A special prayer session has been held at the College of Nursing Sciences, Muslim Medical Foundation, Saki, to commemorate the donation of a range of infrastructural facilities to the institution, including a state-of-the-art 500-seater Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre donated by Alhaji Azeez Adedokun Olowolagba.
The event brought together prominent traditional and religious leaders, academics, professionals, community leaders and other distinguished guests who gathered to celebrate the development recorded by the institution and pray for its continued growth and success, as well as for the wellbeing of the benefactors.
Other major infrastructural projects donated to the College include an A Block of classrooms donated by Dr Abdulrasheed Adeyemi Adeniran, popularly known as Gasma; another A Block of classrooms donated by Alhaji Mukaila Oluwaniyi, Managing Director of Al-Jassas Hospital, Saki; a twin flat donated by the grandchildren of Bakoja Gbogbo Duka Adeleke; and two units of twin flats donated by the Awidere family
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The institution has also benefited from a Vocational Training Centre donated by Alhaja (Chief) Amudalat Arike Mustapha, as well as a female hostel donated by Alhaja Silifat Adeleke Bakoja.
Speaking at the prayer session, the Chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan, expressed happiness over the growth and development of the College of Nursing Sciences, Muslim Medical Foundation, Saki.
Olaniyan described the institution as a great institution and commended its management for its efforts towards providing quality education and professional training for students.
However, he advised the management to review and reorganise the school’s master plan, stressing that a well-designed master plan would provide clear direction for the development and effective utilisation of the available land.
According to him, the permanent site of the institution has limited space and could soon become fully occupied if proper planning is not undertaken. He therefore urged the management to reconsider the existing layout and ensure that future development projects are carried out in line with a comprehensive master plan.
The Chairman also commended Alhaji Azeez Adedokun Olowolagba for donating the 500-seater ICT Centre, praying that Allah would continue to enrich him abundantly, grant him long life and reward his generosity. He equally prayed for Allah’s blessings and rewards for the other donors who had contributed to the development of the institution.
Olaniyan further promised to make his own input and contributions to the development of the college in the near future.
Also speaking through his representative, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Segun Olayiwola, praised the donors for their contributions to the development of the institution and urged the management to make judicious use of the facilities provided.
The Commissioner was represented by Mr Adeyemo O.A Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Saki Zonal Office.
The Commissioner also commended the management of the College for its efforts in advancing the institution.
The Guest Speaker, Professor Lukman Olateju Alawiye, observed that there were many wealthy individuals and philanthropists in the community, but only a few were willing to commit substantial resources to educational and community development.
He noted that many wealthy people preferred to invest their resources in businesses such as petroleum and real estate, with the expectation of increasing their wealth over time.
Professor Alawiye therefore described the decision by Alhaji Azeez Adedokun Olowolagba and other donors to commit substantial resources to the development of the College as a commendable act of philanthropy.
According to him, donations that directly contribute to improving education and empowering students constitute investments capable of benefiting generations yet unborn.
He prayed that Allah would abundantly reward the donor and other philanthropists for their contributions in this world and in the hereafter.
Professor Alawiye also urged the management of the institution to ensure that the newly donated ICT Centre is properly maintained and effectively utilised for teaching, learning, research and other academic activities.
He also called on Muslim leaders to remain united and work together towards lifting the Deen to greater heights.
Earlier, the Chief Host and Balogun Adinni of Oke-Ogun and Aare Musulumi of Sakiland, Alhaji Moshood Akinwumi Master, welcomed the dignitaries and guests to the occasion.
Akinwumi Master used the occasion to remember those who had passed away but contributed immensely to the establishment and development of the school.
He also advised Islamic stakeholders to see themselves as one and avoid division, stressing the importance of unity among Muslim leaders and stakeholders.
The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including Prince Justice Munta Abimbola; former Chief Judge of Oyo State; Lieutenant Colonel Adamu, Commanding Officer, 244 Recce Battalion, Asabari Barracks, Saki; Alhaji Sheikh Abd Azeez Jejekunmi Areebo Masojo; the Chief Imam of Sakiland, Engr. Yunus Jolaiya Gbadamosi; the Chairman, Muslim Community, Saki, Alhaji Abdulwahab Folorunso Ọlọ́run Èrò; Chairman, NSCIA Saki, Sheikh Musa Jubril.
Others in attendance included Sheikh Abd Wahab Fowewe, Sheikh Muhammad Abd Lateef, Alhaja Idris Sahadah, Honourable Shittu Ibrahim, Alhaji Sheikh Abdukareem Alaro, Alhaji Ibrahim Azim, Mufti of Sakiland, Alhaji Kazali Adewale and other important personalities.
The special prayer session provided an opportunity for the management of the College, community leaders, religious stakeholders and well-wishers to appreciate the significant contributions of Alhaji Azeez Adedokun Olowolagba and other donors towards the development of the College of Nursing Sciences, Muslim Medical Foundation, Saki.
The gathering also offered an avenue for prayers for the continued growth, academic advancement and success of the institution, as well as blessings for all individuals and families whose contributions have supported its development.
