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Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele has celebrated the President General, League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta States and the Chief Imam of Ekiti state, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere Bello on the celebration of his 40 years of distinguished religious leadership.
Engr. Salako-Oyedele who also described him as a committed and consistent Islamic leader, stated this in her address at the 40 year thanksgiving ceremony in honour of Sheik Kewulere Bello, in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, noting that Sheikh’s leadership role was worthy of emulation.
Engr. Salako-Oyedele, explained that despite the Shieks advancement in age, he has continued to serve with energy and commitment as President General of League of Imam and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta States, saying that his level of dedication was not something that could be taken for granted.
” I have come to understand just how important it is to have a spiritual leader who provides not only prayers but guide, direction, humility and gives strength to the community. His leadership cuts across States and boundaries he caters for, so today I’m not just here for myself or on behalf of Ogun State but in representation of all of us across the South west, Edo and Delta States” she said
While expressing gratitude for Sheik the consistent leadership, spiritual guidance and moral clarity he has brought to the Muslim communities, she said his life and service was a gift to this generation, praying that Almighty Allah continues to preserve his life, grant him joy, strength and reward his efforts.
According to her, ‘I’m really humbled to have been considered for this important position. Am here today as somebody who holds public office and who shares a deep connection to our faith. Baba’s presence at events has been reassuring and dignified at all times’.
The Deputy Governor in appreciating the organisers of the historic event, said her invitation as the Chairperson of the event surprised her owing to the fact that she was from Ogun State and has not had a direct or long standing relationship with Ekiti state or the Muslim community in the state.
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion and Registrar, Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, thanked Almighty Allah for Sheikh Kewulere 40 years of exceptional leadership and dedication to Islam, describing him as an embodiment of good leader and a contented person.
While urging Alfas and Imams to intensify campaign on waging war against drug abuse, exam malpractice and fraud among muslim youths, he also called on government to continue to prioritise good governance, especially on infrastructures.
In his admonition,
the Grand Mufti of Kwara State, Sheik Faruq Almiskinu Bilahi (Onikijipa), noted that amongst those God honoured the most on earth are His Prophets as they represent divine light that guides his followers, saying Sheik Kewulere was one of God’s prophets with a unique vision, as well as one whose leadership and dedication to Islamic in the last 40 years was exceptional.
He pointed out that attaining the 40 years milestone was an important feat in the life of human beings, therefore any leader who has had the opportunity to serve for 40 years and done so meritoriously deserves to be celebrated, stressing that even God attached importance to that unique year.
Contributing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Ekiti State, Rev. (Dr) Emmanuel Aribasoye, said since he assumed duty, Sheik has showed nothing but love to the Christian fold, describing him as an epitome of peace , love and humility, while praying that God grant him long life and strength to serve.
Also speaking, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, HRM Oba Aladesanmi Adejuyigbe, commended the people of Ado Ekiti for appointing Sheik Kewulere to the exalted position, which he said he had managed well without issues, praying for more of God’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding to continue to succeed.
In his appreciation message, the celebrant, Sheikh Kewulere, acknowledged the support he has so far received from the Ekiti State Government, League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta States as the President General and the Chief Imam of Ekiti state, the Christian body and the entire Muslim community, praying that Almighty Allah would reward them accordingly .
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman organising committee , Senator Abduganiyu Babafemi Ojodu, said the event was not just a commemoration of time, but a tribute to a life wholly dedicated to the service of Allah, describing Sheik Kewulere as not just a religious leader, rather a symbol of wisdom, voice of peace and a bridge between faith and societal progress.
Highlight of the programme was reading from the Holy Quran and Presentation of a brand new 2025 Toyota SUV by the representative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senator representing Oyo Central, Senator Yunus Akintunde to the celebrant.
