In a memorable farewell dinner held in his honour, the newly appointed President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Adeniji Kazeem SAN, shared his plans to modernize the communication approach of the Society, focusing particularly on engaging the younger generation. The dinner, which took place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Admiral Ayinla Hall in Lekki, Lagos, was organized by the Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU). The event brought together distinguished Muslim leaders, friends, associates, and members of the Ummah to celebrate Kazeem’s ascension to lead one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic organizations.
Speaking at the occasion, Alhaji Kazeem, who had previously served as the Chairman of LEMU Group of Schools, outlined his vision for a digitally connected Ansar-Ud-Deen Society. He emphasized the importance of tapping into mobile technology to attract young Muslims, particularly those navigating modern challenges in an increasingly tech-driven world. In his words, “A lot of young people do practically everything on their phones. Is Ansar-Ud-Deen available on your phone? If you go to Google Play Store or Apple Store and can download an app that provides comprehensive information about the Society, won’t that make a huge difference? It will help many young people who are seeking guidance.”
Kazeem also assured that his leadership would be inclusive, catering to both younger and older members of the Society. His administration, he stated, would not ignore the needs of older members but would strive to create a responsive organization that serves people of all age groups. Reflecting on the mission of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Kazeem noted that the organization’s core purpose includes missionary work, social support, and guidance, stressing that there are many people in need of spiritual direction. “We want to bring Ansar-Ud-Deen back to a place where people can walk into the mosque, consult with an Imam, and get practical help with their day-to-day challenges,” he added.
The farewell dinner also served as a moment for the LEMU community to show appreciation for Kazeem’s tenure and contributions. In an emotional display of gratitude, the new president expressed his surprise at the level of recognition he had received. “I didn’t expect the level of accolades that were given today. The things I did during my tenure came naturally to me because I believed they were the right thing to do,” he said, thanking LEMU leadership and members for their unwavering support.
Alhaji AbdulGaniy Labinjo, President of LEMU, expressed confidence in Kazeem’s leadership abilities at the national level. He praised Kazeem for his humility, integrity, and sense of purpose. “With his leadership qualities, and by the grace of Allah, we believe he will take Ansar-Ud-Deen to greater heights,” Labinjo affirmed. Labinjo also highlighted Kazeem’s achievements during his three-year leadership of LEMU, describing him as a transformational leader who played a key role in restructuring the organization.
Furthermore, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, the Chief Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, lightened the atmosphere with a humorous remark, referring to Kazeem’s leadership of LEMU as a “temporary secondment” before his official return to the parent body. “What an excellent loan he has been. He was on secondment, but Ansar-Ud-Deen has now taken him back,” Sheikh Ahmad joked, causing the room to erupt in laughter. He concluded with prayers for Kazeem’s success and for the continued prosperity of the entire Muslim Ummah.
The dinner attracted a variety of notable figures, including Dr. Abdul Ganiy Labinjo, President of LEMU; Alhaji Yunus Salisu, member of the LEMU Board of Trustees; Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque; and Alhaja Muinat Shopeyin, also a member of LEMU’s Board of Trustees, among others. Tributes were paid to Kazeem by various members of the LEMU community, including Dr. Kamoru Omotosho, former President of LEMU; Imam Nojeem Jimoh of Lighthouse Mosque; Professor Fatimah Biade Abdulkareem; Ustaz Mustapha Jamiu, Administrator of LEMU schools; and Ustaz Abdulhakeem B. Isioye, Head of School at Lekki Qur’an Memorisation College.
The evening served not only as a celebration of Kazeem’s contributions but also as a formal send-off as he embarks on his new role as the President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Worldwide.
