Ademola Adeleke of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has officially been declared as the winner of the governorship election held in Osun State by the electoral body, INEC.
The PDP candidate had 403,371 votes, according to Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the INEC Chief Returning Officer for Osun, who made the announcement of the outcome on Sunday morning.
Current governor Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had 375,027 votes, came in second.
I hereby declare that Ademola Adeleke “having satisfied the requirement of the law is hereby declared the winner and he is returned elected,” Mr Ogundipe said.
Dr Ganiyu Adetunji Adeniran is one of the University of Ibadan’s most versatile veterinary medical scientists. Today, he turns 65!
Most people celebrate their 10th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th, and 100th birthdays by bringing out drums, tambourines and cymbals. Dr Adeniran, on the other hand, is not “most people”! An average Ibadan man is a royal celebrity of some kind where he hails from in this area of the country. In every sense, he is a star who deserves to wear the toga of the prominent, distinguished, and intellectual person from this category. This family or class defies tradition. Nobody should begrudge anyone for celebrating his birthday whenever and however he likes. It doesn’t matter what his age is; it’s his age! Dr Adeniran is 65 years old.
Dr Adeniran is not that young at 65, despite his illustrious achievements in scholarship, administration, community service, and humanity.
He is not that young to command the respect and loyalty of the young and old whose lives he has positively influenced.
He is also not young in comparison to his peers all over the world.
This birthday is to formally mark his retirement from the prestigious University of Ibadan as a Veterinary Pathologist. It is also to thank God for the good health, abundant strength, exceptional wisdom, and other divine endowments bestowed upon him over the past 65 years.
Meantime, Dr Adeniran is set to retire in grand style after working at the University of Ibadan for over 30 years.
Dr Gani Adeniran’s Book Launch titled “My Footprints on Sands of Time: Ganiyu Adetunji Adeniran @ 65”, his 65th birthday celebration, and his retirement ceremony are all part of the event today, Saturday, 16 July, 2022.
Chief Wole Olanipekun, OFR, SAN, FCIArb, former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Ibadan, Chairman, Body of Benchers, and Asiwaju of Ikere Ekiti, will deliver a lecture titled “A man and his worth: The imperatives of a lasting legacy” on the occasion.
The cream of society is expected to attend this event at the legendary Trenchard Hall, the University of Ibadan, which will see the colossus takes a glorious bow from the academic space.
Dr Adeniran, affectionately known as Gani Eto, is admired by both friends and foes for his strategic understanding of the University of Ibadan and Nigeria’s political landscape. Part of the comprehension is that he understands how to position his candidates for leadership positions at the University of Ibadan and elsewhere. He truly understands the system and how it works, and he employs it deftly. He positioned himself for elective positions at UI early in his academic career and won.
One could not but admire his brinkmanship and courage in subsuming his ambition for the greater good when the occasions demanded, which many people may not be willing to do. This ability to look at the larger picture and willingness to sacrifice his ambition must be seen as a bonus in evaluating “Gani Eto”.
His words: “Sometimes in 1994, I indicated my desire to contest the vacant position of the Congregation Representative in the Council, and Late Professor Alex Gboyega of the Department of Political Science, Faculty of the Social Sciences supported me in principle. He and I were the only candidates qualified to contest the position, having met the attendance requirements of at least two meetings. Soon, after he assured me of his support, some people prevailed on him to run for the same seat, ostensibly in preparation for the 1995 Vice-Chancellorship race! Because I had issues with the ASUU leadership of the time, I was angry, and I determined to go ahead pursuing my legitimate ambition. Professor Gboyega met me in Oyo at the burial of a ranking Professor; he fixed an appointment with me for the following Monday. He did not only come to plead with me to step down for him, but he also insisted that I should sign his nomination form, which I gladly did out of respect for him and his humility. He was returned unopposed.”
This particular action earned Dr Adeniran, the admiration of many political observers. Later, he ran for and was elected to the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan, joining others in facing the challenges of the time. He was so bright that he quickly rose to prominence on the Council.
