Akorede, Ishola honoured as FOMWAN pushes unity, thanksgiving in Akure South
By Roseline Okakah
The Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji Sheikh Dr AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, and Mallam AbdulHakeem Ishola, also known as Omo Alake (Olufimo I), have been honoured as Zinatdeen-L-Islam and Patron of Akure South FOMWAN Local Government, respectively.
The local government chapter also honoured other chiefs and awarded six distinguished personalities for their contributions to the social development of the state and the Muslim Ummah in particular.
At the installation ceremony, held during the association’s annual get-together and special lecture at the Akure Central Mosque on Sunday, Akure South FOMWAN called for unity and continuous gratitude to Allah.
The guest lecturer, Alfa Jamiu Imoyemi, who was represented by Imam Mahmoud Shuaib Ayodeji, spoke on the theme ‘Importance of Thanksgiving’.
The lecturer stressed the importance of appreciating Allah, which he said should be a continuous act regardless of circumstances.
“We should give thanks to Allah for whatever He has done for any one of us. If you look at the Qur’an, the first chapter says: ‘In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise and adoration are due to Allah, the Lord of the universe,’” Imoyemi said.
He further advised members of FOMWAN to remain patient, united, and devoted to prayer, noting that such virtues would strengthen the association and ensure divine acceptance.
Speaking at the gathering, the Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Yayi Akorede, described the programme as a reflection of the positive impact of women in society.
Akorede, who was installed as Zinatdeen-L-Islam, said the honour came as a surprise to him, noting that such initiatives demonstrate how women contribute to building a “paradise on earth” through their commitment to faith and community development.
He urged women to remain steadfast in their religious obligations, emphasising the importance of good conduct, patience, and prayer in marital and daily life.
He also advised women to be patient and submissive to their husbands to facilitate their easy entry into Paradise, while calling on men to do the needful by showing love and providing better care for women, whom he described as the pillar of a sustainable home.
Also speaking, the FOMWAN Zonal Coordinator, South-West II, Alhaja Idayat Jimoh, expressed delight at the development, noting that the current achievements align with the long-standing aspirations of past leaders.
“This is what we have been yearning for over the years. It is encouraging to see increased awareness about Islam and the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith,” she said.
Jimoh advised the newly installed chiefs and members to adhere strictly to Islamic teachings and remain committed to the shared goal of attaining Al-Jannah.
In her remarks, the Ondo State Amirah of FOMWAN, Alhaja Medinat Omikunle, expressed satisfaction with the success of the event, describing it as a step forward in fostering unity among Muslim communities in Akure South.
“We are happy with the progress being made. Our goal has always been to bring Muslim groups together, and today’s event shows we are moving in the right direction,” she said.
Omikunle urged members to remain united in pursuit of spiritual growth, calling on other local government chapters to emulate the gesture.
Earlier, in her welcome speech, the FOMWAN Akure South Amirah, Alhaja Anifat Jayeoba, appreciated the audience for attending the occasion, stating that the honour was necessary to recognise and encourage past leaders and those who have contributed to the development of society and the Muslim Ummah in general.
The highlight of the event was the installation of new association chiefs for FOMWAN Akure South, alongside the presentation of awards to individuals who have made notable contributions to the growth of the association and the Muslim community.
Others who were installed as chiefs include: Alhaja Simiat Abdulwasiu (Iya Sunna), Alhaja Suwebat Muritala (Iya Adinni), Alhaja Mariam Abiade (Otun Iya Adinni), Alhaja Oyeniyi Silifat (Otun Iya Sunna), Alhaja Afusat Anifowose (Agbesinga Adinni), Alhaja Ademola Medinat (Osupa Adinni), Abdulazeez Kehinde (Balogun Oniwaasi), and Alhaja Rasheedat Adedeji (Alaranse Adinni).
Award recipients included Mallam AbdulHakeem Ishola, Alhaji Muhammad Bashiru Zakariyah, Engr. Oganle Muritala Tope, Alhaja Sherifat Olajumoke Akorede, Alhaja Adeyemi Risikat, and Mallam Olayiwola Isiaka Abolade.
The event brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders, and Muslim women from across Akure South Local Government, highlighting the role of women in strengthening faith, family, and society.
The occasion also featured a medical outreach for participants and the distribution of assorted items such as pain relievers, vitamin C, bathing soap, and blood tonics, among others.
