APRIL 2018 | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4

ZAZZAU2018

MKA-OYO

CHAPTER

VISITN.O.A

Ahmadi

ORAGANISE

LEADERSHIP

CONFERENCE

STUDENTSOGUN EMERGES

AS BEST STATE

CHAPTER

Ahmadi Students organise Leadership Conference (story by Zafrullah Lamina)

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hmadi Muslim Students' Association (AMSA), Lagos State, has Aheld a maiden edition of its leadership conference on 14th April, 2018 at Yusuf Grillo Hall, Yaba College of Technology to re-

orientate and re-awake the teeming Nigerian youths to be action oriented and participate actively in the development of their future today.

e conference has in attendance the Rector of the School, Dr. Olukemi Taiwo Oyelola ably represented by the Deputy Rector, Alhaji Taofeek Omobayo Raheem; HOD Printing Department, Mr Jimoh Akinpelu; Lecturers; Programming Head, Muslim Television Ahmadiyya Africa Nigeria Studio, Maulvi Nurudeen Okubena; State President, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Lagos, Bro Shuaib Badmus; Lagos District Sadr, Lajna Imaillah, Mrs T.A. Fagbolade; National President, AMSA, Bro Abdur Rafiq Alaka and students from Lagos State University, University of Lagos, Lagos State Polytechnic and Yaba College of Technology among others.

e Association President, Mr Lamina Zafrullah, in his welcome address, charged Nigerian youths to develop themselves intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually, saying that age is not the problem of this country that the problem is in our orientation, action and thinking and it all bounds to leadership.e lecture of the event titled "Architects of a New Dawn: Youths as Drivers of Positive Change" was delivered by Muallim Abass Agbaje, renowned Speaker and Life Coach. In his speech, he encouraged

Nigerian youths to actively and consciously participate in creating their future by having a personal mission and vision statement and constantly having a positive mental thinking.

Moreover, he posited that one's life can only change with one's DECISIONS not one's DESIRES. To conclude his speech, he gave seven keys to success which are: vision and value; purpose and Principle; competence and character; integrity and intelligence; courage and candour; humility and humaneness and love and loyalty.

A panel discussion was also held on the theme "Developing the Youth: the Roadmap to a Brighter Future", where the three panelists unanimously agreed that Nigeria youths can actually save th i s countr y f rom the current beleaguered conundrum it is facing and take her to the promise land if they develop themselves intellectually, morally and spiritually

AMSA Oyo State holds 4-day Tabligh Seminar(By Abass A. Adebayo)

To orientate its members on the significance of Tabligh (Preaching) on the advent of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi (as), Ahmadi Muslim Students' Association,

Oyo State has held a 4-day knowledge-ridden Tabligh Seminar recently.e highlight of the event include: Lectures, Qur'an Memorisation, Admonitions, House-to-House Preaching, General Sanitation and Sports Activities, among others.

Delivering a lecture on What is Ahmadiyya, Missionary Tiamiyy explained extensively on what Ahmadiyya means, saying that Ahmadiyya means follower of Ahmad, and Ahmad is Prophet Muhammad (saw) not Ghulam Ahmad. He explained why other Muslims called us Kafir and he gave pieces of evidence to dispute all their accusations against the noble Jama'at.Admonishing the attendees, Hafiz Abdus Salam Adepoju explained how a man will undertake the marriage processes. Contrarily, he said that dating in Islam is different from what men do these days. His words: "If you want to date a lady in the Jama'at, you must follow the right link not conversation between opposit sex in solitude and you should not date except when you are ready for marriage.In the same vein, Alhaji Daramola also admonished the participants that they should remember the sons/daughters of whom they are; face their studies squarely; eschew all sinful behaviours; be distinctive and obedient. He also stressed the need to search for knowledge and be fully competent in their areas of specializations, quoting an hadith that "e Prophet said we should seek for knowledge even if we are to go China."Muallim Abdul Lateef Adelegan delivered a lecture on Khataman Nabiyyeen with lot of references from Qur'an, Hadith and scholars' works, just as Muallim Apooyin Sahib delivered a thought-

provoking lecture on "Terrorism Was Never Justified By Islam".Also, a public lecture was delivered by Hafiz Alaka AbdRofeeq on the topic "Promised Messiah: the Arbiter for all Religions".AMSA Tabligh Class was held on the Death of Jesus Christ, anchored by Maulvi Mubarak Bello.He commenced with a reflective lecture concerning the basic and philosophy behind the death of Jesus Christ (as), the belief of Christian scholars and as also appears to some Islamic scholars till date. While some of them believe that he died on the

