Akorede honours outstanding Muslim leaders
In recognition of their sterling contributions towards the development of the Akure Muslim community, seven women have been honoured with various titles.
Chief Imam of Akure who doubles as the event’s Chief Host, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, while speaking at the turbanning ceremony of the eminent women as leaders of Muslim Umaar in Akure Kingdom, described them as those who have distinguished themselves by contributing to the development of the Muslim community.
Those hononured are: Dr Munirat Ogunlayi as (Iya Sunnah Musulumi of Akure Kingdom), Alhaja Faozart Gidado (Iya Adinni of Akure Kingdom), Alhaja Fatima Daramola (Iya-Egbe of Akure Kingdom) and Alhaja Risikat Adeniyi (Iya Alasalatu of Akure Kingdom.
Others are: Alhaja Rafat Momoh (Osupa Adinni of Akure Kingdom), Alhaja Idayat Jimoh (Iya Kewu of Akure Kingdom), Alhaja Silifat Oyeniyi (The Otun-Iya Sunna of Akure Kingdom) and Alhaja Sikiratu Lawal, as the Otun-Iya Egbe of Akure Kingdom.
While asserting that women’s roles in the development of their communities can not be quantified, he enjoined others in the community to emulate the women’s good gestures and inculcate the spirit of giving towards the advancement of the Muslim community.
Yayi-Akorede commended the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the renovation of the Muslim School in Akure which now has a perimeter fencing, electricity as well as a Borehole for the comfort of both the pupils and their teachers.
Chairman of the event and member representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe lauded the women’s contributions to the development of Islam, the society and humanity in general.
In a lecture titled “Modern roles of Muslim Women”, the Guest lecturer, Alhaji Moshood Keuyemi charged women to have a paradigm shift from the past and face the challenges of the 21st century.
Responding on behalf of other Awardees, Iya Sunna of Akure Kingdom, Dr Munirat Ogunlayi described their recognition as charge to do more in the area of poverty eradication and giving succour to the needy in the Muslim community.
“We are targeting the widows, orphans, girls who dropped out of school as a result of unwanted pregnancies, organising Skill Acquisition programmes for the women, helping the sick, the elderly and other vulnerable within the community”, she said.
Dignitaries who graced the ceremony held at the Akure City Hall include; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, representative of the Elekole of Ikole-Ekiti, Oba James Fasiku, Chief Imam of Owo and Chairman, League of Imams and Alfas in South West, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Ahmed Aladesawe, former State APC Chairman, Mr Isaacs Kekemeke, Muslim leaders as well as various Muslim groups.