27th June, 2015
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
PHOTO: Abiodun Onafuye
An erudite scholar and the Chief Imam of Sa’adatul Adabiyya Society of Nigeria, Ustaz Ismael Abdul Lateef has advised inmates in prisons not to see their present condition as the end of their lives.
He urged them to be prayerful, confess their sins and vow never to go back to their vices again after they leave the prison.
The cleric stated this on Friday during the 10th annual Ramadan lecture organised by the Islamic Humanitarian Society at the Ibara Prison, Abeokuta.
“I am highly move today, this is a new life entirely and I want to appeal to you not to condemn yourselves as with God, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“You are here for a purpose and this has been destined before you came to life. Don’t rule yourselves out of success in this life, you can become something in future after you regain your freedom.
“I want to advised parents to be mindful of their conditions when pregnant as they need to pray fervently during this period for the yet unborn child as that is when the destiny is being written.
“Have faith in Him and belief He will do unexpected goodness in your life as this place is not your permanent home,” the cleric advised.
In his welcome address, the national co-ordinator of the society revealed that the group since its inception about 15 years ago has helped free 49 inmates and is working on the freedom of almost 12 now.
Okenla called on Muslim philanthropists to come to the aid of the group, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, so as to enable the inmates to enjoy the fasting as other Muslims.
He disclosed that approval for the construction of a mosque inside Oba prison, Abeokuta has been given from Abuja, calling on Muslims across the country to support the group lay foundation of the building during the Ramadan lecture to be held at the prison on July 16, 2015.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller, DCP Salman Abdulkadir, Ibrahim Bisiriyu called on the well to do in the society to extend their olive hands to the inmates to cushion the little they are providing to them.
Various Islamic groups were represented at the lecture which attracted many Islamic personalities which include the Amirah General of NAJOMO; Alhaja Sherifat Taiwo; Alhaja Ziyadat Adeyemi, member BoT, IHS; Alhaja Tawakalitu Sekoni, Amirah, Alwajud Society and Sheik Sambo, National Chief Missioner, Islamic Dawah Society.
Others were Muslim Tailors Association, INEC Muslim Community, Dabira Health Foundation, Muslim Corpers, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN among others.
Other activities of the group during the Ramadan period include: Ramadan Tafsir at Ijebu Ode prison on July 2, Sagamu Prison tour on July 7, Ilaro Prison visit on July 14 and a visit to Oba prison on July 16 while the celebration of the Night of Majesty (Laelatul Qadr) will climax the event on the night of July 16, 2015 at the secretariat of the group at Ita Morin, Sapon, Abeokuta.