The ancient town of Awo, Egbedore local government headquarters, was full to the brim on Saturday as dignitaries including members of the National Assembly, Islamic Scholars, Muslim faithful and friends and families of the Late Abdulsalam Olapade gathered to hold the maiden Ramadan lecture in his honour.
The lecture, which also served as avenue to raise N25m for the reconstruction of Mubarakah Arabic and Islamic School, was organised by one of the sons of the deceased and lawmaker representing Ede Federal Constituency, Representative Bamidele Salam.
In his lecture, the guest lecturer, Uztaz Musbaudeen Orimadegun emphasized on the need for parents to do good while alive as their children will reap the rewards of their good deeds.
Ustaz Orimadegun advised parents to take a cue from the life of Late Abdulsalam Olapade, who invested heavily in the education and future of his children.
The Cleric said, “The real legacy of the Late Abdulsalam Olapade was that he was very passionate about the education of this community. But after his demise, his sons have come together to start lecture on his name and to reconstruct the Madrasha (Arabic School) he left behind. This is very big.
“One big lesson about this is that life is governed by principles and not miracles. What you sow, you’ll reap. If that Baba has not trained his children then, today may not happen. This is to tell the parents that they should take education of their children seriously. Real investment in the future of their children should be their utmost priority.”
Addressing newsmen, Yusuf Shittu Galambi who represented the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, explained that good religious education is a tool for moral among the young ones.
Galambi commended Rep Salam and the people of Awo community for their efforts towards creating avenue for youths to learn Islamic education.
“Having moral among the youths requires that you give them good education, both the modern and religious education. This is why I commend this community and Bamidele Salam for this efforts being put together.”
The lawmaker, who represents Gwaram federal constituency, also stated importance of the holy month of Ramadan, describing it as a month of blessings.
Representing of Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye urged Muslims to use this period of Ramadan to show love to the needy and less privileged in the society.
Igbalaye said, “Ramadan is a month to show love. Most especially to the less privileged in our society. We understand that people are going through hard time and we must extend good deeds to them.”
Speaking at the event, Rep Salam appreciated his late father for the way he raised him and his siblings. He encouraged parents to raise their wards in the way of Almighty God and to fear Him.
Salam said, “The period of Ramadan which we are in, is a period of reflection, abstinence and closeness to the Almighty Allah and every parent has an obligation to raise their children in the way and fear of Almighty. Whether you’re a Muslim or Christian, you have to teach your children to fear Almighty God, serve Him and serve humanity. This is the most important thing that we’re emphasizing here today.”
To Hashim Abioye, a legal practitioner, one of the enduring legacies that can outlive parents is to have educated children who remember them. He applauded Rep Bamidele Salam for his resolve to reconstruct the Mubarakah school.