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cross, some believe that the Jews mistook him to someone else, in short, that Allah raised him to himself bodily. Maulvi Bello Mubarak then presented some verses of the Holy Quran where Allah enunciates it clearly to refute these beliefs. [Q.4vs160; Q.3vs156; Q.5vs15; Q.5vs65; Q.5vs117]. He also emphasized where Allah clarifies it in the Hnly Quran, that is how He provided refuge for Jesus Christ and his mother, Hadrat Mariam (ra) [Q.23vs51].Moreso, House to house preaching was held in which the volunteers engaged Monatan Streets to preach Islam to people generally.e attendance for the programme was 37 Male, 66 Female and 2 non-Ahmadi.

Tabligh Seminar: AMSA PolyIbadan preaches

to 48 people (by Abass A. Adebayo)

o fewer than 48 people have been preached to on the Nbeautiful teachings of Islam and Ahmadiyya, the Renaissance of Islam by the Ahmadi Muslim

Students' Association, the Polytechnic, Ibadan Unit during the Tabligh Seminar held between 7th and 8th April, 2018.e programme, held at Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque, Sango-Barracks and environs, had the presence of Coca-Cola Circuit Missionary, Muallim Abdul Fattah Tijani and former unit president, Bro Abdul Jelil Yusuf. e team, which consists of 22 participants, was divided into three groups to reach the corners of the street with pamphlets and flyers to distribute to community people.Also, a public lecture was held on the topic 'Jihad in Islam: the Role of Western Education', delivered by Muallim Tijani. In attendance were Coca-Cola Circuit President, Alh. F.O. Salam; Sango Jama'at President, Pa Isiaq Adeyemi and Coca-Cola Dil'a Qaid, Bro. Taoheed Raji, among others.Muallim Tijani emphasized that Jihad means to strive in the cause of Allah, buttressing his point with a Qur'an verse [Q.22vs40]. He said that many a Muslim today is getting it wrong the basic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which has brought serious agitation and confusion to the world

today.According to him, that's why we could see terrorists today killing people unjustly in the name of Religion, which is contrary to the real teachings. He emphasized that Islam means peace, that the root of Islam is Silm, which means Peace.He said the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) was reported to have said, the best Jihad is Jihadul- Nafse( Jihad of the Soul), which he also brought in from the sayings of the Promised(as), He states, “e ink of a writer, is

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far rewarding than the blood of Martyr.”e total number of participants is 28: 15 Male, 12 Female and one(1) Ansarullah.e Association also held Waqar-e-Amal, tagged 'Humanitarian Service' on 8th April, 2018 at Ahmadiyya Mosque, Ijokodo, Ibadan.e Association Also cleared the gridlock, making a way for the stagnant gutter beside the Mosque to flow through also filling of holes on the untiled road. People living in that area was so happy, and also people

passing by gave an excellent remark for the determined effort of members. ey also prayed for members for the workdone, also in our amidst was the Ijokodo Jama'ah President, Alh. Mudashiru who gave us the materials used for the success of the exercise. e participants for the division of labour are 9 while the materials used include shovels and pan.

Courtesy Visit: N.O.A Boss lauds MKAN Activity (By Abdul-Hakeem Awe)

he S t a t e Di re c to r, TNational Orientation Agency, Oyo State, Mrs

Dolapo Dosumu has lauded the humanitar ian act iv i t ies and innova t i ve idea s o f Ma j l i s Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Oyo State, urging the organization to integrate other youths into the act of contributing to the national development.

Speaking during the courtesy visitation paid to her office on 23rd May, 2018, she said every aspect of MKAN's project tallied with their mandate while promising to support the organization at all times and introducing many initiatives of the Agency to it.

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Leading a team of 5 Majlis members, Oyo State Qaid, Bro Abdul Hakeem Awe, while addressing the state director, said the Majlis would appreciate partnering with the Agency with respect to humanitarian and community development services.Similarly, he intimated the sitting that Majlis Khuddam is a faith-based organisation, registered in over 200 countries of the world and established in 1972 in Nigeria; an affiliate of National Youth Council of Nigeria with core values of preaching and practising peace, youth development and focusing on national development, among others, because it is a pristine teaching of Islam that love of one's county is part of faith.MKAN team head presents some gift items to the director which includes literatures, magazines which centered on peace, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence topics.

