Launch of Al-Amin College in Lagos

Alhaji Muhammad Ahmad Okatahi, an Ebira educationist, spiritual cleric and one time school head teacher of Al-Hilal Islamic Nursery and Primary School, G.R.A Okene, who relocated to Lagos where he has lived for over a decade, founded Al-Amin College to fulfill his desire to uplifting moral standard of the muslim children particularly in his residential community in Lagos. Since the commmunity, Akiode area of Ojodu is owned and dominated by muslims, he was promptly suppported by the elders and leaders in the area who provided the temporary site and some study materials that influenced the birth of Al-Amin college on the 4th of October, 2005.

At her third (3rd) year, Alhaji Okatahi gathered parents, community and traditional leaders beside other eminent personalities of Ebira origin residing in Lagos for the Launch and fund raising for the college. In his speech, Alhaji Okatahi, the Prorietor cited the objectives for establishing the college. He observed that Nigerian public school of this generation are confronted with not only confilcting ideological pressures from outside annd within, but with enormously expanding enrollments and greatly increased diversity of students in same schools and same class, stating that young children need authority but as they grow older,such graduallly diminishes. He further cited the negative impact made by anti-social transformation of our society on children perceptio of islamic values.

Having analysed these observations, he 'decided to have an institution which shalll be an embodiment of Islaamic annd Western education with the motto: Truth in Knowledge' he said.

On his part, HRH Chief Nasirudeen Bakare, the Baale of Omole community and one of the royal fathers of the day, described education as human development process which cut across cultural, social, religious, psychological and all other aspect of human life till his death. Lamenting the current poor standard of education in Nigeria, Chief Nasirudeen said the need for imparting religious values on our children has become imperative on every parent. As for Chief Mustapha Bakare, the Baale oof Akiode community, he was filled with joy and satisfaction noting that the dream for divinely driven institution within Akiode community of Lagos is being materialised through a man who 'has contributed immensely to the community development through his intelligence, God's consciousness and humility inspite of his origin as an Ebira man', he commended. The Baale further prayed for the survival of the college and quick acquisition of a permanent site for the colllege for a lasting contribution to the much needed development of the community. Other present guests offered their commendation and prayers to the school and its founder, Alhaji Muhammad Okatahi who was overjoyed by the accolades for his courage and determination.

The occassion which held at the open ground of Babs Fafunwa Millenium Secondary School, Ojodu Lagos, was well attended and had the presence of notable Ebiras among whom were Alhaji Muhammed Suleiman Ihiezu (Chief launcher), MD/CEO of Stronghold Ltd. Lagos; Alhaji Nuhu Ozigi (one of the chairmen) of Nigerian Airspace Management Authority; Alhaji Jibril Opeh (Director, Opeh Victory Nig. Ltd.); Hajia Wasilat Badmus; Alhaji Idris Salawu, HRH Chief Tijani Sanni (Onu of Igala in Lagos); Dr. Taiwo Morekete (rtd. Cultural Attache to United Nations); Alh. Abdul Mutalib Ojulari (Chief Imam of Akiode); Alh. Hassan Gbodoffu (Head of Islamic Affairs, LSDPC); Alh. Abdullahi Akinbode (Chief missioner, NASFAT, Lagos); Alh. Tawhid Tanco, Hajia Zikrillulahi Animashaun, Hajia Bintu Muhammed among others. Present also were the representatives ethnic communities in Akiode including the Igbo, the Igalla, the Hausa annd of course Ebira Community in Akiode among many royal fathers and mothers.

The college which just emerged from junior schools examination with brilliant performance by its students is set to produce the best of morally upright children for a great future. while thanking the attendants, Alhaji okatahi, the founder cum proprietor promise to deliver his best and making the college one of the best in Lagos state.

Gallery from the event
Recitation of the Adhkaar by the students