A faith-based non-governmental organisation, Muslim Ladies Circle (MLC), has concluded plans to organise a fundraising event of about N8.56 billion.
The fundraising is for the construction of Crescent School’s proposed boarding school at Bera Estate, off Chevron Drive Ajiran, Lekki, Lagos.
The group’s President, Alhaja Sherifat Adeyemi made the announcement on Tuesday, 27 February, 2024, during a press briefing held at Crescent Schools, 1004 Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, to create awareness for the fundraising.
Prominent Muslim personalities in the private and public sectors are expected to grace this highly anticipated event.
The launch is slated for Sunday, 24 March, 2024, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos.
The 14th Emir of Kano and Khalifa of the Tijaniyyah Sufi Order of Nigeria and the neighbouring countries, His Royal Highness, Khalifah Muhammadu Sanusi II will be the Keynote Speaker at the fundraising event.
Alhaja Adeyemi revealed that the 1.5 hectares (36 plots) of land was acquired in 2002 with the support of members through the money generated by Crescent Schools in 1004 over the years.
According to her, In line with the mission of MLC, we established the Crescent Schools in 1981, through donations by members and other well-meaning members of the public. The Crescent Schools which comprises a nursery, primary section and a college, has grown in leaps and bounds, producing reputable professionals who are contributing immensely to society.
“In furtherance of our objectives, we acquired 1.5 hectares (36 plots) of land in the Ajiran area of the Lekki peninsula in 2002 where we hope to build a 500 student-capacity boarding school.
“All necessary documentations from the Lagos State Land Bureau and Town Planning Authority for the land have been obtained. It is instructive to note that all the money generated by Crescent Schools over the years, is ploughed back into the system,” she said.
Speaking further, Alhaja Adeyemi said the boarding school project is coming at a time when there is a growing demand and desire among parents in Nigeria and beyond, to incorporate Islamic and Qur’anic teachings into their children’s education within a structured environment that upholds high standards.
“The project will meet the goal of producing wholesome persons who are academically sound and spiritually upright”, she added.
Alhaja Adeyemi stated that it’s a complete school project with all necessary facilities, consisting of a twin-building administrative complex with a minimum of three floors.
According to her, the complex will house classrooms, administrative offices and staff rooms. Additionally, another building with three floors will serve as the hostel. The land will also accommodate the Head of School’s residence, a mosque, dining and multipurpose halls, staff quarters, recreational areas, car parking lots, and other necessary facilities.
“The estimated project cost is N14.6 billion. The total value of investment to date by MLC in the development is N6 billion, with N8.6 billion as the estimated cost of the construction phase which we envisage will be raised through this fundraising initiative commencing with the upcoming official launch on March 24th 2024,” she stated.
The Organisation thereby implores well-meaning Nigerians, local and international philanthropic organisations and other cheerful givers to support the project by donating generously towards its realisation. May Allah reward you abundantly as you do so.”
Also in attendance at the press briefing were members of the Board of Trustees, and executive members of the organisation including Alhaja Kudirat Brimah, Mrs Saidat Adeola Otiti, Alhaja Hidayat Odunsi and Alhaja Fatima Mahmud-Oyekan, who was the pioneer Head of School (HOS), Crescent Schools.
Founded in 1974 by some committed Muslim ladies, including the one-time Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Lateefah Okunnu, Muslim Ladies Circle was registered with the government in 1978, with the main objective of contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation, particularly in the area of education and human capital development.