Some university watchers believe he had a hand in the appointment of some Vice-Chancellors at the University of Ibadan.
Dr Adeniran, an Ibadan native, was born on July 16, 1957, and attended the prestigious Ilesa Grammar School in Osun State, Nigeria, from 1971 to 1976.
Between 1976 and 1977, the promising Ganiyu worked as a Tax Clerk at the Internal Revenue Tax Office, Onireke, Ibadan, Oyo State, after which he attended Obafemi Awolowo University (I A R & T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, from 1977 to 1979 where he earned his Ordinary Diploma in Animal Health and Husbandry (with distinction).
The determined Ganiyu was admitted to the prestigious University of Ibadan in 1979 to study Veterinary Medicine. Ganiyu later enrolled in a graduate programme at the same university and received an M.V. Sc.
Energetic Ganiyu had the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps programme at the Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto where he taught Veterinary Pharmacology to DVM students in 1987. Indeed, distinguished himself during the service year of 1986/1987.
In 1988, this rising star joined the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan, rising to the rank of Senior Lecturer.
He belongs to several scholarly and professional organizations, including the Veterinary Medical Association and the Society for International Development.
Dr Adeniran has made significant contributions to the field of veterinary pathology by publishing in numerous national and international journals. He is also a well-known figure at conference proceedings.
While at the University of Ibadan and elsewhere, this generalissimo was showered with an avalanche of appointments. A sampling of which include:
Departmental Examination Coordinator, 1988 -2004;
Sub-Dean (Undergraduate), 1993 – 1994;
Chairman, University of Ibadan Ceremonials Committee, 2001 – 2005;
Member, UI Governing Council (Congregation Representative), 2007 – 2011;
Chairman, Council Committee on Security, 2007-2011;
Member, Board of Directors, UI Ventures Limited; 2007 – 2011;
Financial Secretary, University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), 1988 – 1982;
2nd National Assistant Secretary, UIAA, 1991 – 1993;
Hall Warden, Sultan Bello Hall, 1995 -2001; 10 Chairman, Presidential Visitation Panel to the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, 1999;
Member, Governing Council, Federal College of Education, Kotangura,
Member, UI @60 Planning Committee, August 2007 – 2008;
Director, Centre for Social Orientation (CenSO), 2017- 2020, among another preferment.
Dr Adeniran’s career at UI reveals an intriguing phenomenon that cannot be overlooked. It is as if God has orchestrated a plan to prepare him for the role he will play in the affairs of the University of Ibadan.
In his illustrious academic career, he accomplished many commendable feats, and in all the places where he served, he was lauded.
Dr Adeniran, without a doubt, has a strong faith in God, as evidenced by the strength of his determination and tacit confidence in his abilities.
Dr Adeniran’s role in the governance of the University of Ibadan was so pervasive and effective that many people believed he had a hand in every policy, decision, and planning at UI, which was sometimes unjustifiably so. The story is told in the nickname “Gani Eto.” More importantly, and not widely known, “Gani Eto” influenced the appointments of various categories of University staff.
Another excellent virtue of Dr Adeniran is that he is a veteran employee with institutional memory. He is always at home in pointing us in the right direction with his attention to details, fragments, elements, circumstances, facts, and features. He is a staff who carries a wealth of experience and know-how. He is in the pantheon of such institutional memories as the late Prof. Michael Aken’Ova, of the Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and the late Mr Victor Adebomi Adegoroye, former Acting Registrar, University of Ibadan, who had a huge amount of know-how in the University system, especially the University of Ibadan. This disposition distinguishes him. We consider ourselves fortunate to have him among us. There are scarcely any more fields for him to conquer in the University.
