Traditional Rulers and Islamic scholars from across Oyo State converged in Ago-Are on Wednesday for the second edition of the Annual Alageere Ramadan Lecture, delivering a unified message: the acquisition of knowledge and purposeful living are the only sustainable tools for poverty eradication among the youth.
The high-profile event,hosted by the Alageere of Ago-Are, His Royal Majesty Oba Azeez Uthman Oyetunde Odunaye II, served as a strategic platform for regional leaders to address the socio-economic challenges facing the younger generation.
The Guest Lecturer, Sheikh Toliat Olusina Ayilara, the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, spoke on the theme: ‘Ramadan, a Month of Mercy, Discipline and Spiritual Renewal.’ In a pointed sermon, the cleric categorized his counsel into three pillars: the responsibility of traditional rulers, the duty of parents, and the focus of the youth.
Sheikh Ayilara reminded traditional rulers of their roles as custodians of heritage, urging them to lead with integrity and in accordance with divine injunctions. “Traditional rulers must practice their beliefs without stepping on toes,” he noted, referencing the Quranic principle of Lakum dinukum waliyadin (To you be your religion, and to me my religion).
Turning his attention to the next generation, the Islamic scholar admonished youths to “face their lives squarely” through the pursuit of knowledge. He challenged parents to secure a brighter future for their children by investing in sound education from a young age.
The Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyedepo III, in his remarks,emphasized that children are the bedrock of society and must be nurtured with care. He further advocated for absolute love and unity among the people of the Oke-Ogun area to facilitate regional development.
Corroborating this, the host, Oba Azeez Uthman Oyetunde, expressed his gratitude to the dignitaries and reinforced the importance of education. The monarch urged parents to remain steadfast in supporting their children’s academic journeys despite economic hurdles.
Adding to the goodwill messages, the Elero of Ilero, Oba Wasiu Oyedele Saka Olokolonigi, charged the Muslim Ummah to use the holy month to show love to others, driven by the fear of Allah and moral uprightness.
The lecture concluded with practical demonstrations of the “spirit of Ramadan”:
Support for Widows: The Alageere of Ago-Are presented cash gifts to widows within the community to provide relief during the fasting period.
In a bid to promote healthy competition, awards, certificates, and cash prizes were presented to outstanding students from various schools across Ago-Are for their exceptional examination performances.
The event drew a distinguished crowd, including the Aseyin of Iseyin (represented by the Bada of Iseyin), the Oranmiyan of Okoland, the Olu of Igboora, Onisanbo of Ogboro, the Onisando of Ogbooro, and the Baba Aso of Igboora. Also present were legal luminary , Hassan Taiwo Oloyede (SAN) and the Chairman of Atisbo, Hon. Bashir Alade.
Reported by Jenrade Kaseem and edited by Salam Saheed