Friday, June 3, 2022 was remarkable in the timeline of the Old Kent Road Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre rebuilding project as the Muslim Association of Nigeria, UK (MANUK) played host to Sheikh Khalil Ibrahim Al Hamad, the Vice Chair, Board of Directors of the Humanitarian Excellence Society of Kuwait.
The visit of Sheikh Al Hamad, which was to familiarise him with the mosque rebuilding project, served as a hope-brightener and motivation for the timely completion of the new Old Kent Road Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre.
The MANUK management and a cross section of members were present, with Alhaji Ibrahim Adewusi, the Project Co-ordinator, explaining the strategic location of the mosque in the government’s redevelopment of the Southwark area and why the old two-storey building would have been a misfit in the area if not replaced with the new purpose built six-storey edifice now under construction. The new building has been purposefully crafted to cater for the religious and social needs of current and future generations of Muslims for community enhancement.
The technical team took turns in showing Sheikh Al Hamad round the construction site and explaining the progress of the first phase of the building scheduled to be completed in July 2022. The distinguished guest was briefed about the different phases of the construction and the intention to commence the second phase as soon as the first phase is completed. His cooperation was sought in helping to raise the needed funds and donations to achieve the timely completion of the project.
In attendance also was Sir Simon Henry Ward Hughes, Chancellor of London South Bank University and former Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency of Bermondsey and Old Southwark, who confirmed the inclusiveness of the Old Kent Road Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in bringing the community together and demonstrating the warm and peaceful message of Islam within the locality.
In his response, Sheikh Al Hamad said he was impressed by the social engagement activities and what has been achieved so far with contributions from the UK Muslim community towards the rebuilding project. He promised to work towards a mutually benefiting relationship between the Humanitarian Excellence Society of Kuwait and the Old Kent Road Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in the promotion of peace, da’wah, education and social development.
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