Daud Olatunji
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has honoured three prominent Nigerians — Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Professor Muhib Opeloye and Alhaji Kunle Sanni — for their contributions to national development and the advancement of Islam in Nigeria.
The recognition, according to a statement issued by the Sultan’s Media Team on Friday, followed a review of the careers and accomplishments of the three men, particularly their contributions to education, public service, interfaith relations and the development of the Muslim community.
The statement, signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s Media Team, said the review was conducted by representatives drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The Sultan particularly recognised Oloyede for his longstanding contributions to the education sector and his service to the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria.
Oloyede, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, was also acknowledged for his service as Chairman of the International Association of Vice-Chancellors of Universities and his decade-long tenure as Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Beyond his academic and public service career, the Sultan highlighted Oloyede’s continued involvement in Islamic affairs as Secretary-General of the NSCIA.
According to the statement, his role in the council has enabled him to contribute to the advancement of Islamic affairs while also supporting national development.
The Sultan also celebrated Opeloye, following his recent appointment as Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council.
Opeloye, a Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Lagos State University, previously served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Osun State under the administration of former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
He spent more than four years in the position.
The Sultan described Opeloye’s appointment to NIREC as significant, given his background in scholarship, public service and interfaith engagement.
The statement said his experience was expected to contribute to the council’s mandate of promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and national unity.
Also recognised was Sanni, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Oyo State, for his years of leadership and service to the Muslim community.
Sanni previously served as President of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, where he was involved in the mobilisation and development of Muslim youths as well as initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence.
He is also a member of the Sultan Forum and NIREC.
The Sultan expressed appreciation to the three honourees for their years of service, saying individuals who dedicate themselves to the advancement of society, the Muslim Ummah and the nation deserved recognition, commendation and prayers for continued success.
The recognition, the statement added, reflected the Sultan’s commitment to acknowledging Nigerians whose careers and public engagements have contributed to scholarship, public service, interfaith relations and the development of the Muslim community.
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