The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has described the death of late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu as a colossal loss to da’wah and Islam especially in Nigeria.
Speaking in a release issued by the JNI Secretary General, Dr. Aliyu Khalid on Saturday, the Sultan said Sheikh Lemu, who was until his death the vice chairman of JNI second highest decision making body; The Central General Purpose Committee (CGPC), was an embodiment of selflessness and dedication to the course of Islam and Muslims.
“The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the leadership of its President-General, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, received the news of the demise of Sheikh Ahmad Lemu, with total submission to the will of Allah, the Most High. Sheikh Lemu was indeed the father of modern da’wah and training in Nigeria.
“Indeed JNI and the entire da’wah family in Nigeria has lost a colossus of Da’wah, an embodiment of selflessness and dedication to the cause of Islam and the plight of Muslims. The Muslim ummah is really in a mournful mood since the news of his death broke.
“Sheikh Lemu would be fondly remembered by the JNI as the Vice Chairman of its second highest decision making body; the Central General Purpose Committee (CGPC). In that capacity, he deputized the Shehu of Borno. Sheikh Lemu’s general knowledge, balanced judgement, as well as his pedagogical understanding and experience were instrumental to many laudable decisions reached by the CGPC.
“Sheikh Lemu, a cornerstone of Islamic propagation, was so fond of da’wah more than 50 years ago while serving as Principal of the prestigious Arabic College Sokoto, he established the famous Islamic Education Trust (IET).
“The IET was the vehicle through which the late Sheikh and his late wife (may Allah have mercy on their souls) continued to help in Islamic propagation through publications of Islamic literature and training of da’wah workers in Nigeria.
“The IET (without fear of contradiction) is the largest Islamic center in Nigeria with headquarters in Minna, Niger state. The center has a nursery, primary and secondary schools both in Minna and Abuja, the FCT. It also has mosques and Islamic propagation centers in many states especially in eastern Nigeria.
“The late Sheikh solely established the Da’wah Coordination Council of Nigeria (DCCN) and served as its first President. This led to the establishment of Da’wah Institute of Nigeria (DIN), which is into training of senior da’wah workers, in Nigeria. Efforts like these by the late Sheikh are all over Nigeria.
“His effort in making his da’wah efforts independent by establishing entrepreneurial outlets and diversifying to areas such as publishing, farming, estate management and other means of sustainability are worthy of note and should be emulated, adopted and domesticated by all da’awah organizations in Nigeria.
“The late Nonagenarian was also spotted by both states and Federal Governments as the golden fish that has no hiding place. He worked at various levels and capacities until he reached the peak and became a Grand Khadi where he left indelible footprints, in Niger state. He was also appointed to head various panels and commissions by states and Federal Governments in Nigeria. This has proved that the late Sheikh lived his life for humanity.
“JNI sends its condolence to the immediate family of the late Sheikh, praying that Allah (SWT) gives them the strength to bear this colossus loss and may He reward them for their patience. We also condole with the entire Muslim world, the government and people of Niger state and Nigerians in general.
“May Allah admit the late Sheikh into His Rahmah, join him in the company of His righteous servants, forgive his shortcomings, reward all his good deeds and admit him into Jannatul Firdaws!”
