In a remarkable display of interfaith unity, a devout Muslim and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Alhaji Ahmed Raji, has replaced an 80-year-old Catholic church building with a modern 400-capacity Assembly Hall in Iseyin, Oyo State.
The former church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Isalu, Iseyin, had been in disrepair and collapsed due to age. The new hall, which stands as a symbol of community development and religious tolerance, was officially blessed and commissioned in a ceremony attended by high-ranking church officials and other dignitaries.
The hall was named after Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese and Metropolitan of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province. Archbishop Abegunrin was the chief celebrant of the Mass for the blessing and commissioning of the hall.
In his speech, the donor, Alhaji Ahmed Raji, explained his deep connection with the Catholic Church and the Iseyin community. He acknowledged the church’s longstanding tradition of service, particularly its remarkable contributions to social development, healthcare, and education.
“I have always been inspired by the humble service of the Catholic Church, which has been working tirelessly for the betterment of society for centuries,” Raji said.
The 400-seater Assembly Hall replaces the 80-year-old church building, which had become structurally unsafe. The new hall will serve as a place of worship and community gathering, bringing together people from all walks of life.
Raji, a respected figure in Nigerian legal circles, has a history of philanthropy. In 2022, he donated a state-of-the-art operating theatre building and medical equipment to Our Lady Catholic Hospital in Iseyin. The hospital, which is part of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, is known for providing essential healthcare services to the local community.
Speaking about the hospital, Raji shared his personal connection with the institution. “Our Lady Catholic Hospital has been a beacon of healthcare in Iseyin since my childhood. It has saved many lives and provided care for countless individuals, regardless of their background or faith,” Raji remarked.
Raji also praised the Catholic Church for its inclusive approach to service, which does not discriminate based on faith or social status. He called on Catholics, especially the youth, to stay committed to the Church and its mission.
“Youths, do not abandon the Church. Do not fall for the ‘japa’ trend, which is draining our society of the manpower needed to build a strong, united culture,” he urged.
He emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s faith and doing good in the community. “Appreciate what you have and spread goodness to others,” Raji said.
During the Mass, the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, delivered a powerful homily about the importance of seeking the good of others, regardless of their faith or background. He commended Raji for his dedication to interfaith relations and for using his resources to support the Church’s work in Iseyin.
“This is a remarkable gesture that shows how we can work together for the common good, irrespective of race, religion, or status,” Bishop Badejo said.
He also praised the Catholic Church’s commitment to integral human development, solidarity, and the common good, qualities that Raji acknowledged in his donation.
“I believe this new hall, and all the work done by Alhaji Raji, is a sign of the strong bonds of unity that exist in this community, where people of different faiths can come together for the common good,” Bishop Badejo added.
Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, after receiving the keys to the newly built hall, expressed his gratitude for the honor. He thanked the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Bishop Badejo, and especially Alhaji Ahmed Raji for his generosity.
“I am deeply honored to have this hall named after me, and I thank everyone who has made this possible, especially our brother Alhaji Raji,” Archbishop Abegunrin said.
The commissioning of the hall was a moment of celebration for the Iseyin Catholic community, who turned out in large numbers to witness the event. The new Assembly Hall will not only serve as a place for worship but will also host community events, contributing to the social and cultural development of the region.
