The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, embarked on a series of courtesy visits and official engagements across Oyo town, reaffirming his commitment to education, interfaith harmony, and community development.
The visits, which formed part of his ongoing outreach activities, were carried out with members of his entourage and representatives of various Islamic organisations. Also present were Dr. Habibullahi and Maradesa Ibrahim Alagbada El-Mufty, who represented Robithotul Sabab during the engagements. The delegation was received warmly at each location, reflecting the high esteem in which the Grand Chief Imam is held within Oyo Land.
The first point of call was RCM (St. Mary’s Catholic) Primary School, Ashogo, Oyo, the alma mater of the Grand Chief Imam. At the school, a thanksgiving programme was held to express appreciation to the institution, its former administrators and teachers for their contributions to his early education and personal development.
The visit was described as deeply symbolic and emotional, highlighting gratitude, humility and respect for teachers as foundational builders of society. The Grand Chief Imam acknowledged the formative role the school played in shaping his values, noting that education transcends religious boundaries and remains a powerful tool for character formation and national development.
From Ashogo, the entourage made a brief stop at Obada, where a poverty alleviation programme was ongoing, before proceeding to Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo. At the university, the delegation visited the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, where members of staff were formally introduced to the Grand Chief Imam.
The team subsequently proceeded to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, where the university management and other distinguished guests warmly received the delegation. The visit provided an opportunity for engagement on issues relating to education, faith, leadership and social responsibility.
In his address, Sheikh Akeugberu emphasized the inseparable relationship between faith, education and community service. He described universities as not only centres of academic excellence but also institutions where values, character and civic responsibility are cultivated.
He commended the university management for its dedication to knowledge, leadership development and the promotion of social harmony, stressing that education remains a critical pathway to peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor spoke on the ongoing construction of the university mosque, expressing his desire to see the project completed during his tenure. In response, the Grand Chief Imam assured the university management of support, noting that divine provision had already been made for the completion of the project. He encouraged the university to present the cost implications, while affirming that many faithful individuals were willing to contribute towards the cause.
Following the engagement at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, the entourage proceeded to Atiba University, Oyo. There, the Grand Chief Imam met with members of the university management as well as representatives of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).
The discussions at Atiba University were described as fruitful, marked by mutual appreciation and optimism over positive developments within the institution. Issues bordering on student welfare, moral development and the role of faith in shaping responsible leadership were also highlighted during the interaction.
The day’s engagements further included a visit to Aremo Stadium, where notable sons and stakeholders of Oyo Land gathered to receive the Grand Chief Imam. The gathering underscored the respect, affection and broad acceptance he commands across religious, cultural and institutional lines within the community.
Observers noted that the series of visits reflected the Grand Chief Imam’s consistent emphasis on gratitude to one’s roots, investment in education, promotion of peaceful coexistence and commitment to community upliftment. His engagements cut across religious and institutional boundaries, reinforcing his reputation as a bridge-builder and advocate of unity.
The Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land described the engagements as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with educational institutions, faith-based organisations and community stakeholders, while fostering dialogue, understanding and collective progress.
According to the office, the visits also served as a reminder of the critical role of education in shaping ethical leadership and the importance of collaboration among religious and educational institutions in addressing social challenges.
The engagements concluded on a positive note, with renewed commitments to continued cooperation, support for educational development and sustained efforts toward peace and social harmony across Oyo Land.
