Muslim youths in Nigeria have been advised to transcend the mere memorisation and recitation of the Holy Qur'an by actively practicing its core teachings to foster societal moral growth. This counsel was delivered by the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba Abdulazeez Olatubosun Adebamiji, while speaking in Osogbo during the official swearing-in ceremony for the new Osun State executive members of the Association of Participants and Winners of the National Qur'anic Recitation Competition (APWON).
What did the monarch emphasize at the event?
Oba Adebamiji noted that Islamic education ought not to be confined strictly to recitation contests and memorisation exercises, but should instead manifest visibly in the practical character and righteous conduct of adherents. He further highlighted the vital role traditional leadership plays in fostering Islamic learning, while urging younger participants to allow the Holy Book to serve as a moral compass for their everyday lives. The ceremony drew prominent Islamic scholars, former competition participants, and national leaders of the association from various parts of the country.
What were the directives given to the new executives?
Representing the APWON National President, Dr Aliyu Mohammed Tukur, the association's National Director of Education, Prof Faiz Shuaib, tasked the newly sworn-in officials with elevating the standards of Qur'anic scholarship within Osun State. He encouraged the leadership team to curate regular workshops and capacity-building initiatives aimed at sharpening members' proficiency. Dr Tukur also reiterated the importance for Muslims generally to align their daily affairs with Islamic principles.
In his acceptance remarks, the newly inducted Osun State Chairman, Sheikh Muhammad Thanni Dhikrullah Onikunkeu, promised that his administration would focus on boosting the competitive edge of state representatives at both regional and national arenas. He thanked stakeholders for their trust and solicited continuous cooperation. The newly unveiled eight-member governing council includes Sheikh Onikunkeu as Chairman, Dr Yaqub Abdulhameed as Vice- Chairman, and Sheikh Abdulwaheed Olalekan as General Secretary. Other officials sworn in include Sheikh Abubakar Imran Monlaasan as Assistant Secretary, Sheikh Fadhillah Shittu as Financial Secretary, Sheikh Abdullahi Fasaasi as Treasurer, alongside Sheikh Abdulazeez Ademola and Sheikh Kamorudeen Kadiri serving as Public Relations Officers I and II respectively.