The National Council Of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Ekiti state chapter, on Sunday, honoured the immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola with an award of Excellent Service to Islam.
The award was given to Aregbesola during the 1446AH Hijra lecture and second edition of Hon Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju empowerment program held at the mini pavilion, Fajuyi, Ado Ekiti.
Aregbesola who also doubled as the father of the day, while delivering his speech through a former chairman of Osogbo Local Council Development Area, Hon. Abdulhakeem Olaoye, Mosques that were centres of learning and justice some years back are becoming unattractive, urging Muslims to reverse the worrying trend.
The speech titled, “Mission of Islam and Muslims”, reads, “Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem. In its 1,409 years of existence, Islam has been a beacon of civilization, decency, law and order. From the Arabian Peninsula to Persian, Byzantium and North Africa, Islam brought a culture of enjoining good and forbidding evil, this is the foundation of its rapid spread. In under a century, Islam ruled the World.
“By the tenth century, Islam had reached West Africa, through the ancient empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhal. By the eleventh century, an Islamic state had been established in Kanem-Borno. Through trade and social interactions, the Yoruba people in Oyo, Ife, Ijesha, Igbomina, Ekiti, Akoko and Okun embraced Islam around this time, some five hundred years before Christianity.
“This long interaction with Islam explains our traditional town planning arrangements, especially the downtown layouts which usually have the palace, market and mosque at the epicentre in Yoruba land. This influence is reflected in our language, dress and culture. Before the returning slaves brought Christianity in 1838, Islam was the trending religion. The youth of Yoruba land embraced the faith popularized by traders and clerics because of its enlightenment, modernity, decency ethics and high sense of justice. Islam subtly challenged the despotism of traditional institutions, the fetish and indecency. It resonated with the youths and young at heart and thus dominated the entire land.
“Of course, colonialism and its attendant overarching influence of politics and religion played a role in reversing the influence of Islam. In all Yoruba traditional conurbations, the old elites are usually Muslims. Besides the religious and political pressures, what was the major factor in the recession of Islam in Yoruba Land? The failure to integrate Islamic tenets with the emerging social order. Muslims who were pacesetters in ethics, justice, morality, hygiene, education, fashion and culture regressed and lost momentum. Mosques that were centres of learning and justice decayed and became unattractive centres of soulless worship with uninspiring innards and restrooms.
“The challenge to young Muslims is to reverse this trend. We must be serious promoters of mosque rehabilitation, especially the restroom and praying floors, authentic Islamic education, morality, humanity, ethics, culture and justice.
“I thank the NACOMYO of Ekiti for recognizing my person. I give Allah SWT the glory for the activities which earned me this recognition. I thank you all for your attention.”
In his welcome address, the coordinator of Nacomyo in the state, Alhaji Mudasiru Yusuf, urged Muslims to strive to create a world built on the pillars of justice, equality, compassion, and unity.
Alhaji Yusuf also appeal to the state governor, Biodun Oyebamiji to consider declaring the first day of Hijrah a public holiday for Muslims in the state.
He said, “As we commemorate this momentous event, I urge you all to embark on a transformative spiritual journey, migrating away from the boundaries of sin and towards the vast expanse of righteousness. Let us strive to create a world built on the pillars of justice, equality, compassion, and unity.
“As we celebrate Hijrah, let us recommit ourselves to the lofty principles of Islam and work collectively towards creating a brighter future for all. May the spirit of Hijrah inspire us to strive for a world built on justice, peace and harmony
“With the utmost humility, I respectfully request our esteemed Governor to consider declaring the first day of Hijrah a public holiday for Muslims in the state, in celebration of the Islamic New Year.”
Other awardees include the state governor, Mr Biodun Oyebamiji; Senator Babafemi Ojudu and Alhaji Tajudeen Ahmed.