Ikorodu District holds joint Atfal/NasratCamp (By Lamina Mikail)

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ikorodu MDil'a has held a 3-day Atfal and Nasrat monthly camp between 13th and 15th

April, 2018 at Mahmud Ahmadiyya College, Ijede.e camp had the participation of 20 Atfal and 30 Nasrat with the presence of four Khuddam and two Nasrat Handlers.e children learnt various lessons which covered Salat, Hadith, Qur'an, Qaseedah, Prayer from the Holy Qur'an, General Knowledge, etc.

Atfal/Nasrat Day: Owode District takes kids to Badagry (Ishaat Owode District)

o give the children a great opportunity to Texplore the world (the nature) and become conversant with the pathetic history of slavery

in Nigeria, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Owode Dil'a has taken the Atfal and Nasrat to Badagry on 14th April, 2018.e children journeyed to Badagry, Lagos State to see the historic Centre - the Badagry Slave Trade Museum - a place of imminent tales of how slavery was staged across the borders of Nigeria and the European cum American countries engaging in the trading of humans-especially Africans, for hard, tedious labour on farmland in order to maximize their own output.

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At the slave trade center, the children were shown the first storey building, the slave trade drinking water, the translated Bible by Bishop Ajayi Crowther, the portrait of Mr Claudius Phillips, the first Western Teacher in Nigeria, the portrait of Bishop Ajayi Crowther, the man who translated Bible to Yoruba language, the first primary school in Nigeria founded in 1843 by Mr and Mrs De Graft and was named “Nursery of the Infant Church".e children were also told that slave markets were closed when the European Nation founded colonies after lasting for 300-400years.Slavery stopped in Australia in 1861, in United States in 1863, in Brazil in 1888, in Africa 1870, in Badagry in 1868.After this, the children were led to “the point of no return"- somewhere along the beach. However, the children are also a living witness to the truth of the signs of slave trade. ey also went to see the beach and enjoyed the beautiful and amazing atmosphere

Jami'a Locality holds Stop the Crime Campaign, Atfal Camp (Qaid Jamia Muqami)

To dissuade the students from falling victims of crime and criminal activities, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya,

Jami'a Muqami has held its stop the crime campaign at Modrasat Tahfizul Quran, Jami'a Ilaro, Ogun State on 6th April, 2018.e programme was graced by Qaid, Ilaro Dila, Bro Asuni Ishaq ably represented by Bro Lukman Adegbola, Nazeem Umumi, Bro Abdul Fatah Adeyemi and the State Naib Nazim Ta'leem, Bro Adewara Monsur.Bro Monsur Adewara, who facilitated the programme, admonished the students to make up their mind against involving in crime and act fast in their Qur'an Memorization. He said they should change their ways for better , quoting a verse of the Qur'an saying: "Almighty Allah will never change the condition of the people until they change what is their hearts."

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He explained what crime is and its kinds. According to him, crimes are of many kinds, such as crimes at home, at school, at different hostels and the community itself. e students should stop all forms of crime at all level because they are all criminal activities.He put it to the students: "You are all Hufaaz and you shouldn't have the mindset of perpetuating these acts because once you try it, it's impossible to stop it. Avoid bad gangs so as not to ruin your future. You must try and suffer because without suffering, you cannot be rich."

Stop the Crime: Ondo District orientates 3,638 Students in three Schools (by Abdul Basit Odusanya)

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ondo MDistrict has orientated not less than 3,630 secondary students in three public schools

on the danger effects of crime and criminal activities during its stop the crime campaign held on 21st March, 2018.e programme was held simultaneously in Holy Flock Community Grammar School, Ondo City comprising 1,200 students and 65 Staffs, Baptist High School, Akure comprising 1,200 students and 86 staffs and Muslim

College, Akure comprising 1,012 students and 75 staffs respectively. e facilitators at different centres include Bro. Shittu Yusuf, Bro. Odusanya Abdul Bāsit and Bro. Akindele Ahmad as they extensively addressed the crowd on different kinds of crimes and their effects on the society at large.is events had the participation of 13 Majlis members while the Principal commented that the youth organization would be welcomed subsequently in the school for any programme.

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Ekiti State organises Atfal Day, Waqar-e-Amal (Ishaat Team Ekiti)

o create an atmosphere of togetherness and sense of belonging among children, Majlis Khuddam-ul-TAhmadiyya, Ekiti Ilaqa has organised Atfal Day for the children in the state on 7th April, 2018 at Ahmadiyya Central Mosque, Ado-Ekiti.