The acquired knowledge, demonstrable ability, proven competence and sense of commitment made “Ganirity” as Dr Adeniran is affectionately addressed by Prof Isaac Folorunso Adewole, 11th Vice-Chancellor, the University of Ibadan and immediate past Minister of Health, Federal Republic of Nigeria, a colossus in UI and Nigeria’s politics. Perhaps, he should contemplate partisan politics and run for any elective office as he is eminently qualified to do so.
I am not aware of any other University of Ibadan staff member, living or dead, who has received as many commendation and appreciation letters as Dr Adeniran. All of these accolades attest to the high quality of his work.
This is a sample. On 9 January 1999, Late Prof. Tekena Tamuno, the first alumnus of the University of Ibadan to become its Vice-Chancellor and the youngest ever VC of the University in an appreciation note to Dr Adeniran described him as a “Pace-setting Warden of a Great Hall (Sultan Bello Hall), eminent scholar, amiable friend, model for young academics with demonstrable leadership qualities.”
Another Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Omoniyi Adeoye in recommending Dr Adeniran for the National Productivity Merit Award in 1998 in a letter of 19 August 1998 to the Secretary of the Award Committee wrote inter alia “Dr Adeniran, by his position as Hall Warden, Sultan Bello Hall, has displayed exemplary qualities of leadership. He initiated the Lecture Series, the first of its kind. More than any other Hall Warden in the history of the University he has raised a substantial amount of almost a million naira towards the physical improvement of the Hall. He has an inimitable way of relating to students. He easily mobilises them for collective action in cleaning the Hall from time to time inculcating in them a sense of service to the community. It is no coincidence that Sultan Bello Hall has remained peaceful under his leadership as Hall Warden. As a man of ideas, Dr Adeniran is a positive influence on the Committee of Hall Wardens; many of his useful ideas he has preferred to various aspects of running student affairs. I am proud of his achievements as a shining example of a dedicated public servant.”
And in a commendation letter of 11 October 2011, the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, FAS, wrote to acknowledge receipt of the report of Dr Adeniran’s visit to India to attend the FIRE INDIA 2011 EXHIBITION CONFERENCE from 16 to 22 September 2011 commended him “for your timely clearance of the Cash/Touring Advance given to you for the journey. Your refund of one-day estacode of $425 (about N75,000.00) is highly commendable. We are indeed very proud of this act of honesty. I wish to place on record your resilience and commitment to the overall development of the University.”
Behind this distinguished Nigerian’s successes is his ever-caring and supportive wife, Dr Ganiyat Adeniran, a worthy scholar in her own right. Mentioning the celebrant’s name is like playing a well-balanced musical instrument of love in his heart. Their marriage has produced adorable children.
Despite his demanding and almost intimidating academic and social commitments, Dr. Adeniran still finds time to render service to various social and cultural organizations, most notably the Sigma Club, University of Ibadan, of which he has been a member since his undergraduate days at UI.
Today, I honour this achiever, courageous, finest in human creativity, co-builder of UI’s academic empire, the epitome of leadership by example, the enlightened mind of his team, and a man held in high regard by professional colleagues, friends, and associates, as well as a resourceful and progressive pragmatist who has made the most of his opportunities.
Today, I celebrate this exceptional performer, remarkable worker of unrivalled qualities, motivator of men, and visionary leader.
It was an happy moment for the younger ones at FOMWAN OPHANAGE when Kazeem Olubunmi Isolagbenla Foundation organized the first ever ‘Ileya Party’ with them, with lots of fun, entertainment and knowledge testing activities. In her address, the Amirah of FOMWAN, Alhaja (Dr) Bushroo Oloso appreciated the kind gesture of the foundation and noted that it was the first of it’s kind. She therefore pray for the Chairman of the foundation, his wife Mrs Falilat Isolagbenla and all the guests that were at the event.
In his ‘Ileya message’ the Chairman of the foundation, Otunba Kazeem Olubunmi Isolagbenla thanks Almighty Allah for the life of the children and appreciated the FOMWAN team for the good job of care on the children. He noted that the foundation decided to organize the party for the children to make them happy, rejoice with them on the occasion of this year’s Salah and also give them hope that their future is bright. He encouraged them to be serious about their education and other vocations they engaged in. He concluded that the foundation will continue to support education of indigent children in the society.
