President Olanrewaju Group of Hospitals,Dr AbdulWaheed Olanrewaju presenting award to Professor Emeritus, Oloyede Is’hak ably represented by his Wife Hajia Oloyede.
- IWF Celebrates Academic Excellence, Recognizes Four New Professors
By Ahmed Ajikobi, Ilorin
The National Association of the Deaf in Nigeria (NADN) has bestowed the Award of Excellence in Humanitarian and Islamic Service upon renowned Islamic scholar, Shaikh Yusuf Kolawole Jumuah, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, legal luminary, Prof. Yusuf Ola-Olu Ali SAN, and the Islamic Welfare Foundation (IWF).
The prestigious awards were presented during a special Ramadan Tafsir session held at the IWF Secretariat in Ilorin, Kwara State. The recognition highlights their tireless contributions to Islamic service, humanitarian efforts, and unwavering support for persons with special needs.
The IWF Kwara State Chapter was also honoured for its inclusivity initiatives, particularly for its efforts in integrating individuals with special needs into its Islamic programs and providing essential welfare support.
During the Tafsir sermon, Shaikh Jumuah urged Muslims to fear Allah, uphold the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith, and embrace the principles of Islam for a just and prosperous society.
He emphasized that any nation striving for peace and development must adopt Islamic legal principles as a foundation for justice and fairness, ensuring equitable treatment for all citizens.
Calling for a holistic approach to Nigeria’s redemption, he urged the government and citizens to apply Islamic teachings in their daily affairs, praying that Allah grants the nation mercy and guidance.
Representing Prof. Oloyede at the event, his wife, Alhaja Oloyede, received the award on his behalf, while Alhaji Kehinde Eleja SAN accepted the honour on behalf of Prof. Ali SAN.
In his appreciation speech, Prof. Ali commended NADN for the recognition, noting that the award serves as motivation to continue serving Allah and humanity.
In his address, the National Ameer of the Association of Deaf Muslims in Nigeria, Alhaji Sulaiman Saka Dagbo, appealed for greater inclusion and support from IWF and other organizations.
“We need more attention and assistance to ensure that deaf Muslims are not left behind. We urge well-meaning Muslims to support our cause and prevent our members from being enticed by other religions,” he stated.
In a moment of academic celebration, the IWF Kwara Chapter recognized four distinguished scholars for their elevation to professorship. The honourees include: Prof. Abdullateef Oladimeji, Prof. Uthman Abdullateef, Prof. Rafiu O. Yusuf and Prof. Abdulkareem Oloyede (son of JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede).
Speaking at the event, IWF Kwara State Coordinator, Hon. Is’haq Sabi, emphasized the importance of recognizing academic excellence, pledging that more members would be honoured in future programs.
“We are delighted to celebrate these accomplished scholars. This is just the beginning of our recognition of academic excellence in IWF,” he remarked.
Speaking on behalf of the newly recognized professors, Prof. Oladimeji, former Registrar and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, expressed deep appreciation to IWF for the recognition.
“We are honoured by this recognition, and we pray that Allah continues to uplift members of IWF in their careers and personal lives,” he said.
Imam AbdulMumeen Afodun encouraged members to strive for excellence in promoting Islam, ensuring that their children follow in their footsteps. Similarly, the Deputy Coordinator of IWF stressed the importance of perseverance, good deeds, and dedication to Islamic values.
The event was graced by distinguished personalities, including: Dan Madami of Ilorin, Alhaji Shehu Gafar, Chairman, Olanrewaju Group of Hospitals, Dr AbdulWaheed Olanrewaju, Prof. Kolawole Yusuf, National Coordinator, IWF, Dr Kalejaye Hassan, Kwara State Coordinator, IWF.
Others are Hon. Is’haq Muhammed Sabi, Deputy Coordinator, IWF, Prof. Rauf Olasunkanmi, Dr AbdulRahaman Babatunde, Director, Water Quality Control and Assurance, Kwara State Water Corporation.
Participants at the event lauded IWF’s commitment to academic excellence, humanitarian service, and the advancement of Islam, calling it a historic moment in the foundation’s journey.
