Last Updated on February 25, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

… As Top Muslim Cleric Urges Muslims to Serve Humanity at FUNAAB’s 36th Ramadan Lecture

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Olatoye Sanusi

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, HRM, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi (Odundun IV), Asoludero, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land, has reaffirmed his commitment to the completion of the University Mosque, calling for sustained support from well-meaning individuals and the Muslim faithful. He gave the assurance during the 36th Ramadan Lecture of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), held today, February 22, 2026, at the University Mosque.

Attending the Annual Lecture for the first time since his appointment, the Pro-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Muslim Community for their steadfast dedication to the mosque project and pledged to ensure its successful completion. “All hands must be on deck to see to the completion of this House of Allah,” Oba Olabomi assured, urging the Muslim faithful to remain resolute in their contributions and reminding them of divine rewards. According to him, “A roofed building is already an answered prayer. God will crown our efforts with success.”

The event featured a thought-provoking lecture delivered by the Guest Lecturer and Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), Imam Bashir Femi Umar. Speaking on the theme, “Ramadan: Transforming Lives and Building Unity,” the cleric called on Muslims to embrace the spiritual essence of the holy month through righteousness, charity, moral discipline and service to humanity.

Imam Umar emphasised that Ramadan goes beyond abstinence from food and drink, describing it as a period of spiritual reflection, personal transformation, and strict obedience to Allah’s commandments. He noted that the fasting period serves as a shield against sinful acts and a divine opportunity for believers to promote unity and equity within the Ummah.

“Ramadan is to ensure the needfuls are done,” he stated, while cautioning Islamic leaders and Imams against engaging in un-Islamic or diabolical practices. He encouraged them to exemplify generosity and integrity, reminding the faithful that Allah loves those who give generously.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, commended the FUNAAB Muslim Community for sustaining the annual intellectual and spiritual engagement. He urged participants to maximise the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their faith.

The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Jumat Alli-Oluwafuyi, also urged Muslims to lead transformed lives and return fully to the path of Allah, in alignment with the lecture’s theme.

Earlier, in his Welcome Address, the Amir of the FUNAAB Muslim Community, Prof. Lateef Sanni, represented by the Naibul Amir, Prof. Adesina Agboola, expressed profound appreciation to the Pro-Chancellor for his presence and financial support towards the Mosque project. He provided updates on the construction progress, detailing funds expended and projected costs, and passionately appealed to the faithful and other well-wishers to contribute generously. He further commended the Engineers and labourers for their dedication and selfless service to the project.

Notable dignitaries at the event included former Chairman, Odeda LGA, Hon. Semiu Lawal, who represented Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi); Prof. Mufutau Atayese, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI); the University Librarian, FUADSI, Prof. Wasiu Lawal; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), FUNAAB, Prof. Toyin Arowolo; former University Librarian, FUNAAB, Dr. Mulikat Salaam; and several other distinguished guests.

Meanwhile, the University Imam, Prof. Idris Ayinde, alongside the Amira, Prof. Ganiyat Olatunde; Alhaji Lateef Solarin; the Guest Lecturer and other distinguished clerics, paid a courtesy visit to the Pro-Chancellor at the Pro-Chancellor’s Lodge before the commencement of the lecture.