Kunle Adelabu
The Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru Ramadan Lecture Series, which took place across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), in the Lagos East Senatorial District, climaxed with a grand finale in Ikorodu on Thursday.
Since the beginning of the Ramadan, Muslims across the district have been getting spiritual nourishment through the Ramadan lectures.
Muslim Ummah, numbering about 1,500, attended the grand finale held at the Ikorodu Eid Prayer Ground, Ota-Ona, Ikorodu.
At the event, Ramadan packages from Senator Abiru were shared to all attendees, while prayers were offered for the nation’s leaders, starting from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and others.
The guest lecturer, Sheikh Murtador Amokomowo (Imam Oba), who spoke on the theme, “Unity as Essential Tool for Community Development”, emphasized the importance of unity among the Ikorodu muslim community, stressing that the leadership should ensure that the peace that the community has been experiencing in the last six years, is sustained.
He further added that the cooperation between Fadhilat Sheikh Seifudeen Ayinla Ademoritan Olowo-Oribi, the Grand Chief Imam, Ikorodu Division and the Chief Imam of Oriwu Central Mosque, Fadhilat Sheikh Yahya Olorunoshebi Oshoala Ishola As-Samadaani, Grand Chief Imam , Oriwu Central Mosque, has also improved relationship between Ijomu and Isele and other parts of Ikorodu.
He charged followers to desist from promoting discord and adhere to the values that promotes God’s commandments – love , unity and cooperation.
Sheikh Amokomowo also stated that unity promotes love, peace, prosperity, cooperation and power people to confront challenges facing them together, adding that such gives future to Islam.
He also condemned discrimination against those that are called non – indigenes within the Muslim Community.
Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, Fadhilat Sheikh Seifudeen Ayinla Ademoritan Olowooribi, in his remarks, warned Ikorodu people against being the first to turn against another when one of them is aspiring for political office at the state or national level.
“Other people don’t do that. Those from Lagos Island usually assist one another to get into Alausa, and they usually benefit from it. How many from Ikorodu are in good positions in Alausa?
“Let’s extend love to one another and this is not restricted to the muslim community alone but the entire town. It is not we in Islam that fights. Samadani (Fadhilat Sheikh Yahya Olorunoshebi Oshoala Ishola As-Samadaani) does not fight with Olowo-Oribi (Fadhilat Sheikh Seifudeen Ayinla Ademoritan Olowo-Oribi) neither is Olowo-Oribi still fighting Samadani”, Sheikh Olowo-Oribi said, while lifting Sheikh As – Samadani to his feet, holding hands and dancing to a song together to emphasize their friendship.
Fadhilat Sheikh Yahya Olorunoshebi Oshoala Ishola As-Samadaani, Chief Imam of Oriwu Central Mosque, also admonished faithful and entire residents of Ikorodu, on the need to be united, and commended the Senator for the laudable initiatives and representation.
In his own remarks, Senator Abiru, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Constituency Matters, Dr. (Otunba) Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, said that the lecture series has served more than just being a platform for Muslims to congregate.
“This year’s lecture series has served more than just a forum for religious discussion; it has been a veritable platform for the muslim community to reflect on the collective advancement of Muslims, and the society at large.
“Through these gatherings, we have fostered a stronger bond among our people, encouraged dialogue on Islamic values, and reinforced the principles of peace, love, and communal harmony that Islam preaches”, he said.
The Senator charged muslim faithful to continue with lessons of Ramadan beyond the period of fasting and always offer prayers for national and other leaders.
“As we approach the end of this sacred month, let us not relent in our devotion. Let the lessons of Ramadan remain with us beyond these 30 days. Let us continue to support one another, extend kindness to the needy, and pray for the peace and prosperity of our dear nation, Nigeria.
“I beseech us all to continue to pray for all our leaders, starting from our dear President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, our performing governor in Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and by extension to all leaders”, Abiru charged.
At the grand finale of the lecture series were Alhaji Abiodun Wahab, Baba Adinni of Ikorodu Division, Sheikh Sheu Musa Alwajud, Grand Khalifah, Chief Imams and Muslim leaders across the six councils, and also chieftains of #DoingGood team of Senator Abiru – Hon. Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, Hon. Olusegun Olulade, Alhaja Sherifat Abiodun Ogunniyi, Alhaji Musiliu Sulaiman (Ola4), and Mr Enitan Olukotun, Media Aide to Senator Abiru among others.
