The Island Muslim Community (IMC) is a pioneering group of distinguished Nigerian Muslims dedicated to addressing the unique needs of the Ummah. Focused on healthcare, social infrastructure, and community welfare, the IMC is set to launch transformative projects, including Shariah-compliant cemeteries, a hospital and an orphanage to meet the lasting needs of humanity. NTAK OTONGARAN reports
In a world often consumed by the rush of personal ambition and fleeting success, there exists a rare breed of individuals whose lives are defined not by what they accumulate, but by what they give. The Island Muslim Community (IMC) is a powerful testament to this philosophy—an organisation built on the pillars of faith, compassion and collective action. In the heart of Lagos, a group of visionary Nigerians has come together with a singular mission: to bring real change to their community through healthcare, education, and support for the deceased.
But for the IMC, simply dreaming about a better world is not enough. It is the deliberate and unwavering pursuit of action that sets them apart. With each project, every initiative and every community-driven effort, they are proving that transformation starts when people unite for a common good. The question they’ve asked themselves is simple yet profound: how do we take our shared vision and turn it into a legacy of tangible impact? The answer is clear. It’s by amplifying their efforts and consolidating their resources into projects that matter.
And now, they’re set to take their humanitarian journey to new heights. On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, a remarkable announcement was made—one that marks a significant milestone for the IMC. At a press conference held at the heart of Lagos, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, revealed the launch of a N5 billion Social Infrastructure Fund. This fund, set to be officially launched on Saturday March 1 at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, aims to propel the community’s development projects across Lagos State. With this ambitious fund, IMC plans to accelerate a variety of social interventions that will touch the lives of countless people, from improving healthcare infrastructure to providing educational resources and ensuring proper care for the deceased. For the IMC, this initiative represents more than just a financial target—it is the realisation of their vision to make a lasting impact and solidify their place as leaders in social development.
Founded a few years ago in response to the glaring lack of social amenities and infrastructure tailored to the needs of Muslims on the Island, IMC emerged as a collective force for change. Recognising that the facilities essential to the well-being and religious practices of Muslims were either insufficient or entirely absent, key Muslim communities on the Island united to form what is now known as IMC. Launched on August 22, 2022, IMC is a faith-based, non-profit, non-governmental organisation that serves as the umbrella body for Muslim individuals, communities, mosques and corporate entities across the Island. Its membership spans across the entire expanse of Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Chevron, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki and beyond, bringing together a diverse yet unified network of Muslims committed to making a difference.
From its inception, IMC’s vision and mission have been crystal clear: to foster unity among Island Muslims while actively working towards the development of social infrastructure that enhances the community’s welfare. With a resolute focus on cooperation and collaboration, IMC has positioned itself as a central hub for Muslim advancement on the Island. Guided by the motto, “IMC intervening for the Ummah’s good,” the community has taken on a multifaceted approach to its goals. These include promoting unity, supporting the welfare of members, and creating essential social projects and infrastructure that cater specifically to Muslim needs. Additionally, IMC has launched numerous socioeconomic and financial inclusion programs designed to uplift its members and empower future generations. Protecting Islamic values, empowering youth, fostering mobility and ensuring a strong media presence for national engagement are also key priorities. Through these focused initiatives, IMC continues to pave the way for the growth, prosperity, and cohesion of Muslims on the Island, while also setting a powerful example for other communities across the nation.
The IMC is guided by a distinguished leadership team, led by renowned accountant and businessman, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. His leadership is supported by Vice-Chairman Alhaji Tijani Borodo, a respected lawyer and the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD). Additionally, the Shurah Council, composed of leading Imams and Islamic scholars from various stakeholder communities, offers spiritual guidance and advisory support, fostering unity and cohesion within the organization. The dynamic team also includes key figures such as Alhaja Kudirat Moyosore-Brimah, the Coordinator of Finance and Administration; Alhaji Adeniyi Akinlusi, Chairman of the Executive Council; Alhaji Ariyo Olushekun, Chairman of the Mega Launch Committee; Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam of the Lekki Central Mosque; Alhaji Sherifat Abiola Andu, a member of the Board of Trustees; and Dr. Basheer Oshodi, a member of the Executive Council. Together, they form a robust and visionary team committed to the mission of the IMC.
Under the leadership of these dedicated individuals, the IMC has set its sights on several ground-breaking projects designed to serve the needs of the Muslim community, both on the Island and beyond. Among the key initiatives are Shariah-compliant cemeteries, including a 10,000-square-meter cemetery land in Ikorodu, and additional cemeteries in Akodo and Ibeju-Lekki. These projects aim to ensure that Muslim burial practices are respected and upheld in accordance with Islamic law. Another significant project is the creation of a world-class hospital for women and children, designed to prioritise gender-sensitive healthcare while ensuring that the dignity of Muslim women is respected in service delivery. The hospital will provide a safe environment where men will be attended to by male doctors, preserving the cultural and religious values of the community.