In his opening speech, the Ilaqa Qaid, Bro Abdul Azeez Abdul Lateef, admonished the children to be active in their programmes while urging the parents to always release them for programmes. e children participated in quiz, speech, poem chanting, drama and pick and talk, among others. e highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to Atfal who excelled in the competitions.A total of 70 Atfal including babies, 22 Khuddam and 10 Ansarullah members attended the event. In another development, the State also held its monthly Waqar-e-Amal on 14th April, 2018 at the compound of Fadhl-Omar Ahmadiyya Nursery/Primary School, Oke-Ila, Ado-Ekiti. e bushy compound with weed was cut down and cleared off by 30 Khuddam and 2 Ansarullah members within three hours.

Waqar-e-Amal: OwodeDistrict cleans Oba Ipokia Palace (Ishaat Team)

onsidered as worthy and rewarding service to Cdo, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Owode District has embarked on sanitation of the

Palace of Oba Ipokia, Oni Ipokia of Ipokia Land on 8th April, 2018 during its Dil'a Meeting.e sanitation, which took 50 minutes, was undertaken by 9 Majlis members as directed by the District Qaid, Bro Abdur Rasheed Oyeniran.

Public Tabligh: Ayetoro-Afon District discusses Khataman-Nabiyyeen (Ogun Ilaqa Ishaat Team)

o widen the understanding of the people Ton Muhammad (saw) as the seal of prophets, the death of Jesus Christ (as)

and the advent of the Promised Messiah (as), Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ayetoro-Afon Dil'a has

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held a public lecture on the Concept of Khataman-Nabiyyeen on 14th April, 2018 at the Palace of Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Abdul Azeez Adelakun. A fourth lecture running this year planned by Ogun State Tabligh Department, the guest lecturer, Ustadh Adejimi, explained e topic as the seal of prophets, the perfect and the last among the prophets.After which, he expantiated on the categories to which all the prophets of Allah are grouped. He mentioned, among others, the types of Nubuwwat: Tashrihi Nubuwwat, Ahqiqi Nubuwwat, Mustaqin-Nubuwwat and Zilli Nubuwwat and gave examples of Prophets under them.Moreover, he spoke on the ascension and death of Jesus Christ including the truth of the claims of the Promised Messiah (as).Questions were raised and answered by the Circuit Missionary Afon, Muallim Hassan Eweje and Missionary Oladiti Abdul Qayyum.Earlier, the State Qaid welcomed the Naib Sadr South West, Dr Taofeek Sanni and heartily thanked all and sundry for their participation.62 Khuddam, 26 Ansarullah, 56 Lajna and 12 Atfal were in attendance at the lecture.

Ondo District holds Atfal/Nasrat Camp(By Ahmed Akindele)

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ondo Dil'a has held its second quarterly Atfal and Nasrat Camp Mbetween 20th and 22nd April, 2018 at Ore Central Mosque.

At the programme, the children participated in sports/vocational events such as athletics, egg race, concentration race, march past and hand craft, among others. 66 Atfal, 61 Nasrat, 19 Khuddam, 29 Lajna and 1 Ansarullah member participated in the event.

Public Tabligh: Apata District educates people on Second Coming of Jesus (By Awwal Onoade)

ducating the people about the second coming of EJesus Christ (as) and the advent of Imam Mahdi (as), Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Apata

District has organised a public lecture at Aba Aladiye Area on 13th April, 2018.e lecturer, Ustadh Abdul Azeez Abdul Salam, explained with references every fact about the second coming of Isa (as).

e lecture, which started at 5pm, had in attendance 24 Khuddam,12 Ansarullah, 10 Lajna, 2 Atfal and 5 Nasrat.Several questions were asked and the lecturer answered all diligently.

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Apata District organises Atfal Camp, Dignity of Labour at Adejumo, others (By Taofeek Salaudeen)

ommitted to impart educational, moral Cand spiritual knowledge into the children, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Apata

District has organised its monthly Atfal Camp between 13th and 15th April, 2018.e kids were taken through various lessons as examination was later conducted for every classes to test what they have been taught during the camp.A total number of 57 Atfal participated in the programme.

In another development, the District also held its monthly Waqar-e-Amal (Dignity of Labour) activity at Adejumo, Olowoope and Aba-Aladiye Mosques.e work is sequel to the preparation for the proposed foundation laying ceremony of Apata Circuit Maternity Clinic to be done by the Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, Nigeria, Dr Mashhud Adenrele Fashola and the Circuit Aminul Qur'an coming up on 29th April, 2018.Activities on the sites include clearing and cutting of bushes and trees and equipment used were land mower, cutlasses, spade and hoes and shovels. e activities at the different sites took about 2 hours each and Majlis members were fully on ground to ensure a perfect work was done.e Dil'a Qaid, Bro Muftau Hussein, appreciated Majlis members who were in attendance for their display of high spirit of service and steadfastness which are the sine qua non of this blessed Jama'at.

