Professor Noibi is a revolutionist, silent and effective scholar for Islam— Oyo deputy gov

The deputy governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul- raheem Adebayo Lawal has described the Chairman of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Elders’ Council, Prof. D.O.S Noibi OBE, DSC, FISN, FIAC as a revolutionist, silent and effective scholar who upholds the norms and values of Islam and loaded with Islamic knowledge that anyone can tap from his wealth. 

During the Book Launch and Send Forth in honor of Professor Noibi on Saturday, Lawal made this statement and emphasized how his ways of spreading Islam has led many people to embrace the religion. 

He narrated how he humbled himself by visiting his Bashorun home for a small demand regarding the Barakat School in Bodija, which has accumulated a debt of about N21 million over the course of two years for the purpose of spreading Islam, but he had to call his colleagues by paying off the debt with N20m. 

The deputy governor urged Professor Naibi to continue his charitable work and his active role in spreading Islam, stating that despite his advanced age, he can never be told to stay behind or retire.

He said: “I am not a cleric or Imam but I can assure you that I am 100% with you as the deputy governor of Oyo state. But if you don’t send me message, how will you know if I am really representing you well or not? 

“A few months ago, when professor Noibi approached me about staff welfare and salary on behalf of Rabita, I gave him my word that I would also pay an upfront of five months’ worth of salaries in the event that the previous payment had run out. 

“Whatever you send me, as the highest ranked Muslim in this government , I will always work for it. 

“As you know, Bodija Central Mosque is the only central mosque in Bodija Estate, but if we count, we can get up to 40 or 50 around other places, so when I became Chairman of Housing Corporation, I decided to put up a befitting Mosque there too. The construction is currently underway, and everyone can confirm that it will also promote Islam.

“No single individual in this century can claim to be able to carry out the mission of Islamic propagation, but we may all work together to make our religion effective.”

Lawal commended everyone who supported Professor Noibi in his pursuit of excellence in both his academic and religious pursuits, especially his wife, colleagues, and students at the University of Ibadan, noting that Professor Noibi did not receive his title of (OBE) on a silver platter but rather through a serious amount of hard work.

Earlier in his remarks, the president of Muswen, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo described Professor Dawud Olatokunbo Shittu Noibi, as the Iconic scholar of their time in the twin disciplines of Arabic and Islamic Studies, who’s is being celebrated because of his many feats recorded in the sands of time.

He hinted that he was able to know many of his accomplishments when he became the a member of the MUSWEN Central Working Committee (CWC) in 2013 as president of Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and particularly since becoming President of the regional association two years ago. 

“As officer of the most excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), he has brought honor to the Nigerian Muslims and made the Ummah proud; as the pioneer Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, he made the organization a formidable umbrella Association for the Muslim Communities in the South west Nigeria. 

“As an Islamic scholar of repute, he has contributed tremendously to the growth and development of Islam worldwide and as a foremost Islamic propagator, his contribution to da’wah is unparalleled.”

The president noted that the send-forth ceremony is essentially packaged to thank Allah for the divine Mercies bestowed on Professor Noibi who has enjoyed a king and healthy life of dedication to Da’wah. 

MOUTHPIECE NGR reports that the event also featured the public presentation of a book titled Islamo-Nigeriana edited by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Prof. Muibi Opeloye and Prof. Afis Oladosu which attracted donations from different people including the deputy governor of Oyo state. 

MUSWEN is the umbrella body for all Muslims in Southwest Western Nigeria as represented by the State Muslim Councils/Communities and Muslim organizations and institutions domiciled in the South West geo-political zone of Nigeria.

The group rests on the State Councils/Communities that coordinate the affairs of Muslims in the six States as its primary constituent units including Muslim intellectuals, professionals, business people, women and youths and league of Imams and Alfas as well as Muslim title holders and traditional and community leaders. 

Among notable people in the entourage of the deputy governor included Oyo Commissioner on Special Duties, Hon. (Alhaja) Fausat Joke Sann, Hon. Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy matters, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi Bibire, Chairman Oyo Road Maintenance Agency, Hon. Busoye Ogunlade and J.S Amodu from Kishi.