By Mustafa Abubakar
The Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum (IEMF) has honoured three distinguished Unilorites for their remarkable contributions to education, leadership, and community development.
The honourees were Prof. Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, a graduate of the Department of Islamic Studies and Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin; Prof. Noah Yusuf, a lecturer at the Department of Sociology and immediate past Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin; and Prof. Mukaila Ayanda Aremu, a lecturer at the Department of Marketing and incumbent Provost of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro.
The colourful ceremony took place penultimate Sunday (October 12, 2025) at the Forum’s Secretariat in Ilorin and it attracted academics, Islamic scholars, and community leaders.
In his opening remarks, the President of the Forum, Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim, said the event was organised to appreciate the honourees’ long-standing commitment to the IEMF and to encourage younger members to emulate their dedication to scholarship and service.
“These are men who have served humanity with humility and knowledge. Their achievements continue to inspire the next generation to blend faith with excellence in every sphere of life,” Alhaji Ibrahim said.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, Prof. Oladimeji thanked the Forum for the recognition and pledged to continue supporting community development, particularly in youth training and empowerment.
“Empowerment is central to building a stronger and more productive society. We must create opportunities that allow our youths to be useful and proud of their heritage,” he noted.
Also speaking, Prof. Yusuf expressed gratitude to the Forum and urged members to revive and strengthen its structure to ensure it continues to promote unity and moral guidance within the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim community.
“We must sustain this bond of brotherhood. Our strength lies in our shared faith, culture, and commitment to community service,” he said.
On his part, Prof. Aremu described the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum as a body built on sincerity, vision, and sacrifice.
“The Forum stands for Islamic enlightenment, educational advancement, and human capital development. We must continue to nurture those ideals for the next generation,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Justice Abdulrahim Ibrahim, who retired from the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Ilorin, commended the Forum for honouring deserving individuals and urged Muslims to emulate the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) teachings of compassion, justice, and hard work.
“Our faith teaches us to add value to society wherever we find ourselves,” he said, adding, “These honourees have lived those values through education, mentorship, and service to their people.”