Workshop: Remo District camps 38 Atfal (by Qazim Abdul-Azeez)

To educate the children on ways to become successful in life with the combination of secular and islamic knowledge, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Remo District has camped not less than 38 Atfal members from four Muqameen for a 3-day workshop held between 6th and 8th April, 2018 at Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque, Ikenne.e guest lecturers delivered educative lectures surrounding the theme tagged "Safeguarding the Child Rights: Islam as a Yardstick" to widen their horizons. Examination was also conducted for the children.

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e kids also competed among themselves on Qur'an, Quiz and Qaseedah.e closing session was chaired by Isara Jama'at President, Mr Erinle Shehu with Muallim Oladipupo AbdSalam. Also in attendance were Ilisan Jama'at President, Bro. Ogunnusi Jamiu, Pa Oguntimehin, Ustaz Oladiti Taofeek, Sergeant Abubakar AbdAkeem and Dil'a Qaid, Bro. Qasim AbdAzeez.Gift items were given to all participants and the winners of various competitions.

Remo District visits aged members, organisesPublic Lecture (by Qazim Abdul-Azeez)

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Remo District has visited some members of Ikenne Jama'at including the Maged and the sick during its meeting held on 8th April, 2018.

e members visited include: Pa Oguntimehin, former Ikenne Jama'at President and his wife, Mrs Oguntimehin; Bro. Ojubayo Kola, a sick khadim, and his aged father and mother, Pa and Mrs Ojubayo and Bro. Onanuga Isiaq, the sick and his wife, who have just moved to Ikenne. Prayer session was organized for them all.In another development, the District also organised a public lecture held at Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Mosque, Ikenne on Saturday, 7th April, 2018.e lecture, titled "Signs of Second Coming of Hazrat Isa(as)" which started around 8:45 pm, was delivered by an erudite scholar, Muallim Oladipupo AbdulSalam.ere were 40 people in attendance including the Atfal, Lajna, Ansarullah and Khuddam.e program was chaired by the Circuit President, Bro. Sarafa O.A. Other dignitaries include Muhtamin Taleem, Ustaz Oladiti Taofeek, Dil'a Qaid, Bro.AbdulAzeez Qasim and Ustaz AbdulKabir AbdulRafiu.

Atfal/Nasrat Day: Ilaro District fetes children,rewards performance (By Ogun Ilaqa Ishaat)

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ilaro District has Mfeted the children during the Atfal and Nasrat Day held on 8th April, 2018 at a 500-seater Hall, Federal

Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State.e children were also rewarded with gifts after performing excellently in various competitions

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they participated such as Qur'an, Quiz, Qaseedah and Speech, among others.e highlights of the event include: march past, hand craft, cooking competition and others.e programme was chaired by Ilaro Circuit President, Pa T.A. Edun. Other guests include Dil'a Qaid, Nazim Ansarullah, Maulvi Sanni, Missionaru Yisa Ahmad, Missionary Muneer Ahmad and others.

Regarding march past, Oke-Ola, Saabo, Leslie, Ibese, Orita and Idogo Halqat/Muqameen participated in the event.Moreso, various Halqat/Muqameen presented their hand craft for the audience to see and appreciate. While Ibese presented a badge, wire connection was showcased by Leslie. Jami'a presented drawing and lettering as Saabo showcased a barber.Meanwhile, Lajna District Sadr, Mrs Odeyemi, presented an

award to Saabo Muqami for its financial support towards the programme.However, graduation was held for 13 Atfal that are over 15 years old to Khuddam; this was coordinated by the Dil'a Qaid, Bro. Asuni Ishaq. 10 from Jamia, 1 from Saabo, 1 from Oke-Ole and 1 from Orita.In his speech, Maulvi Sanni emphasized on the last Huzur sermon that our prayers should reach a great level in our heart. He continued that our life nowadays focused solely on money, position, knowledge and so on. He said we didn't use what we are endowed with in positive ways, advising that we should imbibe the spirit of servitude to God and other human beings.Pa Edun, in his closing remarks, prayed for the children and appreciate the effort of the Lajna Imaillah for its contribution both financial and spiritually. He advised the Khuddam to improve on hand craft training for the Atfal and to always hold a class regularly. He also appreciated the performance of Oja Odan and Ibese Muqameen despite their distance to Ilaro Central and expressed his gratitude to Ibese for they were minimal in number yet participated actively.

