By Ishola Balogun
Alhaji Monsor Olowosago makes a good definition of a philanthropist. The Publisher of Oriwu Sun magazine is the  current chairman of NASFAT Ikorodu. He uses his connection and social standing to advance the cause of Islam, building a N150million mosque for the ummah in Ikorodu.

He single handedly built and donated N10million Islamic centre for the group.  In this interview with Vanguard Facing the Kaaba, he tells the story of the challenges of building the mosque among other issues. Excerpt.

The building of the mosque and the Islamic Center are great achievements.  How did it start?

*Olowosago: For me, it is leadership by example and I think that was why the members were free to spend their money on the project.

I never thought I would become the charman.  I joined NASFAT just for my supplication and nothing more.  But when they dissolved the exco, they approached me to become the chairman, I said no.  The pressure was much but I insisted I was not ready. Alhaji Hamsat Da’ood was appointed as the chairman and I as the vice.

Even at that, I was passive. After the expiration of the term of office of Da’ood led exco,  some members including the Council of Elders asked me to become the chairman and I insisted that they have to return Da’ood and that I was contented to be his vice.

I told them I was not ready to work with anybody if he was not returned; because I found him to be a man of integrity.  A few years later, Da’ood had to travel out of the country and he resigned.  I became the acting Chairman.

I was praying one day and something told me that why can’t I become the chairman of the branch and use my wealth for the development of Islam.  Thereafter, I told the exco at a meeting that I was now ready to serve in that capacity.  But to my utmost surprise, some people did not want me to become the chairman.

They said a lot of nasty things about me.  The story was every where including the headquaters.  I met the Council of Elders and I told them my intention to withdraw.  They refused and encouraged me to go ahead.   For the past seveteen years, I always go for hajj every year.

So, that year, I went for hajj and during tawaf, I prayed for God’s direction that He should make it easy for me, if it was His will; and never to disgrace me but to make me successful.  Behold, when I returned, everything worked itselt out, I became the chairman and we tackled our challenges headlong.

Today, and within four years, we completed the mosque. The achievement was not as a result of my contribution alone, it was the efforts and contributions of the exco, the mission board and the entire members of the branch.

The rough estimate of what has gone into the building of the mosque is put at N150million. Up till now, I can’t say this is how we did it.  We are not owing anybody, there was no fund raising, we did not borrow from bank, it was the contribution of the entire members.

We were also able to build the Islamic Centre within three months which cost about N10million.  I personaly spornsored that in appreciation of what God has done for me.  When I started, I initially set a target of one year for its completion but I did it in three months.

It is not Monsor but Allah in His infinite mercy has made it possible and for the fact that we are alive today, commissioning the mosques; it is another mercy of Allah. Today, all those who said I would not become the chairman are now giving kudos to me; they are now put to shame.

There is one man who met me in Kaduna in one of our programmes, he walked up to me and apologised, saying that he had said something about me and that he was among those who opposed my election as chairman.  He said he told the Chief Missioner about the massive achievements in Ikorodu branch.   But my joy is that the whol
e members cooperated with me to put on record these achievements.

I also want to tell you that as the chairman, for the last four and half years that I have been the  chairman, I have never taken a kobo from the branch’s account; instead, I spend from my own money. For me, it is leadership by example and I think that was why the members were free to spend their money on the project.

At our last asalatu, when I informed them of the expiration of our term; they all shouted no, no! saying chairman for life!  But I know I have to leave when the ovation is the loudest, I am happy and fulfilled; I have done my own part.

I thank the former exco, who laid the foundation, the former Missioner, Alhaji Ishaq Fagba who did a lot to raise funds. The story of that mosque cannot be written without him. His successor and the incumbent, Alhaji Habila Sulaiman also did his best.

But now, it is not a question of one person did it, it is the joint effort of members. I thank the present exco, the elders council, the women management and all other committees for their support.   This is a place where there is no rancour, a place where understanding and cooperation prevailed.  It is a feat for all of us.  That is why I said I am going to pick the bill for the entertaiment.

What are the details of the programme?

We are not only commissioning the mosque and the Islamic Centre, we are also celebrating NASFAT Ikorodu and the whole world.  It is going to be a 7-day programme.  On Sunday 15th of April, there will be a procession from Oriwu College (where we began) round the town to the Oba’s palace to pay homage.

On Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th of April, there will be free medical test for muslims.  We have written the Lagos state government through the Commisioner for health for the necessary support.  We have invited Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola for the D-day and we hope he will personally grace the occasion.

On Wednesday 18th, we will visit the orphanage and rehabilitation centre within Ikorodu. We will visit the mentally deranged and the physically challenged to appreciate God. Thursday has been scheduled as a prayer day while Friday will be for special Jumat service at Akasoleri.

Saturday has been slated for dinner with other branches of Nasfat and of course, friends and well wishers. That is intended to raise funds for the mosque.  We will also have children party to give our children a big treat. On Sunday, the D-day, the govermor will be there, he has been very supportive and it is our desire that he personally attend the occasion.

I am using this medium to beg him to attend even for few minutes. famous Islamic preacher, Alhaji Muyideen Bello will be there to give the lecture of the day. The mosque is going to be commissioned by Sheikh Abdullahi Gbade Akinbode, the worldwide Chief Missioner of NASFAT.

How has NASFAT activities impacted in the lives of Muslims in this area?

It has impacted immensely in the lives of muslims here.  When we started ten years ago, we were less than 500 in number, but now, we are over 4000.  It is easy to know, just come there on a Sunday, you will be amazed.  There is no doubt that NASFAT Ikorodu is a model to muslim organisations.  It is the talk-of-the-town especially after the completion of that mosque.  Every day the membership is growing. It is a great achievement.

What is your message for others in similar position?

He must have the fear of God.  He must be focussed and principled.  I tell people that the way money comes in weekly, it is easy for a chairman to steal money if he wants to.  So, whoever is leading must have the fear of God.

For me as chairman, I dont have anything to do with cash, I don’t even give out contract, except where the contract given out was poorly done, then I intervene.  I don’t claim to know it all.  That is why there is no rancour and that is why there is fast development.

How do you feel being part of these massive achievements?

I fell very great.  I feel fulfilled. Everyday I wake in the morning, I give glory to God for making it possibe for me to achieve. I am happy that God used me to do some of these things.  I don’t know whether I merit Al-janah but I pray God to give me Al-janah.

I always pray that God should make Islam a source of success and glory to my life. On that note I feel fulfilled.  I really dont give a damn on how much I’m spending, because I know givers never lack, Allah will give me back.

What is your view of the spate of insecurity in this country?

I honestly feel that Jonathan is not in charge. The issue of Boko Haram is purely political. Every day there is bombing and the government seems helpless.  After 9/11 in America, the government moved to check all acts of terrorism and the goverment is winning the war.

This is because the government is in charge. Look at the oil probe, look at the pension funds, so many things are wrong in this country and there is no genuine attempt to stop the trend.  Boko Haram is not religious because the Quran never supports killings of people.