Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Nigeria, the elders’ auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, received words of encouragement from His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan (CON), the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja. This occurred during a courtesy visit by the Majlis Ansarullah delegation to the Cardinal’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja, on Tuesday, 20th August 2024.

Welcoming the delegation, Cardinal Onaiyekan expressed his gratitude to receive the National President (Sadr) of Majlis Ansarullah, Alh. Dauda Raji, and his team. He shared his pleasant surprise and honor at hosting such a prestigious delegation.

In his address, the Cardinal spoke on the theme of the upcoming conference, “Making Living Worthwhile For All: Islamic Solutions to Economic and Security Challenges.” He elaborated on the importance of living a meaningful life, particularly in a time when many are drawn to criminal activities that detract from the true purpose of life. He emphasized the need for guidance and education to help people achieve a life of worth and integrity.

Cardinal Onaiyekan also praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for its significant contributions to peace and stability in Nigeria, noting that since its establishment, Ahmadiyya has demonstrated that Islam is indeed a religion of peace.

Reflecting on the diversity of religious organizations in both Islam and Christianity, he remarked, “It is my conviction that religious organizations exist for a purpose. If God had wished, He could have made us all Muslims or all Christians.” He emphasized the importance of unity and harmony amidst the diversity of faiths.

His Eminence extended his best wishes for a blessed and successful conference, and requested prayers from the delegation, saying, “I will keep you in my prayers for a successful event.”

Earlier in his remark, the Sadr, Alh. Dauda Raji, expressed his deep appreciation for the warm welcome. He provided a brief introduction to the Ahmadiyya Community, highlighting its teachings and its numerous contributions to society, including humanitarian efforts, free education, and healthcare initiatives. He also mentioned that the conference would feature a two-day medical outreach.

The visit concluded with the presentation of books by the Sadr to His Eminence, symbolizing their ongoing commitment to promoting peace and interreligious harmony.