Az-Zumratul Adabiyyatul Kamaliyah, an Islamic educational institution in Ilorin, Kwara State, raised ₦565 million from the launch of three books at its centenary celebration on Sunday, with former Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Kwara State Government among the major contributors.
The event, which attracted Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, brought together traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, politicians, alumni and other dignitaries to celebrate the institution’s 100 years of promoting Islamic education, moral instruction and community development.
The Sultan’s presence added prominence to the ceremony, which also celebrated the legacy of the institution’s late founder, Muhammad Kamalud-Deen Al-Adabiy, a renowned Islamic scholar and the first Mufti of the Ilorin Emirate.
The book launch was one of the major highlights of the celebration, as prominent guests made substantial financial commitments in support of the institution’s educational mission.
Mashood Mustapha, who served as chief launcher, opened the donations with ₦10 million, describing it as a foundation on which others could build.
Dr AWA Ibraheem, chairman of the occasion, subsequently pledged ₦100 million after an appeal by his spiritual leader, the Chief Imam of Offa, Dr Muhyideen Salman Hussein Al-Imam. Ibraheem said he was committing ₦1 million for each year of the institution’s existence.
Businessman Yahaya Seriki followed with ₦120 million, while Saraki announced ₦150 million. The Kwara State Government, represented at the event, contributed ₦180 million, while Professor Yusuf Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, donated ₦5 million.
The contributions brought the total amount raised to ₦565 million, according to the report, with other supporters also participating in the book launch.
Addressing the gathering, Sultan Abubakar congratulated the Adabiyyah community on reaching the century milestone, commending its sustained commitment to Islamic scholarship, character development and the promotion of moral values.
He urged young people, particularly students of the Ansar-Ul-Islam group of schools, not to allow themselves to be recruited as bandits or used for criminal activities, but to pursue beneficial knowledge and uphold the principles of Islam.
The Sultan also stressed the importance of preserving Islamic heritage and documenting the history of religious institutions to ensure that their achievements and contributions remain accessible to future generations.
He was accompanied by members of the Sokoto Sultanate Council, including Magajin Garin Sokoto, Ahmed Bello, and Sai’n Kilgori, Dr Mohammed Jabbi Kilgori, as well as members of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs delegation.
Other prominent attendees included the 15th Emir of Kano, Ibrahim Ado Bayero; the Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Professor Is-haq Oloyede; and other religious and community leaders.
Beyond the financial donations and ceremonial activities, the centenary provided an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s century-long contribution to Islamic learning, Arabic education and moral upbringing.
The milestone also renewed calls for sustained investment in educational institutions, particularly through alumni support, philanthropy and partnerships capable of improving facilities, supporting teachers and expanding learning opportunities.
For Az-Zumratul Adabiyyatul Kamaliyah, the challenge ahead is to translate the goodwill generated by the centenary into lasting improvements that will sustain its educational mission into the next century.
Source: The DEFENDER’s report on the Adabiyyah centenary and book launch.
