The Al-Ansar Children’s Home in Kuje, Abuja, recently held a graduation walimah to honor the academic and spiritual achievements of its Qur’an students. The event brought together philanthropists, government officials, and members of the community to celebrate the milestones of the home’s children.
In her welcome address, Hajiya Amina Abubakar Abdullahi, Amira of Al-Ansar, reflected on the home’s humble beginnings, noted that the first four children were initially placed at Karu Children’s Home before joining Al-Ansar once its facilities were ready. “All of them are now with us,” she said, highlighting that one of the original children was among the graduates. She revealed that the orphanage now care for nearly 40 children, mostly from Maiduguri, Borno State, who were orphaned by the Boko Haram conflict.
Hajiya Amina emphasized the importance of providing psychological and educational support to children in institutional care, affirming that Al-Ansar continues to support its wards through secondary and tertiary education. She also credited partners, including the Abdulkabir Aliu Foundation, for their pivotal role in advancing the welfare of the children. Beyond child care, she noted that Al-Ansar supported nearly 300 widows in Kuje, provides free education and feeding programs, and plans to establish a community clinic.
The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Ajani, Amir of the Abuja Muslim Forum, highlighted Islam’s foundation in peace and coexistence. He welcomed attendees from diverse religious backgrounds and called for collective efforts to restore safety and harmony across Nigeria, emphasizing that insecurity should not be attributed to any single religion.
Representing the Abdulkabir Aliu Foundation, Abdulwasie Kolawole Abdulrazaq praised Al-Ansar for its dedication to child welfare, moral upbringing, and education, describing the walimah as a moment for gratitude and reflection.
A lecture on the significance of Qur’anic knowledge was delivered by Navy Capt. M.Y. Abdullahi, representing Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, Commandant of the National Defence College. He underscored that engagement with the Qur’an goes beyond recitation, highlighting the importance of implementing its teachings in daily life.
Other dignitaries present included Hajiya Maryam Abdullahi, Jagaban Mata Zazzau, who lauded improvements at the home, and Hajiya Rahma Musa Sani, Chairperson of the Al-Ansar Education Committee, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to Islamic education, character formation, and community service.
Graduating student Nazirah Isah addressed attendees, emphasizing the virtues of patience, perseverance, and spiritual growth through trust in Allah.
The ceremony also saw attendance from Hajiya Maimuna Abdullahi (Treasurer, Al-Ansar), Imam AbdulRahim Tijani, Imam AbdulRahim Abdullahi, Alhaji Habib Wali Imam, Hajiya Zulfah Imam, Hajiya Zainab Basah (Halal Home), and Hajiya Zainab (Mama Aviation), among others, all of whom celebrated the achievements of the students.
The walimah not only highlighted the accomplishments of Al-Ansar’s children but also reinforced the home’s mission to provide education, care, and spiritual guidance to vulnerable children affected by conflict.
