The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, has called on the Muslim Ummah to extend their acts of piety and goodwill beyond the holy month of Ramadan.
He made this appeal during the council’s yearly Ramadan lecture, held in front of the Ibadan North Central Mosque.
In his welcome address, Hon. Olufade expressed gratitude to the attendees for coming out in large numbers to participate in the spiritual gathering.
He noted that many people dress piously and engage in virtuous acts primarily during Ramadan but emphasized the need to maintain these values throughout the year.
The chairman also urged the staff of the local government to remain committed to the development and progress of the council, stressing the importance of relentless dedication to service.
The guest lecturer, Sheikh Abdulkareem Sharafdeen, delivered an insightful lecture on the topic “Youth Restiveness, Anxiousness, Impatience, and Curiosity.”
He identified key factors contributing to these societal challenges, including peer influence, parental pressure, hypocrisy in governance and lack of adequate religious teachings.
Sheikh Sharafdeen warned against the negative impact of peer pressure, advising young people to choose their friends wisely.
He also highlighted the role of parents in shaping their children’s character, condemning the trend of comparing children and pushing them towards sudden wealth without considering its sources.
The scholar further criticized the societal neglect of youth, noting that many people in positions to help often fail to do so.
He urged members of the public to be more supportive and encouraged parents to instill moral and religious values in their children.
Additionally, he blamed hypocrisy in governance as a major contributor to youth restlessness, calling on leaders to be more transparent and accountable.
Despite being a Christian, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of the Ibadan North Central Mosque.
He stated that the mosque’s upkeep remains one of his priorities as chairman and pledged continuous support for its needs.
To back his commitment, he donated ₦200,000 towards the second phase of the mosque’s solar project and assured the worshippers of his readiness to assist whenever called upon.
The event saw significant financial contributions from political leaders and stakeholders for the mosque’s solar project:
– Hon. Babajide Gabriel, Member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan North Constituency 2, appreciated the guest lecturer and donated ₦100,000.
– Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle (DON), Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, appreciated the guest lecturer and donated ₦500,000.
– Hamdy Mustapha, Chief of Staff of Ibadan North Local Government, contributed ₦100,000.
– Hon. Oluwafemi Bantu, Secretary of the local government and political head of Irepodun LCDA, donated ₦100,000.
– Hon. Matthew Alani Oyeniyi, a Federal House of Representatives hopeful, donated ₦50,000.
The Ramadan lecture was well attended by key stakeholders, including:
– Staff of the local government, led by the Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanrewaju.
– Elected state government officers and political appointees.
– Councilors, supervisory councilors, and special assistants.
– Business owners, religious leaders, and members of the general public from within and outside the council’s vicinity.
The event served as a platform for spiritual enlightenment, community bonding, and charitable giving, reinforcing the importance of sustaining acts of piety beyond Ramadan.
