Muslim faithfuls have been urged to remain steadfast in their faith and engage in righteous and Godly activities that will strengthen their devotion to Almighty Allah, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
The admonition was given by an Islamic scholar and Guest Lecturer at the 5th Ramadan Lecture organized by Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Sheikh Al Khalifah Issa AbdulQodr Ayede, during the religious gathering held at the Council Secretariat, Onireke Ibadan.
Delivering a lecture titled “Jihad in Islam,” Sheikh Ayede explained that Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace and that the true concept of Jihad is often misunderstood or misrepresented by some individuals. According to him, Jihad in Islam encompasses striving in the path of Allah through righteous deeds, moral discipline, and peaceful propagation of the religion.
He emphasized that inviting people into Islam must be done with wisdom, kindness, and adherence to the teachings and examples of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), rather than through violence or coercion as portrayed by some extremists.
Sheikh Ayede commended the Executive Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alhaji Abdulrahman Adepoju, for sustaining the annual Ramadan Lecture, noting that such initiatives serve as important platforms for promoting the true teachings of Islam and enlightening the Muslim community. He encouraged the Chairman not to relent in his efforts at supporting religious and moral development within the society.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Adepoju expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting Muslims the opportunity to witness another Ramadan. He urged the Muslim faithful to use the sacred period for spiritual reflection, increased devotion, and obedience to the commandments of Allah.
The Chairman also reiterated that the present administration in Oyo State, under the leadership of His Excellency the Governor, remains committed to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and the promotion of harmony among people of different faiths.
He appreciated the guest lecturer for delivering an insightful and enlightening lecture and commended participants for their attentiveness throughout the programme.
He also called on residents of Ibadan Northwest Local Government and Oyo State in general to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at fostering development and improving the welfare of the people.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chairman of the Local Government, who also served as the host of the Ramadan Lecture, Alhaji Ganiy Abiodun Omotosho, expressed appreciation to the Guest Lecturer for honouring the invitation despite his busy schedule during the holy month of Ramadan.
Alhaji Omotosho noted that the lecture topic was carefully selected in view of the persistent misconceptions and challenges surrounding the concept of Jihad among some Muslims. According to him, several unfortunate incidents and calamities have occurred globally due to misinterpretation of the concept of Jihad, making it necessary to enlighten the Muslim community on its true meaning and proper practice in Islam.
He added that the lecture would help deepen understanding among Muslims and guide them towards practicing their faith in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an and the Holy Prophet.
In their separate goodwill messages, the distinguished guests at the event commended the Executive Chairman for organizing the Ramadan Lecture and creating a platform for spiritual enlightenment. They also praised the Guest Lecturer for his insightful and thought-provoking lecture and encouraged Muslim faithful to remain steadfast in their religious obligations and continue to uphold the peaceful teachings of Islam.
Distinguished personalities present at the program were SSA to the Governor on security matters, Alhaji Fatai Owoseni, PA to Governor Alh Akeem Azeez, Arole Iba Oluyole Alhaji Nureni Akanbi, Baale Onireke, Baale Fatai Arè, Oloye Tunde Tijani(Double T),Alhaja Bosede Adedibu, Alhaji Ishola Labule, Alhaji Lukman Adesina, Oloye Gbolahan Ibikunle. Others were Mr Gbemileke Nelson Mrs Sarah shobowale, Alhaja Halirat Adepoju, Alhaja Bola Oladeji, Honourable Councillors, Supervisory councilors,SAs, PDP stalwarts,Former HLGAs,management and entire staff of the Local Government led by the Head of Local Government Administration Mrs Omolara Ladepo.
E-signed
Ramat Alade
Head,Information/PR Unit
Ibadan Northwest LG, Onireke
March 10,2026.
