The Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS) has honoured four distinguished Nigerians, including the former Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta (FMCA), Prof. Abd'Semii Adewale Musa-Olomu, with its Award of Meritorious Service for their outstanding contributions to society.

Other recipients of the award are Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abd'Femi, former Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Ogbomoso; Alhaji Yekeen Balogun, former Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission; and Alhaji Abd'Waheed Amoo.

The awards were presented on Sunday at the MUSCOYS Secretariat, Samonda, Ibadan, during the community’s Annual General Assembly, which also featured the inauguration of a new executive council.

In his welcome address, the outgoing Chairman of MUSCOYS, Alhaji Is-haq Adekunle Sanni, described Musa-Olomu as a leader who distinguished himself through exemplary leadership, humanitarian service and outstanding performance during his tenure as Medical Director of the FMCA.

Sanni said Musa-Olomu’s tenure witnessed significant developments at the medical centre, including improvements in infrastructure, enhanced medical service delivery and initiatives aimed at strengthening the institution’s capacity to serve patients and the wider community.

He also commended the former medical director for prioritising staff welfare and creating an enabling environment for professional development.

According to him, Musa-Olomu also contributed to the creation of employment opportunities through recruitment into the hospital, enabling many Nigerians to earn a livelihood and support their families.

Sanni noted that Musa-Olomu remained committed to his responsibilities despite the challenging circumstances under which he operated.

He stressed that the recognition was not merely for occupying the position of medical director but for the impact of his leadership and the institutional transformation recorded during his tenure.

The programme also featured a lecture titled, “Leadership Role in Islam: What Is Expected of Muslims?”, delivered by the former Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Prof. Abd'Afees Oladosu.

Oladosu emphasised that leadership is a trust from Allah and that those entrusted with positions of authority would be held accountable for their stewardship on the Day of Judgment.

He therefore urged Muslims in positions of responsibility to uphold justice, integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

Another major highlight of the programme was the presentation of the report of the Shura (Selection) Committee on the emergence of the new MUSCOYS leadership.

The committee explained that the selection process was designed to ensure broad representation across Oyo State while promoting unity within the Muslim Ummah.

Following the presentation, Barrister Kazeem Adekunle Gbadamosi, SAN, was unveiled as the new Chairman, while Prof. Taofeek Yekeen emerged as Secretary, alongside other members of the new executive council.

The new executive members were subsequently inaugurated by Barrister Ismail Lawal, formally ushering in the new leadership of the Muslim Community of Oyo State.

The event was attended by religious leaders, former commissioners, Imams, Islamic scholars, representatives of Muslim communities and organisations, captains of industry and other distinguished guests.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Musa-Olomu expressed appreciation to the outgoing leadership of MUSCOYS for considering them worthy of recognition.

He attributed his approach to leadership and public service to the mentorship he received from Alhaji Kunle Sanni, Prof. Abd'Rasheed Aderinoye and Professor Emeritus S.O. Noibi, whom he described as significant influences in his journey of service.

Musa-Olomu consequently dedicated his award to the three men, expressing gratitude for their guidance, mentorship and exemplary contributions to his personal and professional development.