* Others reconnect with Nigeria’s history at Obasanjo Library
A group of Nigerian Muslim professionals on Friday, 28th December 2024, embarked on an adventure tour to the historic Olumo Rock, one of the iconic tourist attractions in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and by extension, Nigeria.
The tour was part of the activities of the 3-Day Convention organised by the Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP).
The excited participants, of adults and children left Conference Hotel, Abeokuta, venue of the Convention in convoy to Olumo Rock which was said to be a natural fortress for the Egbas during inter-tribal warfare in the 19th century.
They were divided into groups and assisted by tour guides who told them the origin of certain names attached to specific locations as they climbed the rock, which stands at a height of 137 metres above sea level.
Many of the delegates who spoke with Muslim News expressed their excitement for visiting the historic rock – some for the first time, taking pictures and video selfies to keep memories of the event alive.
The Muslim professionals used the opportunity of the atmosphere to display the Palestinian flag as a way of showing solidarity to the people of Palestine, who have been under Israeli occupation for more than seven decades.
The Muslim professionals also called for a free Palestine and an end to Israel’s 14-month genocide in Gaza, which has killed over 45,000 Palestinians including children and women.
“What is happening in Gaza isn’t a war but genocide and it’s unfortunate that many Nigerians even at this place don’t know anything about Palestine. You can imagine some people asking which country’s flag this is. I told a lady, it’s Palestine and to my surprise, she asked me, ‘is Palestine in Africa?’ I had to sensitise her,” one of the participants told Muslim News.
Another one said, “This experience of this year’s Convention will linger! As we are having fun today, after yesterday’s series lectures, we are also showing our support for our brothers and sisters in Palestine right here. It’s actually fun, alhamdulillah, I am part of this experience,” another participant, Idris Kasumu noted.
… Others reconnect with Nigeria’s history at Obasanjo Library
While the first group of Guild of Muslim Professionals were experiencing the natural ambiance of the historic Olumo Rock, the second group of delegates had a great experience at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), another stunning tourist attraction in Ogun State.
The visit afforded them the opportunity to learn and reconnect with the history of Nigeria, especially about the importance, values and rewards of former President Obasanjo’s leadership style.
Speaking with Muslim News, one of the adults, Yusuf Jimoh Aweda said OOPL served as a terrain to see how Nigeria had worked in the past which could rekindle the spirit of hope for Nigerians.
The team also enjoyed a boat cruise, and the zoo experience proved to be an exceptional learning opportunity for adults and children. One of the kids summarised the events in just two words: “Educative and Fun.”
One of the highlights of the excursion was an attempt by a delegate, the CEO of Bees Creazione, Bushrah Olasiju to creatively make unique painting for Masjid-al-Aqsa to create awareness for an independent State of Palestine.
The annual convention is the convergence of Muslim professionals and executives from diverse fields to discuss innovative ways of advancing their fields and proffer solutions to global issues affecting every human in general, and Muslims in particular.
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