‘Raise God-fearing children to guarantee good future for Nigeria’

PARENTS have been admonished to invest their wealth and time in raising their children in the way of Allah in order to guarantee a future generation of Nigerians that will be filled with piety and righteousness.

This admonition was contained in a sermon delivered in Ibadan, Oyo State, by the Chief Imam of Bola Ige International Market, Sheikh Abdul Majeed Alfa Bata, at the 50th and 35th remembrance prayer organised by the Basorun Musulumi of Oyo State, Chief Raheem Abiade Olatinwo, for his parents, Pa Abdul Salam Olatinwo and Madam Olayonu Latinwo.

Sheikh Abdul Majeed Alfa Bata, who is a member of the Council of Imams and Alfas of Ibadanland, emphasised the importance of proper child upbringing.

“A blissful tomorrow begins with hard work today. Good parentage requires discipline, dedication, perseverance and sacrifice. I also want to advise our youths to find their role model in Prophet Mohammad and allow the Holy Qur’an to always be their guide,” the cleric said.

In a remark, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul Ganiy Abubakri Agbotomokekere, said only a good child would remember his or her late parents and then urged youths to imbibe the virtues of hard work and discipline as a precondition for success in life.

Sheikh Agbotomokekere commended the organiser of the event, Chief Abiade Olatinwo and implored him to always be grateful to Allah for giving him good health and allowing him to achieve greatness in life.

The occasion, which was also used to mark the 20th anniversary of Alhaji Abiade Olatinwo’s turbaning as the Basorun Musulumi of Oyo State, saw the Council of Imams and Alfas of Ibadanland present the “Certificate of Office” to the title holder, affirming his position.

The event had in attendance, the Babasale Musulumi of Ibadanland, Chief Lateef Oyelade; the Seriki Adinni of Yorubaland, Chief Yekini Adeojo; Chief Lamidi Ajadi, members of Imam-in-Council of Ibadanland and community leaders.