*Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele(middle) during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria(MUSWEN).
The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adeola Matemilola, have called on Muslims to embrace unity and strengthen cooperation for the progress and development of the Islamic Ummah.
They made the call on Thursday while receiving separate courtesy visits from a delegation of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), led by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The visits were part of activities ahead of MUSWEN’s 11th General Assembly scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.
During the visits to the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Olowu Palace, Oladejo announced that his tenure as MUSWEN President would end at the forthcoming General Assembly.
He subsequently introduced Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, the organisation’s Deputy President I, as his successor and incoming president.
Salako-Oyedele commended Oladejo for his commitment and contributions to the organisation since assuming office, praying that Allah would reward his efforts abundantly.
She also wished him success in his future endeavours and expressed optimism that the incoming leadership would build on the achievements of the outgoing administration.
The Deputy Governor further pledged her support for MUSWEN’s Endowment Fund, following discussions with the delegation on the initiative.
She promised to mobilise additional support towards the actualisation of the fund, which is designed to finance youth development programmes, provide welfare assistance to vulnerable and less privileged members of society, and support other humanitarian activities.
Salako-Oyedele stressed that unity and collective commitment were essential to advancing the interests of Muslims and ensuring the continued development of the Ummah.
At the Olowu Palace, Oba Matemilola also underscored the need for unity among Muslims, particularly in Ogun State.
The monarch pledged to sustain his efforts to bring together stakeholders in the state’s Muslim community, noting that mutual understanding and respect for individual differences were necessary ingredients for achieving lasting unity.
He observed that although differences might exist among individuals and groups, patience, dialogue and unity of purpose would eventually enable Muslims in the state to overcome their divisions and speak with one voice.
The monarch’s appeal highlighted the importance of collective responsibility and constructive engagement in strengthening the Muslim community.
Members of the delegation included Ebiti; MUSWEN Executive Secretary, Prof. Wole Abbas; Chairman of its Media and Publicity Committee, Alhaji Mikail Adegoke Mumuni; Secretary of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Alhaji Kamal Akintunde; and the Council’s Publicity Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Hassan Akinkule.