Don urges Muslims to be role models

A lecturer at the Lagos State University, Professor Qudus Amuni, has urged Muslims in the country to strive to be role models wherever they find themselves.

He insisted that the best role models “for us as Muslims” remain Prophet Muhammad and the four prominent Calphs who came after him.

Professor Amuni gave this charge in his lecture at a turbaning and award ceremony organised by the Council of Imam Ratibi and Alfas, Shomolu Muslim Community, held at the Shomolu Central Mosque, Lagos. The lecture was titled ‘Role of Models in Islamic Leadership’.

He noted personalities like Aminu Kano, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Lateef Jakande and the current registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyode, for their exemplary lives and selfless services to the nation.

The don challenged youths of Shomolu to look up to Professor Abdullateef Oladimeji, who hails from the community to sustain the legacies of the founding fathers.

In an address, the chairman of the occasion, Mr Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser Media to the immediate past Minister for Works and Housing, said the gathering was to honour the founding fathers of Muslim community in Shomolu. He said their good deeds had translated to accomplished individuals coming out of the area.

Bello emphasised the need for proper mosque documentation and ensuring that the laws of the state are not flouted to avoid people problems in future.

He urged those in charge of the Shomolu Central Mosque to maintain the edifice.

Bello noted that the Federal Government was addressing the current challenges in the country and appealed to the gathering to be their brother’s keeper and be hopeful that things will get better.

On his part, the chairman of the Council of Imams Ratibi and Alfas in Shomolu, Alhaji Mohammed Taofeek Olumegbon, called for support for the ongoing education project in Ikorodu.

Alhaji Olumegbon expressed delight at the turnout at the event, saying those who attended answered the call of Allah.

He prayed Allah to bless the soul of Qamarudeen Adeyemi whom he described as one of the strong pillars of Islam in the area.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Professor Abdullateef Oladimeji, who was turbaned as the Ameerul Mumineen, said the honour was a challenge to him to showcase the beauty of Islam everywhere.

He dedicated the honour to the Al-Hikmah University.

Other award recipients included Imam Abdulyekeen Opeloyeru, (Seriki Dallailu) and Alhaji Shakirudeen Anifowose (Saraki Adinni).