The Chief Imam of Ibadan Land, Imam Abdul-Ganiyy AbuBakr Agbotomokekere who doubles as the Chairman, League of Imams, Oyo state, gracefully took out time to celebrate with Distinguished Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi on his 59th birthday at his residence. The celebration also had the entire council of the League of Imams in attendance who heartily graced the event to celebrate the Okanlomo of Ibadan land.
It was a timeout of grateful reflections of the antecedents of Senator Akanbi who is the immediate past Senator that represented Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly. His efforts at promoting peace and unity in the society were highly commended and especially his numerous efforts and roles in the Muslim community in uplifting Islam as well as uplifting the less privileged in the society.
According to the Chief Imam, he said he is not surprised at the antecedents of Senator Akanbi, tracing his ancestry from the third generation, it is apparent that he has been following the direction and standards set by his Grandfather, Bello Akinwande Akanbi and his Father, Muibdeen Olalere Akanbi. He prayed for long life for Senator Rilwan Akanbi to keep up with his good works and for same to continue in his lineage even with the coming generations.
The esteemed Muslim clerics further hailed him for fostering a complete and virtuous Muslim family. Credible remarks and commendations were passed on to his wife, Alhaja Zhikrah Afolake Akanbi for her endeavours in promoting Islam, for being a pillar of support and for the numerous incalculable roles played among Muslims in Nigeria.
Prayers were offered for Senator Akanbi to live a long life of multiplied impact to humanity. Blessings were showered on his family to continually remain strong for Allah, doing His will and continually remain blessed to be a blessing even to the works of Almighty Allah.
Senator Akanbi in his own words appreciated them for the honour and privilege to celebrate with him on his birthday. “This is a remarkable moment for me and I will perpetually cherish it,” he said. He thanked them for holding him as a son and appreciated them for their undeniable fondness of him.
He also used the opportunity to congratulate the Muslim faithfuls for a successful Ramadan. He urged them as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr to utilise the period to pray fervently for peace and oneness in the country.
“Eid-el-Fitr is a time of love and benevolence, it gives us a message to love all and despise none; and, above all, we should not drawback in our allegiance to Allah, which is the ultimate of our faith. Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration”
