The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has organised a ‘Prayer of Glorification’ to thank Allah for four distinguished Muslim personalities recently celebrated for their outstanding academic accomplishments.
The honorees include Professor Taofeek Yekeen, a specialist in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan; Professor Mubarak Noibi of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies; Dr Ashraf Akintola, who recently earned a PhD from Kyungpook National University, South Korea; and Barrister AbdulJalal Akintola, who was recently called to the Nigerian Bar.
The prayer reception, held at the Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’ba on Wednesday, was graced by Islamic scholars, leaders and organisations such as the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Oyo State, as well as members of the Muslim community.
The honorees were showered with gifts, commendations and heartfelt prayers.
In his keynote address, Professor Afis Oladosu, of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, advised the celebrants to see their new status as a divine opportunity to further the cause of Islam.
‘Allah grants prestige to whomsoever He wills. No one knows what lies ahead, so strive for balance between worldly pursuits and the hereafter,’ he counselled.
He charged Muslim lawyers in particular to ‘be learners, not liars.’
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Rashid Aderinoye, emphasised that the gathering served to promote love and unity in Islam.
He urged Muslims to renew their commitment to the worship of Allah.
Also speaking, coordinator of NACOMYO, Oyo State, Alhaji Daud Afolabi, described the honorees’ achievements as springboards for greater service to Islam and humanity.
‘Remember, a surgeon is only congratulated after a successful operation, not when entering the theatre,’ he noted.
In their goodwill messages, chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS), Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and chairman of the Political Awareness Group (PAG), Dr Lukman Fasasi, praised Allah for the honorees’ academic elevations and urged them to surpass their predecessors in service to Da’wah and the Ummah.
A retired scholar of Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Ibadan, Professor Kamil Oloso, offered special prayers and encouraged the celebrants to help uplift others academically within the Muslim community.
Emeritus Professor Dawud Noibi led a special prayer for NACOMYO, the Oyo State chapter and the celebrants, seeking Allah’s continued guidance, protection and blessings.
Prayers were also offered by Dr Murtada AbdulHameed of the Ekiti State University and Alhaji Alwajud Abdulwahab, among others.