In her comment, Alhaja Oyero, an immediate past Amirah of the Ophanage commended the efforts of the foundation and asserted that it is only Allah that will reward the KOI Foundation team for showing love, care and affection to the children in their both homes. She however, expressed the various challenges the homes are faced with and concluded that it is through supports as shown by the foundation that has kept the Ophanage growing.
In her conclusion, she prayed that Allah will bless the Chairman of the foundation, Otunba Kazeem Olubunmi Isolagbenla to do more for the needy and vulnerable people in the society. The event witness donations of gifts to the Ophanage, eating and drinking, quiz competition, recitation of Quran competition and lots more. The children at the Ophanage did not hide their happy mood by praying for the Chairman’s family and the foundation team.
Mrs Falilat Adenike Isolagbenla while given the vote of thanks commended the efforts of FOMWAN Ophanage management in raising the children in the way of Allah and high standards that will make them to be useful to themselves and the society at large. She appreciated her husband Otunba Kazeem Olubunmi Isolagbenla and the foundation team for the initiative and pray that the foundation will continue to grow to do more for humanity. Also, Mrs Falilat Isolagbenla thanked the other dignitaries who graced the occasion among them were Chief Abideen Afolabi, Mr. Kazeem Adebayo, Mr Akeem Akintayo, Mr. Olawale Lameed and the staff of the foundation led by Mr. Kolawole Amusat-Gbenla.
Oyo State students leaders visit MRS. Olabamiwo Adeosun, the Secretary to the State Government, Oyo State.
On Thursday, 14th July 2022, The National Leadership of Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU NATIONAL) was Led by Sen. Ibrahim A. ALARAPE on a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government of Oyo State.
The visitation was centered on the pressing needs of the Union to rise to the occasion of the lingering Strike of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of higher institutions in the State. Matters relating to the dividend of democracy from the State Government to the students populace viz: Bursary, Scholarships and other related education support schemes through which the students population can be the major beneficiaries among others were discussed.
In her remarks, Mrs. Adeosun who happens to be the first female Secretary to the State Government in Oyo State expresses her gratitude to FOSSU NATIONAL for the visitation. I am honored to receive Oyo State Students, said the Secretary. Comprehensive explanations of all government efforts on JAC were given and the state of affairs was revealed.
While concluding, Mrs Olabamiwo assured FOSSU her full support to get the requests across to the appropriate quarter and follow it to see the light of the day.
Signed ✍️✍️: Sen. Ibrahim A. ALARAPE FOSSU NATIONALPRESIDENT 0813 073 3574
Com. Ahmed MUFUTAU FOSSU NATIONAL SECRETARY GENERAL 08102128129
Com. Jonathan Oyekunle AJAYI FOSSU NATIONAL PRO 07060837338
On June 22nd, 2022, I am pleased to presented my PPA (Place of Primary Assignment) projects for the benefits of the school as my Personal CDS project.
The project comprises a catchy banner for the school billboard to advertise the school more and also I presented the school, our National Flag and a designed school flag. The flag is a signature that a school is an official place and also it can serves as teaching aid for the learners in subject like National Values for the Primary session and Civic Education for Secondary Session. Lastly, I also renovated the flag poles by painting the poles in the school premises before the flags will be hoisted.
During the presentation of the project to the school management team head by school Director, Principal and Headteacher, I let them realized that the project is all about my contribution to the school upliftment academically and zeal for making impact wherever I serve.
The School Director, in His speech remarks, he appreciated the project and laud my humble self for the good gesture about the school.
Many heartfelt thanks for those that have been supportive to the project. More blessings to y’all..
Also today, my class had their cultural attires presentation. It was fun and edutainment. May God bless the learners with more Sophia.
