Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has led a coalition of prominent Nigerians in calling for robust support towards the ambitious remodelling of the Egba Central Mosque in Kobiti, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The initiative, spearheaded by the Egba Muslim Council, aims to transform the historic religious edifice into a modern Islamic and community development centre, complete with a range of multipurpose facilities.
Obasanjo, speaking during the public presentation and unveiling of the mosque’s prototype held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on Friday, urged Nigerians—irrespective of religious affiliation—to see the project as a collective responsibility and a charitable cause deserving of national support.
“This is one project that all Nigerians, regardless of religion or status, must consider to be part of,” Obasanjo declared. “Charity, particularly one that builds both faith and society, attracts divine reward and uplifts communities. This project is not only about constructing a mosque; it’s about building a legacy of tolerance, education, and service.”
The mosque renovation, beyond religious purposes, will include the construction of an administrative block, a library, a Qur’anic academy, a medical centre, a guest house, a shopping complex, an Imam’s residence, and a multipurpose social hall. The vision, according to the Egba Muslim Council, is to make the Egba Central Mosque a beacon of spiritual and social development.
In a show of bipartisan unity and religious harmony, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the initiative. He pledged that the state government would handle the construction of the mosque’s administrative block and library.
Governor Abiodun also lauded Obasanjo’s unwavering dedication to promoting religious tolerance. “This effort demonstrates the commitment of the Egba people, especially Muslims, to promoting peaceful coexistence and the advancement of Islam in our region,” the deputy governor said.
Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, expressed his support by promising to build the mosque’s multipurpose hall and made a personal donation of N100 million. His gesture was matched by renowned philanthropist Sir Kessington Adebutu, whose son and political figure, Ladi Adebutu, presented an equivalent donation on his behalf.
Other high-profile contributors included Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola and Senator Shuaib Salisu, both of whom pledged N10 million each to the remodelling fund. Their contributions, they noted, were not just about religious duty, but a commitment to community transformation.
Adding cultural depth to the event, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, lent his royal endorsement to the project. He emphasized the mosque’s historical significance to the Egba people and highlighted the need to preserve cultural and religious heritage in tandem with modern development.
“This remodelling is long overdue,” Oba Gbadebo said. “It is not only a religious necessity but a testament to our pride, identity, and commitment to future generations.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who also attended the event, unveiled the project prototype. In his remarks, the Sultan commended the Egba Muslim Council for initiating the transformation and promised to engage influential Nigerians across the country to support the cause.
In a stirring lecture, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Sulaimon-Faruq Onikijipa, underlined the mosque’s role as a centre of peace, spiritual awakening, and unity. He urged Muslims and non-Muslims alike to embrace the project as a means of gaining divine blessings while advancing community development.
“This mosque is not merely for prayers,” Onikijipa said. “It is a place of learning, healing, and social cohesion. Supporting it is both a spiritual investment and a patriotic duty.”
Baba Adinni of Egbaland, Retired Navy Captain Rasheed Raji, emphasized that the new Islamic centre would also help combat youth restiveness by creating educational and employment opportunities through its library, academy, and commercial spaces.
As part of the redevelopment, the remodelling committee chaired by Alhaji Abdulhakeem Tunji-Kalejaiye announced that 78 houses around the mosque would be demolished to create space for the upgraded facility. However, he assured that all affected residents would be compensated and resettled in newly constructed homes on 22 acres of land at Sodeke-Titun Sabo in Abeokuta.
The remodelling of the Egba Central Mosque, once completed, is expected to set a benchmark for religious infrastructure in Nigeria by integrating faith, education, healthcare, commerce, and social services in a single location.
The call by Obasanjo and other dignitaries has already begun yielding support, and the Egba Muslim Council has opened a transparent fund for donations, welcoming contributions from individuals, corporations, and religious bodies alike.