates 75th Birthday With Dedication Of New Mosque
By Babawale Solomon
Eko Hot Blog reports that Alhaji Tajudeen Adewale Olukoya, on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, celebrated his 75th birthday at his residence in Igbile, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.
To mark his birthday, Alhaji Olukoya unveiled the Ismail Quranic and Praying Mosque he built. He also had some notable figures, including the Imam of the new mosque, Bashik Kazeem, the Asiwaju Adini, Alhaji Nojeemdeen Olukoya, the Giwa Adini, Alhaji Ramoni Adeleke, the Seriki Adini, Alhaji Risiku Osijinrin, the Alakoso Adini, Alhaja Tawakalitu Onikoyi, and many more, recognized and adorned with Islamic titles and regalia.
The ceremony started with Quranic recitations and prayers for the celebrant. The recipients of the Islamic chieftaincy titles were then called out one after the other to be adorned with the Islamic headdress and the award of recognition.
Alhaji Olukoya expressed his gratitude during his speech, thanking his friends, family, and community leaders for their support.
“I am truly grateful for the overwhelming presence of esteemed guests, Alfas, friends, family, and leaders in our community today. Your support means the world to me,” he said.
He highlighted the significance of the new mosque, saying it was the fulfillment of a vision his late father had.
“The construction of the new Ismail Quranic and Praying Mosque holds great significance for me. My late father had a vision, and it became a promise for me to build a place of worship where I could pray. The persistent requests from my children and grandchildren to fulfill this promise were a driving force. Today, as we unveil the mosque, I fulfill that promise, even though my father is no longer with us,” the 75-year-old said.
He extended his appreciation to donors and commended the commitment of the Islamic title holders.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to those who have generously donated towards the construction of the mosque. Your contributions have played a pivotal role in making this dream a reality,” Alhaji Olukoya said.
“To those who have been bestowed with Islamic titles today, your commitment to our faith and community is truly commendable. May you continue to lead by example.”
As the celebration continued, donations were made by recipients and invited guests towards the newly built mosque. People gathered to unveil the mosque and offer the first prayer.
Feasting and dancing marked the joyous occasion, celebrating the success of the birthday, turbaning of Islamic chiefs, and unveiling of the Ismail Quranic and Praying Mosque.
The Ismail Quranic and Praying Mosque
Speaking with Eko Hot Blog, Alhaja Titilayo, wife of the celebrant, expressed her joy and gratitude.
“I’m very happy. Today is my birthday and that of my lovely husband too. We share the same birth date. There are so many memories but all the same, I thank God for everything,” she said.
Describing the history of the mosque, she said: “The mosque my husband built has been talked about since the time of his father who said he wants him to build a mosque for him to pray.
“When his father died, his grandchildren still insisted he built the mosque. He said God’s willing, by his next birthday, he would build it. And God spared his life to be alive today to fulfill the promise he made to his father, glory be to God.”
Alhaja Titilayo praised her husband’s generosity: “My husband is one of the best in this community, people love him. He’s good to his family, to everyone and to friends. In fact, more people are still coming to felicitate with him.
“Our king isn’t here yet but he’s coming due to a meeting with Awujale. We are expecting about five kings, which shows the kind of man he is. He’s a generous man.”
First prayer holding inside the new Ismail Quranic and Praying Mosque
She expressed her thanks to the visitors and Eko Hot Blog: “I want to thank those that came to felicitate with us. I wish them safe journey. By God’s grace, years to come they’ll come again to celebrate with us.
“I also want to specially thank Eko Hot Blog for the honour. I love you all. I share many things with the company. May God continually make the company grow higher the more.”
See more photos from the birthday ceremony below:
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