The newly turbaned Baba and Iya Adini of Ifako Ijaiye and Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have pledged to ensure rapid development of faithful and the society in particular.
Alhaji Abdul-Toleeb Oyedeji who was turbaned as the Baba Adinni made this promise while speaking with newsmen at the event.
Oyedeji a devout Muslim, who had rose through the ranks, serving in different capacities, noted that their target is to ensure the realisation of the proposed Islamic Centre that will help the progression of Islam.
According to Oyedeji, I and Iya Adini Alhaja Fatimah Owolabi are supporters of the Council of Chief Imams, a reminiscence of the supporters of Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
“We are going to use our connections and whatever we have as Jihad for goodness to the glory of Allah in service to humanity not trouble making.
“I and Alhaja Owolabi will see to it that the project of the Council of the Chief Imam, an Islamic Centre will be actualized, Insha Allah.
“When this is actualized, we also set up a Sadakat Foundation there as well as a non interest cooperative society and a school to catch them young.
“We have to see to the welfare of our people, seeing that there is peaceful co-existence between us and the other religion faithful.” Oyedeji said.
He added that there exist a good rapport between the Islamic community and the Christian community in Ifako-Ijaiye, citing the presence of his colleague, Co-Chairman NIREC from the Christian flank, Bishop Dare as a testimonial.
Speaking before she was turbaned the Iya Adini-General, Alhaja Fatimah Owolabi (a.k.a Faaji), a staunch grassroots politician and women mobilizer in Ifako Ijaiye, stated her resolve to concentrate on helping the needy and proclaiming the glory of Allah.
“I pray to God to enable me with all the resources needed to do it, I have not contributed enough, there is nothing given to God that is too much.
“I relate with everyone without any religious sentiment,we need unite and be one in love, I am being honoured today due to my charitable efforts noticed by the Council of Chief Imams and I am elated.
“I will continue to preach love, unity between Muslim brothers and sisters, being the first Iya Adini-General of Ifako Ijaiye and Ojokoro LCDA.
Hon. James Owolabi member representing Ifako Ijaiye Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, who is Fatimah’s husband thanked the Council of Chief Imams for their choice as the Iya Adini. He said the choice was quite thoughtful, given her immeasurable contributions to the advancement of Islam in the community.
According to Owolabi his wife lives a sacrificial live daily, imparting positively on other people, especially the less priviledged.
“I urge all Nigerians to live in peace and love as our God is love, be you Christian or Muslim, we all are from the same parent.
“We are one and should see ourselves as one indivisible bunch”. Owolabi added.
Earlier the Acting Chairman Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area, Prince Usman Hamzat who also graced the turbaning and award and fund raising event praised the religious harmony between the Muslim and Christian communities in the council.
According to Usman Ifako Ijaiye parades harmonious religious stakeholders who bond at all times for the good of the community.
The Chairman of the Council of Chief Imams and Chief Host, Chief Imam Ismaeel Ali Olayemi noted that the duo are being honoured for their towering feat towards the progress of Islam.
“They are being honoured for good efforts in time past and they will reap much more.
Another dignitary at the event Mohammed Adekunle, Chief Imam Ifako Ijaiye Housing Estate harps on the importance of celebrating elders who are doing things right.
Barrister Mrs.Oluyemisi Rosiji in her take said the idea is laudable, she charged mothers and women generally to take keen interest in their wards development to guard against them going wayward.
As the festive period draws near, Rosiji counseled that people exercise caution even as they celebrate.