In appreciation of their efforts and contributions towards the progress of Islamic activities in Ibadan land, Oyo State and Nigeria at large, the Ibadan Muslim Community (IMC) has honored notable Muslims.
The event, which was the 7th Pre Annual Ramadan Lecture, was to herald this year’s Ramadan and was held at Central Mosque, University of Ibadan on Sunday, 21st of May, 2017.
Among awardees were the duo of late Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta State, Alh. AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao, late Baba Adini of Ibadan land, Alh. Mufutau Ajadi Olanihun, and Alhaja Sekinat Adekola, Iya Adini of Yoruba land.
Others included Chief Missioner, Ansa-Ur-Deen Society of Nigeria, Dr. Bashir Olanrewaju, Omo Oba Rasheed Adesokan, Baba Adini of Yoruba land and Engr. Salmon Adekunle.
In his address, Chairman, Ibadan Muslim Community, Alh. Mustapha Bayo Oyero, stated that the body as an umbrella body for all local Muslim communities in Ibadan serves as rallying point to discuss issues and challenges concerning Islam and Muslims in Ibadan land.
He said that the choice of awardees was prompted by their efforts and contributions towards the progress of Islam. He added that both late Arisekola and Olanihun did well for the Muslim community “though they are dead but their contributions towards the development of Islam cannot be easily forgotten”, Chief Oyero noted.
Alh. Oyero urged all Muslims in Nigeria to use the opportunity of the coming Ramadan to move closer to God by engaging more in philanthropic gesture to the have-nots.
Speaking from the Holy Quran chapter, 19 verse 11-17, Guest Lecturer, Sheik Abeebulah Adekunle Buhari stated that it is mandated by Almighty Allah for all Muslims to embark on alleviating poverty among youths and downtrodden.
The Islamic cleric emphasized that it is the responsibility of both the government and the people to alleviate poverty within the society. He added that liberating people from poverty will assist to develop fruitful and polite generation in the nearest future.
Sheik Abeebulah, who is also the Chief Imam, Basorun Akobo Muslim Community urged government official assigned the responsibility of taking care of the less privilege to do it with God fearing, whole heartedly, all conscious and concern.
Prominent Ibadan Muslims were in attendance – including the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja and his wife, Mutiat, representative of Governor, State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Bashir Lawal, Prof. Koyejo Oloso, members, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Ige and Hon. Kehinde Oloya and Alhaja Bose Adedibu and many others.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