Pictures attached; Picture of Billboard before and after. Pictures of presentations Pictures of when using flag as Instructional material for National Symbols. Pictures of cultural attires.
Commissioning another Personal CDS project (2)💥
On Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 I presented another project to the Uvwie Local Government Administrators ably led by The Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Uvwie Local Government Official , Hon. Ramson Tega Onoyake Ramson Onoyake
Mr Chairman in his statement lauded the project and appreciated the efforts placed on the renovated signpost of Uvwie Local Government Secretariat. He also registered a heartfelt congratulations for the work.
Also, I renovated the signpost of NYSC Uvwie Local Government. The LGI Mrs Nkechi, accepted the good gesture of the renovated signpost. She said it’s very good innovative to renew the signpost since 2006.
I sincerely thanks those that have being up and doing towards the realization of the project. I specifically thanks my camera 📸 man 😀who double as our MCLO for the recording and video editing Adesanya Ayodeji Abeeblahi .
Yours in Service,
ADEFISOYE, Azeez Ademola (Rt.Hon) Treasurer, Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria, MCAN Warri Unit. _Vice President, Educational Development CDS Group, ULGA, Delta State.
The Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has allegedly fixed Monday, 11th July, 2022 which is a Salah public holiday, for the screening of newly recruited teachers in the state. However, an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has kicked against the planned screening. MURIC described it as a ploy by the crusader regime of Governor Seyi Makinde to weed out newly employed Muslim teachers.
This was contained in a statement released by the director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Sunday, 10th July, 2022.
The statement reads:
“Reports reaching us suggest that Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has fixed Monday, 11th July, 2022 (tomorrow) which is a Salah public holiday, for the screening of newly recruited teachers in the state. It is a ploy by the crusader regime of Governor Seyi Makinde to weed out newly employed Muslim teachers.
“We are waiting to see them do the screening without Muslim teachers tomorrow. The Federal Government declared the day and the day after (Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th July, 2022) as Salah holidays and that declaration was given wide publicity.
“Seyi Makinde is not deaf. It is plain Islamophobe. He is a Muslim-hater. Seyi Makinde is marginalising Muslims. He is persecuting us. But as law-abiding citizens, we will not go violent. We will not take the law into our hands.
Waterfield Luxury Hotel Akobo Ibadan
“We are ready to go to court over this matter. Any such exercise carried out on a public holiday is ultra vires. It is null and void. It is impunity of the highest order. It is a hate action against Oyo State Muslims. How can you expect Muslims to stay back during the Salah holidays for a kangaroo screening exercise?
“Makinde is a joker. He will hear from our lawyers. How can a state government conduct a screening exercise for newly recruited teachers during the Salah holiday? Can Seyi Makinde pick Christmas or Easter holidays to do this? This is done in bad conscience.
“MURIC urges newly recruited Muslim teachers to boycott that screening. It is illegal, illegitimate, unlawful and unconstitutional screening exercise? No decision taken before, during and after that screening can stand. Makinde has shot himself in the foot.”
Professor Ishaq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern, (MURIC)
The highest sociocultural body of all Indigenes of Ibadanland, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) under the leadership of the President General, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga has called on students who are indigenes of the city and have applied for the 2021/2022 Scholarship to get ready for the first interview stage.
According to the Secretary of the CCII Scholarships Committee, Dr Oluwatunmise Adeagbo in his press statement, he said,” I have the directive of the CCII Scholarships Chairperson Alhaja Adejare and the other members of the CCII Scholarships committee to inform the general public of the screening exercise and interview of all the shortlisted applicants of the 2021/2022 Scholarships award.
Dr Tunmise Adeagbo further stressed that the screening exercise and interview of these shortlisted applicants is scheduled to hold on Tuesday 12th July 2022 at 9am in Ibadan House, Oke Aremo within the Ibadan metropolis.
“We have sent text messages to these prospective CCII Scholars, we want to assure them that all those who applied will be invited and those who are yet to receive theirs will surely get it” He reinstated.
