The Muslim Community of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, has on Tuesday, organized its 2nd annual Ramadan Lecture at the assembly hall of the Institution, drawing a diverse array of dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, and his members, as well as the Management team led by Dr. Gbade Akinteye, the Acting Rector.
Also present were the Chairman of the Muslim Community of the Institution, Mr. A.O Oladeji, the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Ibarapa land, Alh Bilal Shitu, Dr. Muhammamed Moroof Adewunmi Adeniran, executives of FOMWAN in Ibarapa Zone, Deans of Faculties, Heads of units and departments, among others.
In his opening remarks, Mr. A.O Oladeji, the Chairman of the Muslim Community and Deputy Rector of the Institution, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for making the program a reality.
He commended the Chairman of the Governing Council for his dedication in initiating the epoch-making program.
His words: “I thank God Almighty for making today a reality. The plan for this program started some months back, and it’s meant to be an annual event following the success of the first edition last year. We appreciate the life of our council chairman and his active members.
“I sincerely appreciate the management team of this Institution, led by Dr. Gbade Akinteye, for their roles in making this program a success. I appreciate you all for this historic occasion.”
Prof. Abiodun Ojo, the Chairman of the Governing Council and initiator of the program, emphasized the importance of Ramadan in the lives of Muslim faithfuls and non-Muslims alike.
He appreciated the Muslim Community for their steadfastness since he became the Council Chairman of the Institution and encouraged the organizers to extend invitations to other communities in Ibarapa for subsequent programs.
He said: “I greet everyone present, both Muslim brothers and sisters, management, staff, and students of this Institution. May the blessings of God be with you all. Whether you are Muslim or Christian, when facing challenges in life, two things to rely on are fasting and prayer.
“In the month of Ramadan, collective fasting is believed to bring about wonderful outcomes. Ramadan Lectures offer valuable teachings that are beneficial to all, not just Muslims.
“As a Christian, I frequently attend Ramadan Lectures and have initiated them in different organizations I have served. I appeal to everyone that Ramadan Lecture is not only for Muslims; other religious bodies should find ways of attending the program regularly.”
The erudite guest Lecturer, Dr. Rosheed Hashim, delivered an enlightening discourse on ‘Islam and Good Governance: A Consideration of the Nigerian State.’
Dr. Hashim emphasized Islam’s pivotal role in good governance, stating that any government devoid of Islamic principles, rules, and regulations cannot offer good governance. He highlighted the qualities of good governance, including competence, fear of God, truthfulness, humility, strong determination, moral uprightness, and equal distribution of resources.
He further emphasized the need for representation of people at all levels of government, a hunger-free society, a crime-free environment, proper management and supervision, and rigid enforcement of laws for prosperity.
He concluded his lecture by urging everyone to change their mindset, eradicate corruption in all forms, and continuously pray for our leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Rector of the Institution, Mr. Rafiu, Chairman of the committee of Deans, congratulated Muslim faithfuls on campus for the success of the program.
He said: “On behalf of the Acting Rector, Dr. Gbade Akinteye, I congratulate the Muslim management, staff, and students of this Institution for organizing this program.
“I am delighted that this laudable program is happening during my time as the Acting Rector of this Institution. I appreciate the guest speaker for delivering an insightful lecture.”
The Chairman of the Ibarapa Muslim Community, Alh Bilal Shitu, encouraged Muslims to use the Ramadan period to pray for everyone, especially our leaders and Nigeria at large.