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Pa Salami Jimoh Aremu Family Honours Patriarch With Mosque Renovation in Sierra Leone

Published

3 years ago

March 5, 2024

By Ibrahim Lawal

The family of the late Pa Salami Aremu Jimoh has renovated and given a facelift to mosques in Hangha and Tongo communities in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Province as part of efforts to honour his memory and sustain his legacy of faith and community service.

The renovation formed part of activities marking a three-day Qur’anic recitation organised by his children in memory of the late Nigerian-born businessman and community leader.

The programme brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders, residents, friends and associates who had close relationships with Pa Salami during his lifetime.

Born in 1934 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, Pa Salami moved to Sierra Leone in search of better opportunities and eventually established a lasting connection with the country.

He made his mark in the artisanal diamond trade, earning the respect of miners, traders and business associates through his diligence, honesty and integrity.

Beyond his business activities, Pa Salami was widely remembered for his generosity and commitment to the welfare of people in the communities where he lived and worked.

In Hangha and neighbouring Tongo, he was regarded as a father figure, adviser and mentor who readily supported people in need.

His home was reportedly open to struggling families and individuals, while young people seeking guidance on business and personal matters often turned to him for counsel.

He also encouraged youths to pursue legitimate businesses and supported individuals seeking to improve their livelihoods.

The renovation of the mosques was therefore seen by members of the community as a continuation of the values of faith, generosity and service that Pa Salami represented during his lifetime.

As part of the memorial activities, Islamic scholars recited verses from the Holy Qur’an and offered prayers for the repose of his soul.

Prayers were offered for Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, illuminate and expand his grave, and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.

Food was also prepared and shared among participants, reflecting the spirit of generosity associated with Pa Salami’s memory.

His children and grandchildren said the activities were intended not only to honour their patriarch but also to preserve the values he passed on to the family, including honesty, humility, compassion, generosity and service to humanity.

Although Pa Salami maintained strong ties with his Nigerian and Yoruba heritage, his years in Sierra Leone enabled him to build deep relationships with communities in Hangha and Tongo.

More than a decade after his death, residents continue to remember him for his kindness, support and contributions to community life.

The mosque renovation and Qur’anic recitation thus served as a lasting tribute to Pa Salami, reflecting a legacy that continues to connect his family with the communities he regarded as his second home.

May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, illuminate and expand his grave, and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

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Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12

Published

3 hours ago

October 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.

Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.

“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.

Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.

“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.

Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.

“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.

Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.

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