Photos: Obasanjo, Amosun, Bakare, Others Felicitate Yemi Kolapo As New Iyalode Musulumi Of Egbaland

Prominent Nigerians have continued to congratulate and extol the virtues of the Publisher of The Point Newspapers, Dr. Lateefat Oyeyemi Kolapo, who was at the weekend installed as the new Iyalode Musulumi of Egbaland.

Describing the installation as an endorsement of her strength and character, the eminent personalities, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; a former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; and Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Citadel Global Community Church, among many others, noted that the installation of Yemi Kolapo was a testament to her sterling leadership qualities.

Kolapo was on Saturday installed as the new Iyalode Musulumi of Egbaland at a ceremony held at Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Among others who extolled the virtues of Kolapo in their various goodwill messages, included a former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga and the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chief Chris Isiguzo.

Governors Dapo Abiodun and Yahaya Bello of Ogun and Kogi states respectively, had earlier sent in their congratulatory remarks.

Chief Obasanjo in his remarks said, Yemi Kolapo’s installation “reflects the sterling leadership qualities that I have noticed in you over the years”, describing Kolapo as “a great pride of Egbaland, a devout Muslim and a veteran journalist” who has contributed to the development of her people and the community.

Amosun on his part commended the installation of the media guru as the right choice for the position while enjoining the honoree to do more for the advancement of Islam in Egbaland and Ogun State, saying that the chieftaincy title “speaks volumes about your service and commitment to the cause of the Almighty Allah.”

Pastor Bakare on his part, while congratulating his “dear aburo on this special recognition”, noted that “it is no small feat to be considered for a position as distinguished as the lyalode of Egba Muslims.”

He wrote: “I am not surprised that you were nominated. From what I know about you, this is one honour very well deserved. “I wish you long life and God’s guidance as you take up the responsibility.”

The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chief Chris Isiguzo, in his own message, acknowledged the professionalism with which Kolapo approaches her duties, saying that he is not only celebrating her remarkable achievements in the realm of journalism and media consultancy but also recognising the profound impact Kolapo has had as the distinguished Publisher of the Point Newspaper.

“Your new role as Iyalode is a testament to your exceptional leadership and the high regard in which you are held within the community. I encourage you to continue your exemplary service in advancing Islam in Egbaland and Ogun State.

“I pray that the Almighty Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and divine guidance to discharge your duties effectively,” the NUJ president noted.

In thier earlier messages, Governors Bello and Abiodun gave sterling recognitions to the media amazon.

Governor Bello disclosed that the installation of Kolapo had shown that Egbaland had not deviated from its age long culture of rewarding excellence and brilliance, noting that the new Iyalode Musulumi represents the Egba spirit very well in every capacity she has found herself.

The Kogi State Governor also commended her experience, expertise, and dedication to duty, saying that the conferment was well deserved.

On his part, Governor Abiodun said the Egba Muslim community would benefit from the new Iyalode’s invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to service, expressing his confidence that her wealth of experience would equip her to discharge her duties accordingly.

Abiodun who spoke through his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, said, “As the brand new Iyalode of Egba Muslims, I am confident that your wealth of experience and personal attribute, including courage, philanthropy, tenacity and focus will undoubtedly equip you to discharge the duties of this new role.

“The fact that you have been found worthy of this significant position among the Egba Muslim community should be regarded as an endorsement of your strength of character and sterling leadership qualities.

“The Egba Muslim community is sure to benefit from your invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to service on this higher pedestal.”