Oyo Grand Chief Imam honours Saudi delegate, back Muslim College of Nursing

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Muslim community in Oyo Land has received a delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as prominent Islamic leaders in the ancient city renewed their commitment to religious unity, peace, education, healthcare development and cooperation among Muslim communities.

The visit, which brought together prominent Muslim scholars and community leaders, also provided an opportunity to strengthen longstanding brotherly relations between the Muslim community in Oyo Land and representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi delegation was warmly received by the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fodhilatu Shaykh Imam Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, alongside other leading members of the Muslim community.

The gathering was described as significant, particularly against the background of efforts by Muslim leaders to promote quality education, professional healthcare training and sustainable community development.

Among the prominent personalities at the gathering were the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land; Ash-Shaykh Sulayman Akhyar, who served as Special Guest; the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land; Ash-Shaykh Mainasaro, Ameerul Muslimeen; the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo Land; Khalifa Hasbunallah Al-Oyowiyy; Fodhilatu Shaykh Dr. Rofeeu Adisa Ballo; and Alhaji Adebayo Kamarise, among other respected Islamic figures.

The occasion also focused attention on the proposed Muslim College of Nursing, an initiative designed to contribute to the development of human capital through quality nursing education and healthcare training.

The Muslim leaders and sponsors of the project emphasised the importance of establishing institutions capable of providing young people with relevant professional skills while contributing to the healthcare needs of the wider society.

The gathering provided an avenue for stakeholders to discuss the importance of supporting educational and healthcare initiatives that can have a lasting impact on the Muslim community and society at large.

The hosts expressed appreciation to the sponsors and members of the Saudi delegation for their interest and commitment to initiatives aimed at uplifting the Muslim Ummah.

They also offered prayers for the successful establishment and growth of the Muslim College of Nursing, asking Allah (SWT) to bless the initiative and everyone contributing to its realisation.

Chief Imam Promotes Unity, Peace
A major highlight of the visit was the gesture of honour extended by the Grand Chief Imam to the leader of the Saudi delegation.

As a mark of respect, brotherhood and Islamic unity, the Grand Chief Imam granted the leader of the delegation the opportunity to lead the Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer at the Oyo Land Central Mosque, Akesan.

The gesture was seen as a demonstration of mutual respect and the shared bond among Muslims across national and cultural boundaries.

Speaking during the occasion, the Chief Imam stressed the importance of peace, dialogue, cooperation and understanding among Muslim communities.

He noted that Islam encourages believers to work together to promote harmony, justice and peaceful coexistence, irrespective of national or cultural differences.

According to him, strengthening relationships among Muslim communities is essential to advancing initiatives that promote the welfare, education and development of the Ummah.

The Chief Imam’s decision to allow the head of the visiting delegation to lead the Jumu’ah prayer was also viewed by participants as a symbolic expression of unity and brotherhood.

Saudi delegation appreciates warm reception

The leader of the Saudi delegation expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to the delegation by the Oyo Muslim community.

He also expressed gratitude to the Grand Chief Imam for the honour of being invited to lead the Friday prayer.

The Saudi representative reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to religious cooperation and initiatives capable of promoting peace, unity and mutual understanding among Muslim communities.

He said cooperation and dialogue remained important instruments for building stronger relationships and addressing challenges confronting communities.

The visit therefore provided an avenue for the two sides to exchange views and reinforce their shared commitment to Islamic values, peaceful coexistence and community development.

Focus on education and healthcare

Beyond the religious dimension of the visit, participants placed considerable emphasis on the role of education and healthcare in community transformation.

The proposed Muslim College of Nursing was presented as part of efforts to strengthen access to professional education and contribute to the development of qualified healthcare personnel.

The initiative is expected to provide opportunities for young people seeking professional careers in nursing and related healthcare fields, while also supporting the broader healthcare system.

Muslim leaders in Oyo Land expressed optimism that the project would become a valuable institution capable of contributing to the socio-economic development of the community.

They called for continued cooperation, prayers and support from individuals, organisations and well-meaning members of the Muslim community to ensure the successful establishment of the institution.

A symbol of brotherhood

Participants described the visit as more than a courtesy engagement, saying it represented a broader commitment to strengthening ties among Muslims and promoting initiatives that can benefit society.

The warm reception accorded to the Saudi delegation, the participation of leading Islamic authorities and the decision to allow the delegation’s leader to lead the Jumu’ah prayer were all seen as expressions of Islamic brotherhood and mutual respect.

The gathering ended with prayers for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world.

The participants also prayed for the success of the Muslim College of Nursing and for divine blessings upon the sponsors, Islamic leaders and all individuals contributing to the project.

The event further demonstrated the unity of Muslim leaders in Oyo Land and their shared determination to promote religious harmony, education, healthcare development and community advancement.