Visitation: Festac District welcomes Amir to Festac Circuit (by Muili O. Olagunju)

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Festac Dil'a has welcomed the Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, Nigeria, MDr Mashhud Adenrele Fashola, to Festac Circuit for his two-day visitation held between 24th and 25th February, 2018.

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Festac Circuit President, Engr. Qaseem Oluwa and Circuit Missionary, Muallim Abd Hamed Salaudeen and other members received the Amir and his entourage which includes Naib Amir, Special Duty, Alh. Al-Hassan, General Secretary, Alh. Abass Iromini, Financial Secretary, Alh. A.G. Idris and Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah, Engr Abdul Waheed Adeoye at 3:15 pm on 24th February, 2018.After welcome speech by the circuit president at Ahmadiyya Mosque, Festac located at 311 Road, Festac Town, Amir began his two-day visit with a visitation to the Life Changer's Orphanage Home, Festac Town, where they were received by Mrs Wumi Kuye, Manager of the orphanage.According to Mrs Kuye, the total number of children present during Amir's visit were twenty five (25) which include boys and girls.Besides, Amir and his entourage were also received by his

Royal Majesty, Dr Isaac Owolabi Olayemi Adeyi 1, and his chiefs at his palace.Amir visited the Palace of Tomaro, Onisiwo of Itomara as they were received by the Odofin of Itomaro, Mr Abdullatif Rufai, owing to the absence of the King.

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IJTEMA 2018: Ahmadiyya youths reflect on National Peace at 45th Annual Convention (By Taoheed Oladele)

ajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Nigeria M(MKAN) held its 45th Annual National Ijtema (Convention) at Alhudahuda

College, Zaria, Kaduna State between ursday, 29th March and 1st April, 2018 with the theme "National Peace: e Critical Need of the Time".1,285 members attended the event from 15 States of the country including 18 guests, 11 staff members of National Blood Transfusion Service and 6 Majlis members from Benin Republic.Saddened by the negative disposition and high level of ignorance about health, MKAN held a two-day free healthcare delivery service at the Palace of Emir of Zazzau, HRM Alhaji Shehu Idris between 28th and 29th

March, 2018 as Pre-Ijtema activities.Over 1,012 Zaria indigents including dignitaries benefited from the free health service which includes diabetes and hypertension screening and treatment, general out-patient department service and free eye test/glasses, among others.Furthermore, some courtesy visitations were made to important places and people. Among were Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Kaduna State; Federal Road Safety Corps, Kaduna Command; Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris; Sabon Gari Local Government Chairman; State Security Service; Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps; Nigeria Prison Services and others.

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To create a clean and disease-free environment, MKAN embarked on National Waqar-e-Amal (Dignity of Labour) at Zaria Roundabout where it ensured that the environment was free of dirts and refuse. In view of the above, the indigents were surprised and appreciative, seeing Muslim youths rendering humanitarian service to the community.Goodwill messages were from His Holiness, Khalifat-ul-Masih V, Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, e Worldwide Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, MKA Germany, Australia, Uganda, Ghana, Gambia, Tanzania and Lajna Imaillah, Nigeria.At the Symposium, dignitaries from all walks of lives ranging from religion, politics to academics graced the occasion. Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, Nigeria, Dr Mashhud Adenrele Fashola, was ably represented by Naib Amir North, Dr Yaqeen Habeeb.e guest lecturer, Barrister Muhammad Bashir Badr,

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delivered a lecture on the theme of the Convention, where he made it known that until serious attention is paid to peaceful gatherings as Ijtema by governments at all levels, security agencies and other parastatals, peace cannot be achieved in the society.Meanwhile, Majlis members from States participated in educational and sports competitions such as Qur'an, Speech, Message Delivery, Scrabble and Dart, among others. At the end of the programme, Ogun State emerged the Best Ilaqa (State), Monatan District the Best Dil'a while Agege Locality became the Best Muqami. Also, Isha'at (Publicity) emerged the Best Department and Bro Muftau Bakare became the Best Muhtamin (National Officer).

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Fun Porcupines Facts for Kids

Porcupines are classified as mammals and rodents. They are also called “quill pigs” which is what their name means in La�n. There are about two dozen species of porcupine and most of these live in the deciduous and coniferous forests of North America and Canada. They are nocturnal animals that are ac�ve primarily at night and live up to 18 years. Keep reading for more interes�ng porcupine facts.

