Shitta-Bey was also a philanthropist who donated funds for the growth of Islam in Lagos and Sierra Leone,[9] financing the construction of mosques in both places including the Jamiul Salaam mosque in Foulah town.[11] He was a major donor for the construction of the Lagos Central Mosque in 1873[12] and held the chieftaincy title of the Seriki Musulumi of Lagos, thus making him the leader of the Muslims of Lagos.[12]