Lanre Shittu Motors Leads Drive to Steer Lagos Students Away from Crime, Donates books to public Schools 

Lanre Shittu Motors is expanding its investment in youth development beyond skills acquisition, launching a major education campaign aimed at steering thousands of Lagos secondary school students away from financial crime through value-based learning and character development.

In partnership with the author of Clean Hands, Bright Future: A Youth Guide to Avoiding Financial Crime in Africa, the foremost automotive company has begun distributing the book to 200 public secondary schools across Lagos State, with more than 150 schools already reached in the first phase of the initiative.

The campaign, which began at Kuramo Senior College and Victoria Island Senior Secondary School, seeks to equip students with a clear understanding of the dangers of fraud, cybercrime, identity theft, examination malpractice and other financial crimes, while promoting integrity, hard work, ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.

Author of the book, Mr. Adedayo Aluko, said the project was inspired by the alarming rise in financial crime among young people and the need to intervene early through education.

“The rate of financial crime among youths is becoming increasingly alarming. We believe education is one of the most effective tools to prevent crime. The message of the book is simple: crime does not pay, and with clean hands, every young person can build a brighter future,” Aluko said.

He explained that the initiative goes beyond book distribution, with plans to return to beneficiary schools for interactive enlightenment sessions and career talks to reinforce the message of integrity.

According to him, the book simplifies over 100 forms of financial crimes, helping students understand offences that many young people unknowingly become involved in. Rich illustrations and practical examples were deliberately included to engage students and make the lessons memorable.

Aluko commended Lanre Shittu Motors for supporting the project, describing the Managing Director of the company, Mr Taiwo Shittu, as a long-standing advocate of youth empowerment and education.

“Mr. Taiwo Shittu believes there is no shortcut to success. During the flag-off, he personally handed copies of the book to students and encouraged them to embrace hard work, education and skill acquisition as the true pathways to success.

Speaking on the initiative, the LSM MD, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, said the company’s decision to sponsor the distribution reflects its belief that preventing crime begins with shaping values at an early age.

“Young people are the future of our nation. By investing in character development and educating students about the consequences of financial crime, we are helping to build responsible citizens who will contribute positively to society.

“At Lanre Shittu Motors, we believe integrity, education and hard work remain the surest foundations for lasting success,” he said.

Shittu noted that the company’s strong culture of corporate social responsibility was inherited from its founder and his father, the late Alhaji Rasak Olanrewaju Shittu.

He said the late automotive icon instilled in his children and employees the enduring values of compassion, community service and giving back to society, a legacy that continues to shape Lanre Shittu Motors’ investment in education, youth development and other impactful social initiatives.

Published in May 2026 and endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Clean Hands, Bright Future, has been described as a practical guide for young people navigating increasing social and economic pressures.

The ongoing distribution programme underscores Lanre Shittu Motors’ commitment to corporate social responsibility and its determination to inspire a generation that chooses integrity over shortcuts and honest enterprise over criminality.

Lanre Shittu Motors has over the years maintained a strong record of investing in youth development through skills acquisition and capacity building initiatives.

The company has consistently provided opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire technical and vocational skills in automotive engineering, vehicle maintenance and related fields through internship, apprenticeship and industry training programmes.

It has also supported educational and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at preparing young people for productive careers, reinforcing its belief that equipping youths with employable skills remains one of the most effective ways to reduce unemployment, discourage crime and promote sustainable national development.

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.

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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.

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

ICYMI: Court orders JAMB, CBT centre to pay ₦10m over forced removal of candidate’s hijab during UTME

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has ordered the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and PEFTI CBT Centre to jointly pay ₦10 million in damages to Miss Lawal Hameedat Adenike Olamide after ruling that her fundamental rights were violated when she was allegedly forced to remove her hijab before sitting the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Justice Y. S. Adekunle, in a judgment delivered last week, also declared unconstitutional, illegal, null and void any rule or directive requiring female candidates to remove hijabs worn for religious purposes as a condition for taking the UTME.

A Certified True Copy of the judgment was obtained on Thursday.

The suit was instituted by the candidate, who was a minor at the time of the incident, through her mother, Mrs Basirat Ojo Oba.

The case arose from an incident that occurred during the April 25, 2025 UTME at the PEFTI CBT Centre, located at 32 Oyo Road, Coca-Cola Area, Sango, Ibadan.

PEFTI CBT Centre is listed among JAMB-approved CBT centres in Oyo State. The centre has also appeared in JAMB’s official records relating to CBT operations in the state.

The claimant, through her counsel, Qousim A. Opakunle, argued that compelling her to remove her hijab before allowing her to sit the examination violated her constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

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The suit relied on Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees every person the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to manifest and practise religious beliefs.

The claimant asked the court to declare unconstitutional any alleged policy requiring female UTME candidates to remove religious head coverings before entering an examination hall.

She also sought written apologies from JAMB and the CBT centre, publication of the apologies in two national newspapers and monetary compensation for the alleged violation of her fundamental rights.

In his judgment, Justice Adekunle held that the action of requiring the candidate to remove her hijab before she could sit the UTME amounted to a violation of her constitutionally protected rights.

The court ruled that any policy, rule or directive introduced by JAMB or a CBT centre that compels female candidates to remove hijabs worn for religious purposes is inconsistent with the Constitution and is therefore invalid.

The court subsequently awarded ₦10 million in damages against JAMB and PEFTI CBT Centre jointly.

Justice Adekunle also ordered the defendants to pay ₦500,000 as the cost of the suit, bringing the total financial award to ₦10.5 million.

In addition, JAMB and PEFTI CBT Centre were directed to independently write letters of apology to the claimant and publish the apologies in two national daily newspapers within seven days of the judgment.

The ruling has drawn attention to the need for examination authorities and accredited CBT centres to ensure that security and examination procedures are implemented in a manner that respects candidates’ constitutional rights.

While examination bodies are expected to maintain strict standards to protect the integrity of public examinations, the judgment underscores the importance of applying such measures without imposing restrictions that are inconsistent with constitutional protections.

The decision may also strengthen calls for clearer and more uniform guidelines for CBT centres across Nigeria, particularly on the treatment of candidates who wear religious clothing.

Reacting to the judgment, Opakunle described the ruling as a significant victory for the protection of fundamental human rights.

He said the case was founded on Section 38 of the Constitution and reaffirmed the responsibility of public institutions and service providers to respect the religious rights of citizens.

The lawyer added that the judgment was particularly important because the claimant was a minor and required legal representation to challenge the alleged violation.

The ruling adds to ongoing public and legal discussions about the balance between religious freedom, institutional regulations and the rights of students and examination candidates in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no publicly available response from JAMB or PEFTI CBT Centre on the judgment.

ICYMI: Court orders JAMB, CBT centre to pay ₦10m over forced removal of candidate’s hijab during UTME