The Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso in Oyo State, Dr Yunus Teliat Ayilara has stressed the need for spiritual cleansing of minds of most Nigerians before restructuring of the country in any form can work effectively in the country
The Islamic cleric was speaking on Sunday as guest speaker during the 39th annual Hijrah celebration organized by Ogun State chapter of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations(NACOMYO ) at MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, the State capital to mark the commencement of the new Islamic year 1446 A.H
Ayilara speaking on the theme of this year's celebration "Restructuring The Nigerian Society For A True And Enduring United Nation", attributed the clamour of restructuring to include marginalization of some set of peoplen and injustice in the society
He emphasized the involvement of religious leaders in the whole process of restructuring the country , saying the reformed policies in the economy and structures of governance can only be meaningful, if minds of Nigerians are well restructured spiritually
Restructuring according to him, should reflect the true identity of Nigerians, it should reflect the religious beliefs of the people and not recolonization of Nigeria after gaining independent from the colonial masters
The Islamic Scholar however commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for creating enable environment for Muslims and other religions beliefs to practice without hindrances
He also appreciated the governor for encouraging the wearing of hijab by . Muslim female leaners in public schools in the state while urging him to emulate other governors who have declared this Monday, July 8, as work fee day to celebrate the new slamic year
The Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso was later presented with special portrait by Upright Academy Abeokuta
Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun who was represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof.Mukhtar Abayomi Arigbabu, promised that government would continue to initiate policies and programmes to ensure religious and business activities thrive in the state
The Ogun State Co-ordinator of NACOMYO, Alhaji Abdul-Bariu Kehinde Lawal had earlier in his welcome speech, called on youths to shun all forms of vices but be religious and support government to but to build a peaceful and egalitarian society for all
He added that the apex Muslim Youtths organization looks forward to declaration of every 1st of Muharram as a work free day in Ogun State by the present administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun while appreciating the governor and his deputy, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele for their unwavering support for the council over the time
Also speaking, the Baba Adinni of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta States, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola who was the Father of The Day at the event, urged Muslims to always strive to be good ambassadors of Islam for others to appreciate the beauty of the region in them
Other prominent dignitaries at the event included the Wakil Muslimeen of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta States and Consultant to the State Government On Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Iskil Muhammad Awwal, the Moyegeso of Ijebu-Itele, Oba (Dr) M.A kasali as Royal Father of the Day, National leader of NACOMYO and Secretary General of Ogun State Muslim Council, Alhaji Kamal-Deen Akintunde, re Chairman of the Day and National President of NASFAT, Alhaji AbdulRauf Abdul Waheed who was represented by Engr Mukhail Muitaba , Chairperson of the event, Alhaja Araba Aminat Oluwatoyin Olori of Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta, Adijat Matemilola, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Education Science and Technology, Alhaja Moriam Oluwatosin Oloko who were mothers of the Day, members of League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State and members of Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria (FOMWAN) Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Prof. Musa Olomu , amongst others
High points of this year's Hijrah celebration included presentation of the 1446 Hijrah Personality Award to the State Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof Arigbabu and special parade by both public and private schools, youths organizations , Alasalatul , Arabic and Islamic Schools
Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Abeokuta emerged as winner of public secondary schools category for the special parade while Defenders Group of Schools was adjudged the winner in the private secondary category
For the primary schools categories, Muslim Primary School, Mokola, Abeokuta won the trophy for public primary schools while Intellectual Heroes Academy won the private category
Ansar- Ud-Deen Green Light Sisters won that of Alasalatul Category amongst other winners
Chairman of the planning committee of the event, Alhaji Daud Akinbo was full appreciation for the State Government, NACOMYO members and dignitaries who graced this year's Hijrah celebration
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