Former Chief Press Secretary to immediate past Osun Governor and minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, was at the weekend honoured by the Ansar-ud-Deen Society (ADS), Abuja branch, with a merit award.
He received the honour during an award ceremony held in Abuja as part of activities lined up to mark the centenary anniversary of the association.
The Chairman of the ADS, Abuja branch, Alhaji Kabir Olayiwola said the merit award was bestowed upon Omipidan for his remarkable role and contributions to the development of Ansar-ud-Deen Society in particular and Islam as a whole.
Omipidan, who currently serves as a media aide to the minister, was accompanied to event by his wife, Hajia Omolola, his senior colleagues at his place of work, seasoned journalists, friends and family members.
Prominent among them are: former Osun State Finance Commissioner and Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, Technical aide to the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, MD/CEO, Salam Takaful Insurance Company, Alhaji Kunle Kasim and his wife, Managing Editor, Northern Operations of The Nation Newspapers, Alhaji Yusuf Alli, Editor-in-chief, Blueprint Newspapers, Hajia Zainab Okino and Abdulrahman Abdulrauf, editor, Blueprint Newspapers and his wife.
Others are: Deputy editor of Daily Trust Newspapers, Isiaka Wakili, Executive Director (News), NTA Headquarters, Alhaji Ayo Adewuyi, represented by Alhaji Kayode Adeniyi, Asst. Director (News) and Head of News, NTA Abuja Channel 5, Alhaji Sadiq Giwa, Alhaji Yakubu Mogaji, Omidan Deborah Adegbite, Mr. Solomon Ademosu, Mr. Sola Ajetunmobi, Author, Development Consultant and lawyer, Hajia Titilope Omo Anifowose, Hajia Mairo Soba, Hajia Aisha Gambari, and executive members of Amani Sisters.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Omipidan who appreciated all those who accompanied him to share in his moment of joy, thanked Allah for counting him worthy to be among those being honoured on the auspicious occasion of 100 years anniversary of the society.
He expressed his excitement at being alive to witness and celebrate the significant milestone of Ansar-ud-Deen Society.
“I thank my wife for being very supportive over the years. I thank my bosses, led by Alhaji Oyebamiji on this occasion for coming to share in my thanksgiving to Allah, the creator and sustainer of the universe. I thank my Principal , Adegboyega Oyetola for giving me the opportunity to serve. If he had not given me the opportunity, I would not have had the privilege of meeting Alhaji Oyebamiji and Prof. Fakinlede, both of whom stood solidly by me today.
“I appreciate my senior colleagues in the journalism profession and my uncle, Alhaji Kasim, his wife and all my friends and our friends for honouring me with their presence and for their financial contributions to the Mosque of the society and for the promotion of Islam. Their support means a lot to me,” Omipidan added.
Commenting on the awardee, the MD of NIWA, Alhaji Oyebamiji described Omipidan as a man of character and core professional “who is very humble and decent.”
“We are not surprised that he is being honoured today by Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Abuja branch. You can see the quality of crowd around him, this shows the kind of person he is. This is why I have come to identify with him. I appreciate his wife too. Ismail married well and I can see her impact in his life,” Oyebamiji added.
On his part, Prof. Fakinlede described Omipidan as a decent Muslim. He said “while in the office, he is always going downstairs to observe his prayers. This is my first time of attending an Islamic gathering and I came because of him. I am glad I came to honour him.”
The highpoint of the occasion was the donation of N4.6 million for the development of the mosque and promotion of its activities by Omipidan’s bosses, friends and colleagues.
