Takuro, two others bag FOMWAN awards
…as Odigbo Exco takes oat
By Mariam Obabire
The Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Amidu Takuro, has been honoured with a Special Recognition Award for his innovative approach to governance and unwavering commitment to the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN).
Also honoured at the event were the Chief Imam of Odigbo Kingdom, Alhaji (Imam) Olurimisi Ismail, and the Chairman, League of Imams and Alfas, Odigbo Local Government/Chief Imam of Araromi-Obu Kingdom, Alhaji (Imam) Abibullai Akinpelumi.
The awards were presented during the inauguration of the newly elected executive members of the Odigbo branch of FOMWAN at the weekend.
In his remarks, Takuro reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Islamic causes and organisations across the state. Receiving the award from FOMWAN, he stated that he represents Islam and would continue to stand by the association in its faith-based and community development initiatives.
The commissioner, however, expressed personal reservations about receiving awards, noting that he prefers acts of service to remain uncelebrated publicly.
According to him, keeping such recognitions private preserves their spiritual value and ensures rewards in the hereafter.
Despite his stance, he said he accepted the award out of respect for FOMWAN, stressing that declining it might have been misconstrued as disregard for the association’s gesture.
Takuro described the recognition as a motivation to do more in service to humanity, while emphasising that ultimate gratitude belongs to Almighty Allah.
“All that we do is by Allah’s direction,” he said, praying for divine rewards for everyone involved and strength to sustain their activities for the benefit of society.
Delivering a lecture titled “Leadership and Accountability in Islam,” a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Barr. Olamide Muhammed, emphasised that effective leadership is rooted in moral excellence, responsibility and adherence to divine guidance.
She described leadership as the ability to influence others towards a common goal, stressing that leadership styles—whether autocratic, democratic, transformational, servant or laissez-faire—play vital roles in success.
According to her, strong communication skills, sound decision-making and adaptability are essential qualities of an effective leader.
Drawing from the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), she outlined key attributes of a Muslim leader, including righteousness, trustworthiness and knowledge, noting that leadership is a sacred trust (Amanah) with accountability in this world and the hereafter.
Earlier in her welcome address, the State Amirah (President) of FOMWAN, Alhaja Medinat Omikunle, reaffirmed that the association is the umbrella body for Muslim women’s organisations, envisioning a world where women are empowered to serve as role models and make positive societal impact.
She listed the association’s programme areas to include education, health, capacity building and training, Da’wah advocacy, community development and humanitarian services.
Omikunle disclosed that the association had secured the release of a pregnant female inmate who has since delivered a baby boy and is now an undergraduate under the association’s care, among several other interventions.
At the event, Mr Teslim Olanrewaju, son of the late pioneer Ondo State FOMWAN Amirah, Alhaja Khadijat Obalokun, presented cash gifts to three elderly women: Alhaja Sidiqot Ajibuwa (Akure South), Alhaja Salimotu Oseni (Okitupupa) and Alhaja Halimot Gbolahan (Odigbo).
In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Odigbo Local Government Amirah, Alhaja Fatima Shittu, thanked members for the confidence reposed in her, promising that the new executive would work in unity to move the local branch to greater heights.
“We promise to operate within the framework of the FOMWAN constitution, utilising its programme areas at the local level and aligning with the goals of the state body, Nigeria and the global community,” she said.
The state executive entourage led by Alhaja Medinat Omikunle had earlier paid homage to the Chief Imam of Ore and Hon. Takuro at their respective homes.
The Chief Imam of Ore, Alhaji Muhamodu Raji Bolanrinwa, urged Muslim women to embrace love, unity, and justice as guiding principles for sustainable growth and development within their association
