Dr. Mustapha Akanji, a Saki, Oyo State-born prominent Islamic scholar and philanthropist, has urged Nigerians to pray for their political leaders and speak positively about their country.
He added that embracing the virtues of prayers and positivity would be for the betterment of the populace.
The Islamic scholar gave the charge at the Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’ba during his installation and turbaning as Fakhar-l-Muminin of Oyo State by the League of Imams and Alfas of the state, led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakry Agbotomokekere.
Dr. Akanji said the establishment of hospital and a university in Saki formed part of his commitment to give back to the society, saying his new title is a sacred trust to extend philanthropic gesture to more Muslims.
He promised to inaugurate an office in Ibadan to continue his humanitarian service to the needy, in order to improve their standard of living.
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Agbotomokekere, described the new Fakhar-l-Muminin of Oyo State as a notable Islamic scholar whose charitable programmes and activities deserves recognition from The League of Imams and Alfas.
In his sermon, Mufasir of Ibadanland, Sheikh (Dr) Baari Adetunji, enjoined Dr Akanji not to relent in his philanthropic service towards the advancement of Islam, adding that charity remains the most profitable venture in the sight of Almighty Allah.
Grand Mufti of Sakiland, Sheikh Ibrahim, prayed that Allah will assist the honoree to live up to the expectations of his new status.
Presenting the Staff of Office to Dr Mustapha Akanji, Oba (Dr.) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi, Oyedepo lll, the Okere of Saki, described the honoree as a very humble and worthy ambassador of Sakiland.
Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Dr. Teliat Yunus Ayilara, also observed a short special prayer for Dr. Akanji that the Almighty Allah grant him long life in sound health with abundance prosperity to prosecute more humanitarian service.
Highlights of the installation and turbaning ceremony was the presentation of a new 2025 Toyota Landcruiser to Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland by President Bola Tinubu.
The new car was delivered to the Chief Imam of Ibadanland by the senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde.
Present at the event were Professor K. K. Oloso; Mr Abdulwaheed Lawal, Chairman, MURIC, Oyo State chapter; Sheikh Ashim Atere, Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing); members of Imam-in-Council of Chief Imam of Ibadanland; Chief Imams of the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland; Chief Imams from Oke-Ogun, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Ibarapa Zones; Alhaji Daud Afolabi, Coordinator, NACOMYO.
Also present were representatives of Oba Peter Oluwole Ipade Lola, Olufon of Ifon Orolu, Ifon-Osun, Osun State; representative of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States and other notable religious and community leaders.
