Alafara’s daughter weds
By Abubakar Imam
Saturday, July 4, 2026, was another great day for the family of the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, University llorin, Prof. Abdullahi Alafara Baba, as he gave out his daughter, Dr Taofeeqah Funmilayo Alafara, in holy matrimony to her heartthrob, Mr Abdulhad Tajudeen Adeniyi.
The TAOFIQAHAD 2026 event, which held at the Multipurpose Hall of the University of Ilorin, was attended by relations, friends and colleagues of the parents and the couple.
Delivering a sermon at the event, the Chief Missioner of the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, Shaykh Abdulmumini Yusuf Hanafi Ayara, advised the new couple to embrace the institution of marriage with understanding, faith and love. He also urged them to resolve to build and sustain an enviable family.
The renowned cleric explained that all the interactions they have had prior to the holy solemnisation were mere preparations for the real marital life, which,he said. had begun with the event.
Shaykh Ayara, who expressed delight that the couple are not only Islamic scholars in their own rights but two individuals who have committed the Glorious Quran into memory, said that the society would expect nothing but a model marital life that others would emulate.
He also said that since the couple are products of the University of Ilorin, an institution that places premium on inculcation of knowledge and morality, they would be expected to build an enviable family that would be renowned for modesty.
While encouraging the couple to be truthful, patient and loyal to each other on all issues and at all times, the cleric advised them not to allow unnecessary interference from others. He said that for as long an they adhere strictly to the teachings of the Glorious Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, they would overcome every challenge that may crop up in their marital life.
The cleric equally congratulated the parents and families of the couple for not only raising the two to become whom they are but also for living to witness their marriage as he enjoined them to always support the new couple with their experiences through life and constant prayers for them to have a wonderful marital life.
The carnival-like wedding ceremonies, whose highlights include a colourful traditional Walimah Quran penultimate Friday (July 3, 2026), which was presided over by the Chief Imam Imale of Ilorin, Shaykh Abdullahi AbdulHamid and assisted by other eminent clerics from far and near, attracted the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN; the Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Prof. Medinat Folorunso Salman and all the Principal Officers of the young University; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. Moshood Mahmood Jimba; a member of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, Mr AbdulRasheed Gidado Dauda; the Registrar of the University, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; a former Deputy Vice-Chanccllor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Funsho Ambali; and the Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin Central Mosque, Prof. Nasir AbdusSalam.
Also in attendance were the wife of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Mrs Muhibah Egbewole; a former Head of the Department of Accounting, University of Ilorin, Prof. Khadijat Adenola Yahaya; a former Head of the Department of Religions, University of Ilorin, Prof. Abubakir Imam Ali-Agan; the Director of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board(JUPEB), Foundation School, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ibrahim Kayode Adam; the General Secretary of the University of Ilorin Alumni Association, Dr Barakat Raji and a Deputy Director (Works) and University Estate Officer, Dr Bolakale Sahid Baba.
The events also attracted dignitaries like Prof. & Mrs. S. A. Kuranga, Prof. A. G. F. Alabi, Prof. F. A. Adekola, Prof. A. O. Adekeye, Prof. G. A. Olatunji, Prof. B. L. Adeleke, Prof. U. B. Eke, Prof. A. S. Aremu, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, Prof. A. C. Tella, Prof. L.A.Usman, Prof. Amudat Lawal, Prof. Modinah A.M.O.Abdul Raheem, Prof. Jide Mustapha, Prof. Halimah Adegoke, Prof. Raji-Arowosaiye, Prof. L. A. Yahya, Prof. R. A. Iliyas; as well as members of the Alore and Pakata Communities as well as the Ilorin Emirate Professors Association, among several others.