· The North American porcupine is the only species that lives in the U.S. and Canada, and is the largest of all porcupines. Porcupines live in the deciduous and coniferous forests of North America and Canada. Porcupines found in North and South America are good climbers and spend much of their �me in trees.

· When not in trees or feeding, porcupines prefer the protec�on of a den. Dens can be found in rock crevices, caves, hollow logs, abandoned mines, and even under houses and barns. When porcupines are on the ground, they shuffle and waddle along.

· They are short, fat, and covered with as many as 30,000 spiny quills. All porcupines have quills. Africa's crested porcupine has quills that are nearly a foot long (30 cm). Porcupines have so� hair, but on their back, sides, and tail it is usually mixed with sharp quills. The quills lie flat, but will spring up if the porcupine is threatened.

· The porcupine cannot shoot its quills at a predator, but the quills will detach from the porcupine rela�vely easily. An animal that a�acks a porcupine will usually end up with a face full of quills.· Quills have sharp �ps and overlapping scales or barbs that make them difficult to remove once they are stuck in another animal's skin. Porcupines grow new quills to replace the ones they lose.

· From the �p of the nose to the end of the tail, a porcupine can be from 33 to 46 inches (80 to 115 cm) long. They can weigh from 12 to 35 lbs (5 to 16 kg).

· Porcupines make shrill screeches, whines, and low grunts to communicate.

· Porcupines are nocturnal, which means they are ac�ve primarily at night.

· In the wild, porcupines live from 5 to 7 years, but some have been known to live as long as 18 years.

· The porcupine lives on plants, shrubs, leaves, dandelions, clover, grasses and

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wildflowers. They eat natural bark and stems, and have been known to chew on canoe paddles.

· North American porcupines also eat fruit and spring�me buds. Porcupines can swim, so pond weeds, water lilies, and arrowhead are all part of the summer diet. In the winter they will eat the inner bark of trees and evergreen needles. Their favorite trees are hemlock.

· North American porcupines use their large front teeth to sa�sfy this healthy appe�te for wood. Porcupines are a�racted by salt and may chew on any tool handle that has salt le� from human sweat.

· Females maintain a territory where they live, and will defend it against other females; however male territories typically overlap those of several females. The territories of dominant males rarely overlap. Breeding occurs in October and November.

· Porcupines will carry their babies about 210 days before they give birth. When the female gives birth it is to one baby. The mother will nurse her young for about 4 months. The baby will begin living independently at the age of 5 months. Baby porcupines are called “porcupe�es.”

· In spite of this prickly suit of armor, there

are some animals that prey on porcupines. The fisher is the most formidable predator, but great horned owls, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and wolves will make a meal out of the porcupine if there's an opportunity.

PAGE 20APRIL 2018

Foreign News

Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, Germany and Canada Convocations take place in Joint Ceremony

he Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is pleased to announce Tthat on 25 March 2018, the 6th Convocation Ceremony for Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, the 7th Convocation Ceremony for

Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada and the 3rd Convocation Ceremony for Jamia Ahmadiyya Germany took place in a combined event at the UK college premises in Haslemere, Surrey.

e World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad presided over the ceremony and delivered the keynote address.During the ceremony, 18 graduates from Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, 14 graduates from Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada and 11 graduates from Jamia Ahmadiyya Germany were presented with their 'Shahid Degree' certificates by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad and were thus enrolled as

official Missionaries and Imams of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.Following the presentation, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered a faith-inspiring address, in which he reminded the young Imams that they should fulfil their pledge of devoting their lives for the sake of Islam.Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:“What is the objective of dedicating your life for the sake of your faith? It is to make every possible effort towards fulfilling the mission of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) and so at every moment of your lives you must strive towards achieving this. Remember, the

PAGE 21APRIL 2018

Promised Messiah's (peace be upon him) mission was to revive the true teachings of Islam and to establish the Oneness of God Almighty and to spread the true message of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) throughout the world.”His Holiness said that society was becoming increasingly materialistic and drawn towards atheism. He said reversing this trend was the great challenge of the time for the young Imams.Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:“It is your duty to safeguard humanity by bringing it back towards God Almighty. is is the real purpose of devoting your lives and to achieve this supreme goal, you must seek to fulfil your potential and to utilise all your faculties and capabilities. Remember, this is no easy task and so you will have to be fully determined and never waver in your efforts.”

PAGE 22APRIL 2018

RISING I AM NOT BABALAWO BUT HERBALIST - OPADEJI SHERIFF

AKOREDE, A POSTGRADUATE STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN.

