A delegation from Nigeria, led by the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, Barrister Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has arrived in Surrey, United Kingdom, to participate in the Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK.
The Nigerian delegation comprises members of the National Executive Committee, leaders of auxiliary organisations within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, and prominent personalities. Notable among them are the Head of the Elders’ Group, Alhaji Dauda Raji; the Chancellor, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu; the Vice Chancellor of Minaret University, Ikirun, Professor Abdullah Abdul Rahman; Professor Mashood Fashola, a former Amir and current External Affairs Secretary; and the traditional ruler of Ikirun land, the Eesa of Ikirun, Chief Adeyoyese Kareem Lawal, among others.
Representatives from Nigerian media organisations, including Voice of Nigeria (VON), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and TVC Communications, are also part of the delegation.
A significant highlight of the visit will be the formal presentation of the operational licence of Minaret University, Ikirun, the first secular university established by the global Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, to His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
The Jalsa Salana is a unique Islamic gathering that annually brings together over 35,000 participants from more than 90 countries. It aims to deepen religious understanding and promote peace and unity across society.
Distinguished speakers at the convention will address a variety of religious topics and their relevance in today’s world. Additionally, several parliamentarians, civic leaders, and diplomats from across the globe will grace the event, further reinforcing its mission of fostering unity, interfaith understanding, and mutual respect.
A special feature of the convention is the daily addresses delivered by His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who offers deep spiritual insights into Islamic teachings and their significance in modern times.
On Sunday, the convention will culminate with the Bait (oath of allegiance) ceremony — a spiritual recommitment to the service of Allah and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community — to be led by His Holiness, followed by a closing address.
Another major highlight is the Historical Panel Discussion on the Propagation of Islam, also scheduled for Sunday. The session will reflect on the global contributions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in advancing the message of Islam from London to all parts of the world.
Panellists for the session include:
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Dr Qasim Akinreti, Lead, Ahmadiyya History Compilation Committee
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Alyas Munir, Head, Ahmadiyya History Department, Germany
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Naseer Dean, Naib Amir (Deputy Head), Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, UK
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Raheel Ahmad, Head, History Desk, UK
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Yahya Luqman, Missionary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA
All panellists have played significant roles in documenting the history of the Ahmadiyya Community in Nigeria, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.