The Ansar-ud-Deen Foundation has inaugurated prominent Nigerians, including banker Abdulfatai Akin Kekere-Ekun, as members of its Board of Trustees. The ceremony occurred at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, marking a key step in the society's long-standing mission. Leaders emphasized transparency and alignment with Islamic values in the foundation's operations.
At a vibrant ceremony held at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos, over the weekend, the Ansar-ud-Deen Foundation officially launched its Board of Trustees. Among the inductees was Abdulfatai Akin Kekere-Ekun, a noted banker and philanthropist, who is married to Nigeria's Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. Joining him were Sulaimon Adedokun, Kafilat Araoye, Yusuf Ali, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Abdulfatah Bank-Anthony, and Rabiu Isyaku Rabiu.
Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and president of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and Overseas, hailed the event as a 'historic milestone' in the organization's more than century-old history. He explained that the foundation continues the society's tradition of promoting faith, knowledge, and service. 'This Foundation represents the continuation of our Society’s century-long journey of faith, knowledge and service to humanity,' Kazeem stated. 'It is built on the vision of our founding fathers, who believed that education, moral discipline and service to mankind are the keys to the progress of the Muslim community.'
The foundation serves as a transparent mechanism to fund religious, educational, welfare, and development initiatives. Kazeem outlined plans for a N20 billion endowment to restore mosques, enhance Ansar-ud-Deen schools, bolster Summit University in Offa, and support nationwide health, welfare, and empowerment efforts. He urged the trustees to treat their roles as a 'sacred trust.'
Sheikh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, the society's Chief Missioner, reinforced the need for adherence to Islamic principles, cautioning against unorthodox fundraising methods. In response, Kekere-Ekun committed on behalf of the board to uphold 'absolute transparency, honesty, discipline and accountability,' prioritizing approved projects in health, education, and welfare.
This development underscores the society's commitment to sustainable community support amid Nigeria's diverse social landscape.
