A devout Muslim, Alhaji Ahmed Raji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has donated an assembly hall to the Catholic Diocese of Oyo at St John the Baptist Catholic Church Isalu, Iseyin, commending the church for not discriminating against people of other faiths.

The modern 400-seater assembly hall, built to replace the former 80-year-old edifice which collapsed due to age, was named after Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese and Metropolitan of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province.

The Mass for the blessing and commissioning of the hall, had Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin, as the chief celebrant, while Bishop Emmanuel Badejo concelebrated, with Rev, Fr. Martin Badejo, the Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Iseyin and Rev. Fr. Anthony Fasola.

In his speech, the donor of the hall, who was accompanied by other eminent Muslim associates, explained the rationale behind his commitment to working with the Catholic Church, listing the Church’s long-standing tradition of humble service which has endured for centuries, its remarkable strides in the development of the society and humanity at large and the unparalleled foresight of the Church in the service of humanity and especially of the Iseyin community, as his reasons for his gestures.

The SAN, who had in 2022 donated a state-of-the-art operating theatre building and equipment to Our Lady Catholic Hospital, Iseyin, described the hospital, which is one of the health institutions of the Catholic Diocese, as a real beacon of grassroots healthcare since his childhood.

He noted that the Church, preaching the Gospel with all she possesses, has saved many lives and helped many through her medical and educational institutions respectively.

He said that in his experience, the Church especially at the grassroots, does not discriminate against anyone.

The Muslim faithful then advised Catholics, especially the youths not to abandon the Church and to jettison the ‘japa’ trend which has proved to be a scourge to the grassroots and the society at large, as it takes away the necessary manpower needed to build the society.

He told them to stay in the faith, appreciate what they have, do as much good as they should, and make it spread through them to other people and other places.

The Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, in his homily at the Mass which was celebrated after the blessing of the hall, reminded all present of the need to seek the good of others.

The bishop lauded the zeal of Barrister Raji for inter-faith relations, which has borne fruits, noting that the kind gestures of the erudite lawyer towards the Catholic Church are an appreciation of the Church’s sacrifice, and dedication to integral human development, solidarity, and the common good.

He therefore challenged all present to keep working for the good of their neighbours and society without caring about race, creed, or status.

In his remarks, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, having earlier received the keys to the hall named after him, expressed delight at the honour done to him. He also thanked the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev Emmanuel Badejo, and especially the donor of the hall, Alhaji Barrister Ahmed Raji SAN, and the entire Iseyin Catholic Community.