* Says his unblemished record will remain yardstick to measure performance of his successors
The Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Faruk Sulaimon Onikijipa has commended Barrister Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan for his outstanding performance and untainted leadership qualities during his tenure as the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON.
The respected Muslim scholar described the former Hajj Commission boss as a ‘pride’ and ‘worthy ambassador of Islam’, adding that his unblemished record at NAHCON will for long remain the yardstick to measure the performance of his successors and wished him Allah’s blessings in his future endeavours.
He made the remarks over the weekend at the turbaning ceremony of Alhaji (Engr.) AbdulFatai Odebisi as the Baba Adinni of the Oshodi Muslim community.
The former NAHCON boss was among the special guests at the colourful event that also saw eight other Muslim personalities honoured with chieftaincy titles such as Otun Baba Adinni, Iya Adinni, Otun Iya Adinni, Iya Sunnah, Otun Iya Sunnah, Agbesinga Adinni, among others.
Held at the Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Secretariat, Lagos, the turbaning ceremony was also an avenue for the N150m fundraising for the renovation of the Oshodi Central Mosque.
The Grand Mufti of Ilorin also used the occasion to recognise the presence of Barr Zikrullah Hassan, a friend to the Baba Adinni, and commended his outstanding performance and untainted leadership qualities during his tenure as the Chief of NAHCON.
Onikijipa described the former hajj commission boss as a ‘pride’ and ‘worthy ambassador of Islam’, adding that his unblemished record at NAHCON will for long remain the yardstick to measure the performance of his successors and wished him Allah’s blessings in his future endeavours.
Zikrullah, who couldn’t hide his excitement to be part of history, rejoiced with the new Baba Adinni of Oshodi Muslim community for dedicating his life and wealth to the course of Allah.
“Alhaji Odebisi’s activism in Da’wah is not limited to Oshodi. It cuts across Nigeria and beyond. He was very active and dedicated to the growth of Islam during his time was the first Secretary of NACOMYO. When he relocated to the US, he continued to champion the course of Islam with his life and wealth,” he added.
The celebrant, a senior engineer, while speaking with Muslim News, thanked Almighty Allah for the honour, saying he didn’t see it coming.
According to him, there are quite a lot of people that are aware of our contributions to the community. Interestingly, we are doing it secretly. Despite that, those kind gestures are known to the people and they felt really appreciative of our kind gestures. So, they reached out to me about the title, which I later accepted after consultation with my family, because our services to the community are solely for Allah. Alhamdulillah, it was a successful outing. All praise to Almighty Allah and appreciation to everyone that graced the occasion.
The Baba Adinni, who left Nigeria for the US in 1998, described the recognition as a motivation to continue to do good at all times, especially for the community and Islam in general, adding “We aren’t doing it because of people or for us to be given titles; but because of our commitment to Allah.”
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