“The President – General has instructed that their should be fairness, which is what the committee stand for, and we will deliver our best”
As relevant stakeholder have been invited, the committee admonished the applicants to be peaceful and coordinate themselves during and after the interview as unruly applicants will be automatically disqualified. Also, applicants are advised to come along with both original and photocopies of their credentials submitted.
The CCII scholarship Award which is one of the cardinal goal of the Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga led Administration is a long term project aimed at assisting indigent, intelligent, hardworking and academically sound students of Ibadanland descent that are excelling in their various field of study. CCII aims to catch these young scholars early for the uplifting and development of Ibadanland.
Following the incessant security threats of lives and properties across the Federation, while it is crystal clear that the security architecture of our dear country is porous across boards. No Nigerian should at this stage expect any evangelical outreach or encouragement whatsoever before taking security consciousness as chief of his/her on her daily routines.
Ditto to the above; FOSSU NATIONAL today in company of the S.A to Governor of Oyo State on students affairs ( Hon. Olojede), Geopolitical zones National Presidents and all Higher citadels of learning Students Union Presidents in Oyo State had a security meeting with Oyo State Police Command
As the foremost indigenous Union, FOSSU NATIONAL has identified from the memory lane that students are more closer to information in their various communities, than any other constituencies; and as respecters of law and order, the appropriate authorities should be channeled. Hence the need for collaborations with security personnel to restrategize and mitigate the challenges.
Security challenges being faced by students populace on a daily basis across various higher citadels of learning in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized with oyo State schools inclusion. The extortion and harrassment practices on students by uniform men was not left out of discussions. Raping and robberies from unknown groups in and outside campuses was part of the topical issues debated.
In his submissions, FOSSU NATIONAL PRESIDENT Sen. Ibrahim A. ALARAPE opined that, students Union leaders across boards should be included in security meetings and summits should be held afterward ranging from Local level to zonal and to the State level as a whole among the stakeholders who are to in turn feed their colleagues.
In the S.A’s submissions, he prescribes various avenues through which a good synergy between students Union Governments on campuses, Schools management and the Nigerian Police Force can be established collaboratively to minimize the recurring security challenges in Oyo State. “On our part, we’ll ensure the government impacts to the Police and on the suggested way out are well monitored”, the S.A said.
In the Police Commissioner remarks, who happens to be a new Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, he appreciated the S.A’s support for the students and also appreciated the students leaders for cooperating with the S.A, “You guys have taken the best step and I must commend your sanity, I have actually worked in different states in Nigerian and I must make a confession, Oyo State is well organized and the result is actually not from anywhere but from the set of individuals the State is having as students leaders” the C.P said.
In his further remarks, the CP said “The Nigeria Security challenges has actually gone beyond the stage of apportioning blame on government agencies and officials but a time that we all take security of lives and properties as a collective responsibility. As you can all observe and study the Nigeria security architecture, I don’t think we still need any push again before we wake our consciousness as patriotic citizens especially you the students constituency. Nigeria Security of today, is everybody’s business”
While concluding, The Police command leaderships pleaded for continued cooperation of students in the State as he pledged prompt actions on the suggestions, demands and observations of students leaders.
Signed
Sen. Ibrahim A. ALARAPE FOSSU NATIONALPRESIDENT 0813 073 3574
Com. Jonathan Oyekunle AJAYI FOSSU NATIONAL PRO 07060837338
…felicitates Muslims The executive chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Hon. Akeem Adepoju Raheem, has in the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir, reached out to traditional rulers, party chieftains, party faithful, religious leaders and underprivileged in the council, distributing rams, rice and cash gifts worth millions of Naira. Raheem, who felicitated the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir, said the gesture was in line with the commitment of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration’s determination to always put smiles on the faces of residents. Promising never to relent in catering to the welfare of the people and spreading the dividends of democracy through every avenue possible, Raheem urged residents of the council to continue to pray for his government and the state government under Governor Makinde’s leadership. He said: “We thank Allah SWT for granting us another opportunity to witness the Eid-el-Kabir. I felicitate all my Muslim brothers and sisters and pray that Allah SWT will accept our efforts as act of Ibadah. “In the spirit of the festivity and in following the tradition of our leader, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, we have procured and distributed rams, rice and have also given cash gifts to traditional rulers, party chieftains and members and the physically-challenged. “All these were done to assist our people to have a beautiful Sallah celebration. Though we know that the efforts cannot reach everyone, it was a token done in demonstration of our commitment to catering to the welfare of our people.”
The Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday congratulated all Muslim brethren on this year Eid-el-Kabir.
According to a statement signed by Ashiwaju himself, he charges Muslims to emulate and demonstrate the teachings of the religion for the good of mankind.
Full Statement read:
As we mark and celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, may we keep in remembrance the true meaning of this holiday. More importantly, let us always strive to conduct our daily lives in accordance with the clear and beneficial message of this occasion. May I use this moment of gratitude to extend my sincere greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and around the world as well as to people of other creeds and faiths.
For His munificent blessings and abiding love for humankind and for assuring us that good shall always triumph over its opposite, we give utmost thanks and express profound gratitude to Almighty Allah SWT. Eid reminds us to place our faith in the compassion and wisdom of Allah and to be obedient to His instructions as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim. By his action, Prophet Ibrahim demonstrated true Islam and submission to Allah. Prophet Ibrahim understood that the ways and commands of Almighty Allah SWT are supremely more life giving and enlightening than the ways of man.
Thus, as we celebrate Eid, let us use this moment to rededicate ourselves to greater adherence to the spiritually-enriching commands of Almighty Allah SWT. We must show the true spirit of Islam in our lives and not just on these special holidays. The holidays are given to us not merely as special moments to celebrate, but as kind reminders to strive as we must to become the people and nation we are meant to be. We face stiff challenges as a nation. Most troubling is the spate of violent attacks on innocent Nigerians. We must take a stand against terror and injustice. These evils lie forever outside our faith. Those who perpetuate such inhumanity do so in opposition to Islam and all that it means.
To be true Muslims is to adhere to the principles of peace, tolerance, justice, and charity. Our faith asks us to stand against those perpetrating evil and visiting untold misery on others. And we must remain forever obedient to the kind and life-affirming principles of our faith.
Yes, there are those who seek to bring this nation and Islam into disrepute through their destructive and violent actions. They seek to pit brother against brother, neighbour against neighbour, and religion against religion. They want to break the peaceful order of society. But Allah has placed us here to build a better Nigeria by taking care and seeing all of its inhabitants as our brothers and sisters regardless of ethnicity, faith and region. This we shall do. And no amount of evil or terror from whatever quarter shall stop us from fulfilling what Allah has commanded us to do.
Thus, I ask you to continue to believe in the excellent nation Nigeria can be. Let us eschew violence and those who cause and sponsor it. Let us not forget the poor and vulnerable among us. Let us demonstrate brotherly concern and compassion and give succour to those unable to help themselves. This Eid, we beseech Almighty Allah to protect the weak, feed the poor and give us the courage and wisdom to subdue and defeat those who would seek to hurt the innocent and impair this nation.
We pray for our gallant soldiers and other security agents who, daily, sacrifice themselves to confront violent evil. Let us also remember President Muhammadu Buhari, our governors and other leaders in our prayers that they might find the wisdom and fortitude to surmount the challenges facing this country that, together, we can enjoy the benefits of a better Nigeria. We pray for a greater nation and society where the light of democracy, peace, prosperity and hope shines on and for all of us and the darkness of poverty, violence and hatred is forever banished. We pray that Nigeria shall be faithful and remain true to its great calling and destiny.
Once again, I wish Muslims and indeed all Nigerians a most memorable Eid-el-Kabir. Eid Mubarak!.
