The annual Ramadan lecture organized by the chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oluyole local government in the April 27 council poll, Akeem Olatunji, held significant importance as the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul Ganiy Agbotomokekere, personally offered special prayers at the event.
This was as prominent Islamic clerics, politicians, top government functionaries and other political stakeholders congregated at the Olomi Community Primary School 1, venue of the event in Oluyole local government in Ibadan on Sunday March 24.
The well attended event had notable personalities in attendance such as the Chief Imam of Oluyole LG, and other notable islamic leaders in Ibadan.
Turaki Adinni of Oyo State, Mogaji Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem, former Deputy Speaker and Chairman Oyo State House of Assembly Service commission Hon. Musa Abdul-Wasil, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, Chairman Nigeria Union of Teachers Oyo State Wing, Comrade Ismail Oladimeji Raji, Special Adviser on Education Intervention, Oloye-Tiammy Suraju Abiodun, member representing Oluyole state constituency at the 10th State House of Assembly, Hon. Waheed Akintayo, Oluyole Council Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary, Hon. Olaide Settle, Hon Tunde Ayoade and Azeez Babalola were all present at the event.
Others are the Chief Imam Omituntun Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdul-Mojeed Olanase, Chairmanship candidate in Ona-ara LG, Dr Temitope Glorious, Special Assistant to the state governor on Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon. Olumide Akinlade, the 10 councilorship candidates and supervisory councilors in Oluyole as well as LG SAs.
According to different speakers, the event, hosted by Engr Olatunji, underpinned the essence of responsive leadership in fostering communal harmony and progress during the holy month of Ramadan.
In his address, Sheikh Al Imam Daud Alawiye, emphasized the pivotal role of leaders in addressing societal challenges and promoting unity among diverse people coexisting. He stressed the need for leaders to exhibit compassion, understanding, and inclusivity, especially during times of religious significance like Ramadan.
Speaking further, he explained the importance of servant leadership, urging leaders to prioritize the welfare and interests of their people while calling for a commitment to justice, fairness, and accountability in governance, citing these principles as fundamental to fostering social cohesion and development.
Highlighting Olatunji’s leadership qualities, the cleric expressed confidence in the ability of the PDP chairmanship candidate to deploy his wealth of political and leadership experience to bring about the desired transformation by the people of Oluyole local government.
The event concluded with a call to action for leaders to embrace their responsibility to serve with integrity and dedication, resonating the timeless teachings of Islam on benevolent governance and societal harmony.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, Engr Olatunji acommpanied by his vice, Adeniyi Akorede, expressed gratitude to God for giving him the ability and capacity to organize the annual Ramadan lecture describing it as a footstep taken in emulation of Governor Seyi Makinde who he said remains his political mentor, benefactor, and leader.
He assured that he would immediately swing into action without further in the implementation of all his promises to the people of Oluyole upon his emergence as the next executive chairman of the LG after the April 27 poll.
He expressed confidence in recording a landslide victory at the poll considering the magnitude of and public endorsements and relentless support he has continued to enjoy from all the political stakeholders across the 10 wards in Oluyole local government.
“This Ramadan lecture to me is an opportunity to abreast ourselves with more knowledge about understanding the significance of this holy month and to further strive to strengthen our relationship with Allah.
” Being an ardent political disciple of Governor Seyi Makinde, I’m daily learning so much from him and I’ve particularly taken it upon myself to follow his political and leadership footsteps to afford me the opportunity to grow as a person while developing myself politically.
“There’s nothing much to say than the gospel of good governance being championed by the governor across the state and to domesticate his sustainable development agenda to align Oluyole with the broader economic expansion plan of the state under Omituntun 2.0.
” Considering the paucity of funds and very challenging economic times, I can tell you confidently that Governor Makinde has outperformed his counterparts across the country and how he is performing that magic is exactly what we are committed to acquire skills about so that we can replicate it at the grassroots.” Olatunji said.
Highlight of the event was the distribution of over 1000 freshly baked loaves of sliced bread by Mr Tunde Ofe, Producer of Country Fresh Bread, to the mammoth crowd that attended the Ramadan lecture.
Also present at the event are the PDP Chairman in Oluyole LG, Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola. DG and Chairman Sarsino Campaign Organization; Architect Salaam Azeez and Alhaji Fatai Ogunrin, PDP Vice Chairmanship Candidate for Egbeda LG, Hon. Ibrahim Oladebo Simple, Chief Imam of Oluyole LG, Alhaji Taliat, Alhaji Bola Akinyemi, Princess Adedoja Ara, Hon Olusina Ogunsola, Hon Nurudeen Akanni, Bashorun Adeniji Saint Abbey, Alhaji Mumuni Alaba Oyeniyi, Alhaji Babatunde Moruf Adetunji, representatives of Hon Oluwadamilola Ala. Traditional leaders in attendance include Baale Oleyo, Baale Alata and other traditional chiefs.
