Oyo Muslim Leaders Receive Saudi Delegation, Intensify Drive for Muslim College of Nursing

Oyo Muslim Leaders Receive Saudi Delegation, Intensify Drive for Muslim College of Nursing

OYO, August 1, 2026 – Muslim leaders in Oyo Kingdom on Saturday received a high-powered delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a visit that underscored growing collaboration in education, healthcare and Islamic development, with renewed commitment towards the establishment of a Muslim College of Nursing in Oyo.

The delegation was accorded a warm reception at a gathering attended by prominent Islamic scholars and community leaders from Oyo Land.

Among the dignitaries present were the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fadhilatu Shaykh Imam Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu; Ash-Shaykh Sulayman Akhyar, who served as the special guest; Ash-Shaykh Mainasaro, the Ameerul Muslimeen; the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Adebayo Kamarise; the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo Land; Khalifa Hasbunallah Al-Oyowiyy; and several other religious leaders and stakeholders.

The gathering focused on mobilising support for the proposed Muslim College of Nursing, an initiative aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare education while promoting excellence in professional training within the Muslim community.

In his welcome address, the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Shaykh Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, expressed appreciation to the Saudi delegation and other distinguished guests for identifying with the vision of establishing the institution. He described the proposed college as a strategic investment in human capital development that would benefit not only Muslims but the wider society.

Also present at the event were the Muslim Ummah of Oyo Land and Fadhilatu Shaykh Dr. Rofeeu Adisa Ballo, who joined other leaders in reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the successful establishment and growth of the proposed college.

Speakers at the event stressed the importance of strengthening educational and healthcare institutions capable of producing highly skilled professionals while nurturing moral and ethical values rooted in Islamic teachings.

Special prayers were offered for the success of the proposed institution, with participants praying that Almighty Allah bless the sponsors, donors, scholars and all individuals contributing to the realisation of the project.

The visit also featured discussions on strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Muslim community in Oyo Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants emphasised the need for sustained cooperation in religious, educational and humanitarian programmes aimed at advancing the welfare of the Muslim Ummah.

In a symbolic gesture that drew commendation from attendees, the Grand Chief Imam granted approval for the head of the Saudi delegation to lead the Jumu’ah prayer at the Oyo Central Mosque, Akesan.

The honour, according to participants, reflected the spirit of Islamic brotherhood, mutual respect and unity among Muslims across national boundaries.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Imam reiterated that Islam encourages peace, dialogue and cooperation among believers, urging Muslim communities around the world to work together in promoting justice, harmony and understanding.

He said such partnerships remain essential to addressing contemporary challenges through education, religious enlightenment and community development.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, its leader expressed gratitude to the Chief Imam, traditional Muslim leadership and the people of Oyo for the warm reception accorded the visitors.

He described the opportunity to lead the Jumu’ah prayer as a great honour and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening religious cooperation and supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity, education and mutual understanding among Muslims.

The delegation noted that collaborations centred on education and healthcare development would contribute significantly to the growth of Muslim communities and the overall advancement of society.

The event concluded with prayers for enduring peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the global Muslim Ummah.

Participants described the visit as a landmark engagement that not only reinforced the bonds of brotherhood between Oyo Muslims and their Saudi counterparts but also provided renewed momentum for the actualisation of the Muslim College of Nursing, which they said would serve generations of students and healthcare professionals.