By Qudirat Hakeem-Apanpa
A former Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, Dr Abdullah Jubril Oyekan, MFR, has been honoured for his exemplary record of integrity, honesty and selfless public service.
“He is an epitome of virtues, a symbol of pristine Islam and a model for all righteous people, irrespective of creed. Such a phenomenal person should therefore be celebrated while alive,” emphasised the immediate past Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS), Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni.
His comments came during the commissioning of a borehole he donated in honour of Dr Oyekan at Akinjole-Omoloju in the Bolohunpelu area of Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State.
Alhaji Sanni described the former university governing council chairman as an upright and exceptionally honest public servant who, throughout his active years, detested corruption, indiscipline and all forms of indecency.
According to him, Dr Oyekan’s firmness and uncompromising commitment to principles made him stand out as a man of uncommon character.
He added that the well was not merely a physical infrastructure project but a lasting symbol of appreciation for a man whose life, he said, had positively impacted society.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Professor Abdul Lateef Wole Abass, described both Dr Oyekan and Alhaji Sanni as men whose commitment to Islamic principles had sometimes led to their being misunderstood by sections of society.
Professor Abass, however, urged the two men to remain steadfast and unwavering in their commitment to Islamic propagation and the promotion of righteous values.
He expressed optimism that, with time, the public would come to appreciate that their actions and positions were motivated by genuine concern for the good of society and the advancement of moral values.
In his keynote address, the Chief Imam of Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi Central Mosque, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Alhaji Abdul Ganiy Abdul Salam, charged Muslims and other members of the community to make virtuous deeds an integral part of their daily lives.
He stressed that acts of kindness, service to humanity and other good deeds contribute to making the world a better place while attracting multiple rewards from Allah.
Alhaji Abdul Salam encouraged the audience not to underestimate seemingly small acts of charity, noting that deeds undertaken sincerely for the sake of Allah could leave enduring benefits long after the benefactor had departed.
The event attracted prominent members of the Muslim community, including the National Secretary-General of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Alhaji Mas’ud Akintola; the Oyo State Coordinator of NACOMYO, Alhaji Dawood Bolaji Afolabi; and other notable Muslim leaders and residents of the Akinjole-Omoloju/Bolohunpelu community.
The commissioning ultimately served as both a celebration of a distinguished public servant and a reminder that integrity, service to humanity and devotion to faith remain enduring legacies worthy of recognition while their bearers are still alive.