The IMC has also completed the construction of a Muslim-oriented orphanage in Surulere, Lagos, focused on providing a safe haven for orphaned Muslim children while protecting their faith and well-being. Looking ahead, the IMC plans to establish the Island Muslim Community Centre, a revenue-generating facility that will house event halls, office spaces for rent, commercial activities, and a digital communications hub, including a radio station and studio. At a press conference held on February 25, 2025, at the Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla Hall of the Lekki Central Mosque, Chairman Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti revealed that the IMC would be launching a N5billion social infrastructure fund at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island on March 1, 2025. Ebiti emphasised the urgency of addressing social interventions, particularly in ensuring the timely burial of deceased Muslims, in line with Islamic traditions. He noted that it was essential for the community to act swiftly and compassionately to meet the pressing needs of its members, as death should never delay the burial of a Muslim.
“It is rather pathetic to note that such essential facilities as cemeteries, orphanages, women and children hospital, Halal recreation centres, etc., are either totally non-existent or inadequate in our local jurisdiction. This explains why we are embarking on an arduous task of raising N5 billion for the provision of such essential Islamic social infrastructure for the teeming Muslim population in the aforementioned axis.
“It’s an open secret that the ancient cemeteries on the island, such as Oke-Sunnah, Abari, and Ikoyi are already bursting at the seams. Unfortunately too, the few highbrow cemeteries available hardly meet Islamic standards, quite apart from the fact that their charges are relatively exorbitant. In view of this ugly situation, we have made cemeteries our flagship project,” said Alhaji Ebiti.
Corroborating the vision of the Island Muslim Community (IMC), the Vice-Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tijani Borodo, further elaborated on the organization’s core objectives. He explained, “The Island Muslim Community is an umbrella body for all Muslim organizations, encompassing the Muslim Ummah across the Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ibeju-Lekki axis. Our goal is to provide a conducive environment for living, business, and all activities that comply with the tenets of Sharia.”
Borodo emphasized that the IMC’s approach is built around three flagship projects: the Shariah-compliant cemeteries, a world-class hospital for Muslims, and a well-established orphanage. He added, “As the Chairman mentioned, the cemetery is one of our top priorities. The second is the hospital, where people will have access to quality treatment in a setting that respects Islamic values.” Alhaja Sherifat Abiola-Andu, a member of the Board of Trustees, also weighed in on the significance of the IMC’s initiatives. She stated, “This is a major undertaking. Our key projects include a cemetery, an orphanage, and a hospital specifically designed for Muslims. Death is inevitable, yet we often find ourselves uncertain about where we will be buried. Right now, there is a shortage of cemeteries for Muslims, and that is why we are so committed to creating a proper resting place for our community. This is the driving force behind our mega launch, and we need substantial resources to ensure we can make these vital projects a reality.” The urgency expressed by Alhaja Abiola-Andu highlights the community’s determination to meet the pressing needs of its members, ensuring that vital services are provided in alignment with Islamic principles.
Alhaji Ariyo Olushekun shared his thoughts on the critical projects that the Island Muslim Community (IMC) is undertaking, stating, “We’ve identified some vital projects that are essential for the well-being of our community. These include the establishment of cemeteries, an orphanage, and a hospital. Currently, we are working on three cemeteries—one in Ikorodu, another in Ibeju-Lekki, and a third in Akodo.” Olushekun also highlighted the progress of the orphanage, saying, “The orphanage is nearly ready to commence. We have everything in place, and we are only awaiting the final inspection by the government authorities before it kicks off.”
In his remarks, Dr. Bashir Oshodi addressed the importance of healthcare intervention within the IMC’s mega project. He explained the dire need for a Muslim hospital, noting, “Twenty-seven percent of Nigerian children suffer from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition. Additionally, 15 to 20 million children are out of school, the highest number in the world. The healthcare situation is equally alarming. Globally, there is one doctor for every 600 people, but in Nigeria, it’s one doctor for 5,000 people. With such an imbalance, how can we expect to meet the healthcare needs of our population?”
Dr. Oshodi pointed out that, despite raising substantial amounts of money—be it N5 billion, N10 billion, or even N100 billion—this would not be enough to resolve the deeper issues plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare system. When discussing the sustainability of the IMC and its ability to execute these important projects, Alhaji Borodo stressed that integrity plays a key role in ensuring the longevity and success of the organization. “Integrity is the foundation of sustaining both present and future projects,” Borodo explained. “Proper accountability will always inspire confidence in our donors. It’s also about bringing together highly professional Muslims who are committed to making a meaningful impact for the betterment of humanity.”
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