*As Ambode, S.O. Babalola, Gen. Olanrewaju, Okunnu, Gen. Martins witness religious honour for Tinubu, others
By Kemi Kasumu
Leader of Muslims in Nigeria and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Sunday at the Main Bow of popular Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, charged the newly installed Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, to prove his worth occupying the new position as spiritual leader of Muslims in Lagos State by working for the religious peace and harmony in the land.
The Sultan spoke during the presentation of Staff of Office to Sheikh Abou-Nolla as the 10th Chief Imam of the Centre of Excellence. The new Imam was named and turbaned in November 2017 following the death of Sheikh Ibrahim Garba, the ninth Chief Imam of Lagos.
He was joined by Governor of Lagos State Mr. Akinwumi Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule and the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef among other dignitaries.
Represented by the Deputy President-General (South), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and President of MUSWEN, Alhaji Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola, the NSCIA’s President-General admonished the Sheikh Abou-Nolla and 60 other Muslim title holders, also turbaned, to be part of the effort towards actualisation of a peaceful and harmonious community not only of Lagos but in the entire country, Nigeria.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar also lauded the choice of Sheikuh Sulaiman Abou-Nolla for the Muslim leadership of Lagos and expressed confidence in his capacity to rally round the Muslim community in the state and generally work for the progress of Islam in Nigeria.
Governor Ambode, represented his deputy Idiat Adebule, congratulated the Chief Imam and urged other Muslim leaders and groups to support him.
The governor said the state recognised the role of Muslims in the peace and harmony being enjoyed in the state, even as he described spiritual leaders as development partners in the effort to bring greater progress and prosperity to Nigeria’s economic nerve centre.
Others who graced occasion included the former Federal Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Lateef Femi Okunnu, former Minister of Communications Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) represented by his Special Assistant, Mr. Gabby Adeagbo, former Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Headquarters, Major General Abdullahi ADEKUNLE Martins (Rtd), Executive Chairman, Lagos Central Mosque Council, Sheikh Abdul-Hafeez Abou, who presented the Chief Imam with his staff of office, and the Vice Chairman of Council and Bashorun of Lagos Alhaji Sikiru Alabi Macfoy, among others.
