The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, Ambassador (Dr.) Babatunde Muritala Adeyemo, has commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his religious tolerance, harmony and fostering of unity among people of different faiths, saying those attributes also marked him out as an exemplary leader and elder statesman.
Adeyemo noted that the ex – president’s attitude of religious harmony and non – discrimination towards other faiths made it possible for him to encourage islamic education through the establishment of Islamic Education Centre, an extension of the Mosque within the sprawling Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The real estate entrepreneur gave the commendation while speaking at the graduation of the Wolimat Quran and I’daadiyyah Graduands of Baytus-Salam Central Mosque, OOPL where he was the chairman of the occasion.
Adeyemo expressed the confidence that the centre would help build and nurture good character in the youth for the betterment of society and the nation, even as he congratulated the graduands and the parents for the completion of their education, urging them to be good ambassadors of the Centre and Islam.
He expressed concern over the attitude of some Islamic scholars – turned hip – hop musicians, especially the young ones who had read and understood Quran and the consequences of evil acts, but are not good messengers and ambassadors of Islam through their music.
While highlighting the significants of Quran in the lives of Muslims, he urged the parents not to relent in their efforts to guide their wards on how the teaching of Islam will reflect in their character as it as stated in the Quran that there is reward for every good deed on earth and the hereafter.
In his sermon, the guest lecturer, Sheik Muh. Jamiu Adeyanju Al-Fulany enjoined Muslims Hummah to hold Quran firmly and consider it as their pathfinder, describing it as a cherished gift from Allah, which was sent by the leader of mankind, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the leader of Angels (Angel Jubril).
According to him, wherever Quran exists, peace, harmony and good characters will be found.
He clarified that, there is nothing like ‘Muslim by name,’ urging Muslims to allow Islam to be boldly written on their faces by taking the five times daily prayer as priority as guided by the teachings of Islam.
Also speaking, the chairman board of trustee of Baytus-Salam Central Mosque, Alhaji (Dr.) M.A Ola Yusuf, while lauding the promoter of the center, recalled the day he told him to establish it and he did with passion for the growth of Islam in Ogun state Muslims community, enjoining Muslims to have impact in the propagation of Islam.
While presenting the Graduands before the guests and audience, the Chief Iman of the Central Mosque, Alhaji Al-Imam Mahmud Olajide Ahmad thanked the Almighty Allah for the grace given to him to succeed in impacting knowledge in his students and commended them for their tolerance during the journey to road of the success.
He also appreciated those who in one way or the other contributed meaningfully to the growth of the centre and the support given to him.
The event which held at the premises of the Central Mosque, located at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta Also graced by The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola; the Chief Imam of Egba Land, Sheik Al-Imam Sa’adallah Bamgbola; Islamic Scholars; Islamic tittle holders; Muslims Societies and host of other.
