ABEOKUTA – The Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, Ambassador Babatunde Muritala Adeyemo, has praised former President Olusegun Obasanjo for promoting religious tolerance and national unity, describing the former leader as a symbol of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
Adeyemo said Obasanjo’s inclusive leadership style created room for the growth of Islamic education, citing the establishment of the Islamic Education Centre at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta as a clear demonstration of his commitment to interfaith harmony.
He spoke at the graduation ceremony of Wolimat Qur’an and I’daadiyyah students of Baytus-Salam Central Mosque, OOPL, where he served as chairman of the occasion.
According to Adeyemo, the centre will continue to play a critical role in shaping the moral character of young Muslims and contributing positively to societal development. He congratulated the graduands and their parents, urging the students to uphold Islamic values and remain worthy ambassadors of the institution.
The Pelican Valley CEO also cautioned against actions that misrepresent Islam, expressing concern over the conduct of some individuals who, despite having Islamic education, fail to reflect its teachings in their public lives.
In his lecture, the guest speaker, Sheikh Muh. Jamiu Adeyanju Al-Fulany, urged Muslims to remain steadfast in the Qur’an, describing it as the ultimate guide for righteous living. He said peace, discipline, and good character thrive wherever the Qur’an is upheld.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Baytus-Salam Central Mosque, Alhaji (Dr.) M.A. Ola Yusuf, commended the vision behind the establishment of the centre and called on Muslims to support efforts aimed at advancing Islamic education.
The Chief Imam of Baytus-Salam Central Mosque, Alhaji Al-Imam Mahmud Olajide Ahmad, presented the graduands and appreciated supporters of the centre for their contributions to its growth.
The ceremony, held at the OOPL premises, attracted prominent religious and traditional leaders, including the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, Islamic scholars, and Muslim organisations.