HRM Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale and Alhaji Abiola Anifowoshe, Former Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.
By Babatunde Kaka
On Saturday, 22nd October 2021, the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale, Bamgbopa Ehinlokun and his wife, Alhaja Mrs Aribike Adewale received an honorary award from the prestigious Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Epe Branch.
The award ceremony, which was held at the Epe Marina waterfront marked the third edition of the event organised to recognise notable personalities with significant contributions to the growth of the Islamic organisation.
Alhaji Anifowose, one of the awardees, delivering the welcome address
The event also featured a 30 Million Naira fund-raising for the procurement of a 100Kva Mikano Generator, Society Bus and Re-Roofing of the AUD Mosque, Epe.
Dignitaries who defied the heavy downpour to honour the event include, Princess Surah Animashaun, Epe Local Government Chairman represented by Mr Shettima, Olori Aribike Adewale, Olori Olu-Epe Kingdom, Olu-Epe-In-Council Baales and Chiefs, Alhaji Abiola Anifowoshe, Former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Dr Mrs Kosoko-Oyedeko and Alhaja Adijat Hassan.
Others are Alhaja Adijat Kubura Hassan, Commissioner IV, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Chief Akanni Adio-Oduola, the Prime Minister of Epe Kingdom, Dr MA Shittu, Deputy Provost, MOCPED, Dr Mrs Kosoko Oyedeko, Former Dean, Student Affairs, MOCPED, amongst others.
Alhaja Adijat Kubura, Lagos TESCOM Commissioner during her address
Speaking while receiving the award, Oba Adewale rolled back the years to his long-standing relationship with the organisation.
He said: “I thought this award was presented to me based on my antecedents in the past.
In the 50s and 60s, while I lived in Ibadan, Ansar-Ud-deen and Ahmadiyyah societies were always working hand in hand. Based on this fact, Ansar-Ud-Deen is no stranger to me. I acknowledge the organisation for coming to Epe.”
Sheikh Dr Muhideen Ajani Bello, the guest lecturer.
“I want you to change your impression about Epe, the town is a better place to be. Those in the clog of the will of Epe’s progress are not more than two or three persons and that is because of their ignorance. Epe people are peace-loving and progressive personalities.”
Oba Adewale recalled his meeting with the famous Islamic Preacher, Shaykh Muhyideen Ajani Bello, having met at First Epe Central Mosque, Oke-Balogun, Epe; a deeply gratifying meeting had hoped would be the first of many.
Chief Adio Oduola, Shaykh Muhyideen Ajani and Grand Chief Imam, Sad’ala Aliru.
There was also a public lecture by the famous Islamic Cleric, Shaykh (Dr) Muhyideen Ajani Bello, who spoke on the theme “The Pathway to Paradise.”
The cleric, in his exhortation, made a clarion call to the Muslim faithful to prioritise promoting the cause of Islam ahead of seeking personal wealth and gratification which runs contrariwise to the teachings of the Prophet.
Read Also: SAN Status: Wale Raji Congratulates Rotimi Seriki, Says 1st Ever In History Of Epe Division
The sheik considered it a misnomer that a fund-raiser needed to be organised for devout Muslims to pitch into the work of God.
Alhaji Abiola Anifowoshe during his short address at the event.
He also harped on the pathway to paradise which is premised on four cardinal points; moral rectitude, seeking forgiveness of sins, remembrance of death and offering prayers of thanksgiving.
The Chairman of the event, High Chief Abiodun Akingbade, the Bobagunwa of Epe Kingdom, in his welcome address, lamented the gradual erosion of Islam’s cardinal values in the town, stating that he was no longer sure if the “Epe Oni Qurani” status which the town is well-known for is still a fact.
The Grand Chief Imam of Epe, Sheikh Sad’ala Abiola Aliru paying homage to the Olu Epe of Epe
He stated that the premium placed on the teachings and practice of Islamic religion in the past by our progenitors has been systematically and insidiously adulterated by the twin factors of modernity and globalisation.
He charged parents to ensure that their wards were engaged in exhaustive studying of the Quran at their various madrasas, which he described as the antidote to the gradual erosion of Islamic values in the town.
The Olu Epe Palace Secretary pose with friends after receiving his award.
Also speaking, the Mother of the day, Alhaja Adijat Kubura Hassan, Commissioner IV, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, was in tandem with her male counterpart, stating that mothers should raise children with adequate knowledge of Islamic tenets irrespective of their age.
She also noted that her irrepressible resolve to acquire the requisite Arabic knowledge to have a clear understanding of the Quran led her to study it comprehensively up to the age of 50
See Photos:
A former Deputy National Chairman (south) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, says…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, will on Thursday (today) arraign the former Governor…
Suspected gunmen have reportedly kidnapped Fabian Ihekweme, a former Commissioner for Foreign Affairs in Imo…