The muslim community of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Sunday, September 10, 2023, marked its 11th year anniversary in a grand style at the Institute Headquarters, Jericho, Ibadan.
Forestry Muslim Community also used the occasion to inaugurate its patrons, matron as well as confer Merit Awards on distinguished Muslims who have contributed immensely to the growth of the community in the past years.
Those who were inaugurated as Patrons are: Professor S.O Bada, Prof. M.O Ashiru, Imam Mudashiru Bada, Chief Imam Oluyole Extension; Prof. Labode Popoola and Alhaja Fadilat Akinwande, the Iya Adini of Ologuneru and its environs as Matron.
According to the Chief imam of the community, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Abiola Abdul-Fatai, the patrons and matron have all played significant roles to make what Forestry Muslim Community is today. They were presented with certificates of appointments.
The highlights of the 11th year anniversary celebration was conferment of Merit Awards on six (6) distinguished Muslims in recognition of their contributions to the growth of Forestry Muslim Community and by extension, Islam.
The awardees are: Alhaji Hakeem Solaudeen, Alhaji Hakeem Nasir, Alhaji (Dr) Munir Ademola, who is Director of Qiblah School in Ibadan.
Others are Alhaji (Dr.) Dawood Ayodele Amoo Alaga, a renowned Islamic scholar, Alhaji Ishaq Gbolagade Awujoola, the Aare Musulumi of Ologuneru and its environs as well as Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Oyetunji, who is the Publisher of Prompt News Online.
After the citations of the awardees were read, they were presented with award plaques.
Dr. Amoo Alaga, one of the awardees also doubled as the Guest Speaker. He made an eloquent presentation on the topic: “Love, Trust and Faith: Muslim On Call”.
The guest speaker reminded muslims that Allah created us to worship him.
He stressed that “Faith is the foundation for an excellent life, noting that as muslims, our faith must be very strong and we should not associate anything to Allah.
Dr. Amoo Alaga, also noted that Islam encourages love hence as muslims, we must love one another as we often demonstrate during Ramadan fasting, adding that Zahkat in Islam is a clear demonstration of love for fellow muslims.
Speaking on Trust, the guest speaker emphasized the need to be trustworthy as muslims, adding that if something is kept in our care, we must keep record so as to give proper account when the need arises.
In his welcome address, the acting chairman of Forestry Muslim Community, Alhaji Abdulazeez Adewale Onajobi, noted that the past 11 years had been very challenging.
He recalled that at inception, there were only two muslims in the Institute about 11 years ago, giving praise to Allah that today, muslims are now in their hundreds.
Reeling out some of the achievements recorded in the past years, the acting chairman said they include establishing a solid cooperative society, organizing annual Ramadan lectures, and construction of the Central mosque which is ongoing.
He also expressed delight that the muslim community of FRIN now boasts of many Masters degree holders as well as PhD holders while also expressing optimism that many higher degree holders will join soon. READ ALSO:
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The Director-General of FRIN, Dr. Zacharia Buba-Yeduma, who is the Chief Host but unavoidably absent was represented by Alhaji Salawudeen Bayonle, who commended the valuable roles of the muslim community to the development of the Institute.
After the programme, guests were conducted round the central mosque which is under construction.
