Establish media outfits, schools, clerics urge Muslim leaders

Maiden edition of Ayekooto 88.3 FM Radio Ramadan outing

The Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Abdulrahaman Oloyede, has challenged well-to-do Muslim leaders to establish electronic and print media as well as schools where young Muslims can excel and spread the true gospel of Islam to the world.

He spoke along with other top Muslim scholars during a lecture in Iwo, Osun State, on the occasion of the maiden edition of Ayekooto 88.3 FM Radio Ramadan outing.

Oloyede, a professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, stressed the power of the media in propagating Islam and effect a positive change in the society.

He bemoaned the dearth of Muslim media practitioners and Muslim-friendly reporters.

Creating a level playing ground to engage all major religions to flourish, grow and compete is an imperative, he stated.

According to him, the present media climate is extremely hostile to Muslims and Islam.

He called on wealthy muslims to establish radio and television stations in the country as well as private schools to take care of rapidly increasing number of muslim populace who on a daily basis report their unpalatable experience in public schools and intolerant non-Muslims.

He also urged Islamic clerics and political leaders to live by example in preparation for the Day of Judgement.

Oloyede admonished Muslim traders to avoid cheating consumers by tampering with scale of measurements of commodities.

The lecturer advised Muslims to pool resources together and invest heavily in the industry.

“They have the population. Once good products are packaged, the market is inexhaustible,” he said.

He also called for radical reforms of curriculum being used in media training schools.

Another speaker at the forum, Chairman of Isokan Musulumi of Iwo land and the event chairman, Sheikh Idris Fasaasi Mogaji, urged graduates to explore the world of modern technology.

He also advised governments at all levels to encourage local manufacturers through patronage in order to take the country to a lofty height in terms of economic and technological growth.

In her submission, the Chairperson, Professor Mujidat Aremu, called on Muslim parents and guardians to solve the present ugly trend of yahoo, money rituals and cybercrimes that constitute a distraction to the academic success of male students in higher institutions making female graduates not to get pious and compatible partners after graduation.

Some of the dignitaries at the forum are the Chairman, Board of Directors, Ayekooto 88.3 fm, Prof. Dawud Lai Olurode; representative of Board of Directors of the radio station, Engr. Idris Aleem; Chief Imam of Iwo land, Sheikh Abdul Fatai Olododo; Mufasir of Yorubaland, Sheikh Yaaqub Abdul Baaqi; Chief Imam of Ile Ogbo, Sheikh Shifau Adeyemo; and Chief Imam of Kuta, Sheikh Solihu Oloyin.

Associations such as NASFAT, Anwar UL Islam, Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, Iwo branch, Islahudeen Society, League of Imams and Alfas from Ayedire, Iwo and Olaoluwa local governments, among others, were represented.

Some traditional rulers present are Oluwo of Iwo represented by the Oosa of Iwoland, Chief Yekeen Orobimpe; Akire of Ikire Ile, Oba Abdul Azeez Olatubosun; Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Rauf Mosobalaje; and Olukoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Abdul Afeez Badeji.