Opadeji Sheriff Akorede con�nued his studies at the University of Ibadan a�er his first degree in Botany at the pres�gious University of Ilorin. In this Interview with Ismail Ro�mi Lawal, Opadeji Sheriff Akorede talked about how he can treat ailments and diseases where orthodox medicines are failing.

May I know you? I am Opadeji Sheriff Akorede. I am an indigene of Ibadan, Oyo State and a Master's Student at the University of Ibadan.

What are you studying at the University of Ibadan and why did you choose UI?I'm studying Botany at the University of Ibadan, and I chose to further my study at UI based on her track record in postgraduate educa�on in Nigeria.

What was your university first degree?My first degree was Botany obtained at the University of Ilorin.

There are a lot of people that stop furthering their educa�on a�er their first degree, may I know why you con�nue your studies?It depends on passion. What I enjoy doing most is teaching, and my goal is to be a good teacher. To be successful in teaching, one must have a deep knowledge on one's discipline.

I am very much interested to know about your discipline. Can you briefly tell me what is Botany?Botany simply means the study of Plants. It was carved out of the two disciplines, namely: Agriculture and Medicine. Botany has various specializa�ons which inc lude Ecology, Gene�cs, Economic Botany, Ethnobotany, Taxonomy, etc.

Which of these areas are you specialized?I am specialized in Ethnobotany.

Why is Ethnobotany important?All the specializa�ons in Botany are very important to us and our environment. I am an Ethnobotany specialist (the interac�on among people, plants and culture); we deal with preserving indigenuous knowledge of plants usage and providing scien�fic basis by evalua�ng the pharmacological ac�vi�es of plants.

Ethnobotany specialist uses their knowledge of herbs for the cure of various ailments and diseases, which can be through herbal decoc�on, infusion, juice, �ncture etc. Moreover,

PAGE 23APRIL 2018

Ethnobotany provides medicines at an affordable price for people.

As a specialist in Botany, what are you called?A specialist in Botany is called a Botanist.

I believe every profession has one or two challenges they are facing. What are the challenges Botanists are facing in Nigeria?The major challenge Botanists are facing in Nigeria is funding; good funding is required for landmark research. For example, the United States of America's annual budget for plants and its product research is more than Nigeria's annual capital expenditure. There are some apparatus Botanist needs to have to carry out their researches to provide cure to common ailments and diseases. Extrac�on machines are very expensive to get, which in turn limit the quality of our research.For example, Moringa leaf has an ability to revive brain, but the ac�ve compound cannot be extracted through methanol or ethanol. Nuclear Magne�c Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) machine does, which is very scarce to get around us.

How can your knowledge be u�lized for the progress of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community?To my understanding, what make a Jama'at are people. And only people with good health will func�on well and be able to discharge their du�es. With my knowledge of herbs, I can come in some ailments where orthodox medicines are failing, like finding cures to Stroke, Asthma and Sickle cell, among others for their management.

What do you think are the necessary skills needed to be successful in this field?To be successful in any field, one needs “determina�on". Botany is not an excep�on while every other skills to be successful can follow.

Can you share one of the challenges you faced in school and how you overcame it?I only had an accommoda�on problem, as I couldn't secure one on campus but I was able to overcome it by spending most of my days and some�mes nights on campus, I sparingly stayed in my rented apartment off campus.

What are your favorite foods?Beans with plantain is my favourite food.

Are you married?I am single.

Are you ready to have a rela�onship with anyone?I'm not yet ready. Let's skip this for now.

What mo�vates you?Reading achievements of successful people tend to mo�vate and renew my courage that I can also be successful in life.

The rate at which career suicide is increasing in Nigeria is alarming. What is your scholarly advice on this trending act?My advice is that we should not let other people dictate our life for us (parents inclusive).If we are allowed to pursue our passionate careers, the rate at which young people commi�ng suicide will be very minimal. It's important that we should manage our circumstances very well such that suicide would not be an op�on.

Who are your mentors and why? I have a lot of mentors. I take each in one area of life that he/she is best at.

What are your favourite colours?My favourite colours are green and red.

What are the mistakes people are making regarding this profession?One mistake that people do make is erroneously addressing Botanists especially Ethnobotanists as “babalawo” (a Priest of Ifa Oracle). Prac�ces of Babalawo are consulta�on of gods and making d iv ina�on, etc whi le Botanists espec ia l ly Ethnobotanists consult plants. Hence, they are Herbalists; herbalists are those who treat diseases or ailments with plants. Without doubt, Botanists are different from Babalawo.

PAGE 24APRIL 2018

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