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…Frowns On Rising Educational Costs, Advocates For Religious Tolerance
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Chief Imam of Ilaro Central Mosque, Sheik Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi has urged Nigerians to treat people with disabilities with care and support.
This call came during a visit from individuals with disabilities in Ogun State, alongside the Ogun State Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the Ilaro Central Mosque, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria.
The group’s visit to Ilaro Central Mosque was one of the many activities organized to commemorate their Annual NAPPS Day celebration for 2024.
In his Friday sermon, Imam Adewunmi emphasized that people with disabilities are unique individuals deserving of special attention and support.
He stressed that disability does not equate to inability, citing numerous examples of people with disabilities who have achieved remarkable success in various fields.
The Imam pointed out that God does not discriminate between those with disabilities and those without, instead creating many individuals with exceptional talents that contribute positively to society.
He urged parents of children with disabilities to remain hopeful and to continue providing them with moral guidance and education to help them succeed.
The Islami scholar expressed concern over the treatment some parents afford their disabled children, describing it as ungodly. Imam Adewunmi urged these parents to abandon such inhumane practices, highlighting that these children could become future breadwinners for their families.
Imam Adewunmi also extended a warm welcome to the members of the Ogun State Chapter of Proprietors of Private Schools, led by its President – Otunba Osibeluwo Adekunle Joshua, who also attended the Friday prayer service.
He praised the association for their efforts to support the government in creating an equitable society through education.
Acknowledging the rising costs of education, Imam Adewunmi urged school proprietors to consider the importance of including low-income families in their admission processes. He stressed the need for inclusivity in education, even amid financial challenges.
He called on all three tiers of government to view private school proprietors as essential partners in fostering an educated society. The Imam emphasized that these proprietors should receive adequate support to achieve their educational objectives.
Imam Adewunmi used this opportunity to advise private school proprietors against the practice of converting Muslim students to Christianity, particularly through coercive methods such as requiring them to recite Christian verses.
While condemning religious intolerance, he expressed concern over the trend of converting Muslim students, advocating for adherence to a curriculum similar to public schools where religious studies are optional.
Imam Adewunmi urged private school proprietors to reflect on these issues and make necessary adjustments to ensure continued peaceful coexistence among different religious communities.
Also, cash and material gifts were presented to the visitors by Alhaji Akinwande, representing the Ilaro Central Mosque, demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting those in need.
The event was rounded off with prayers for individuals with disabilities in Nigeria and for the private school proprietors.
This year’s NAPPS Day, held in Ogun State from October 10 to 12, 2024, took place at Asade Agunloye Pavilions in Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, and was hosted by the Yewa Zone of the association.
With the theme “Nurturing Children for National Development,” the celebration included a keynote address, an awards ceremony, cultural performances, a visit to local royal leaders, a Jumat Service, and other engaging activities.
