On Saturday, the AOA Constituency Office was honoured to host our revered royal fathers, respected religious leaders, scholars, community leaders, and constituents at the 3rd Annual Aare Afolabi Ogunlayi Ramadan Lecture, held in Oke Ayedun, Ajoni LCDA, Ekiti State.

Now in its third edition, the lecture continues to serve as a town hall gathering for Muslim constituents, and as an important platform for spiritual reflection, intellectual engagement, and community dialogue, bringing people together to reflect on how faith, morality, and civic responsibility contribute to nation-building.

This year’s theme, “Taqwa as the Soul of Nation-Building: How Personal Integrity Shapes a United, Peaceful, and Prosperous Nation,” reminds us that the strength of any nation ultimately rests on the character of its people and the values of integrity, justice, compassion, and accountability.

We were privileged to receive profound insights from our distinguished lecturer, Dr. Musa Adebayo Idris, Associate Professor of Mining Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and Chief Imam of the Muslim community at the university. His reflections highlighted the powerful link between personal morality and responsible leadership.

I sincerely appreciate the Patron of this lecture series, Aare Sulaimon Afolabi Ogunlayi, National Vice President of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, for his enduring commitment to faith and community development.

I also extend my profound appreciation to our Chief Host, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sir Olufemi Aribisala, Orayegbotedumore, Gbot’ulu, the Alaaye of Oke Ayedun-Ekiti, for his warm hospitality. I equally thank our Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty, Oba Azeez Kareem Adebanjo, the Olu of Itapaji-Ekiti; as well as His Royal Majesty, Oba Olasahinde Ilugbusi, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti; and His Royal Majesty, Oba Adamo Babalola, the Onitaji of Itaji-Ekiti, for their presence and royal blessings.

I also acknowledge the presence of the Chairman of Ikole Local Government, Hon. Bayo Omojola, whose leadership continues to support development efforts across the local government.

Also in attendance were members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly: Hon. Femi Fatunla, Member representing Ikole Constituency I; Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, Member representing Oye Constituency II; Hon. Abimbola Christiana Solanke, Member representing Moba Constituency I; Hon. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieimen, Member representing Ilejemeje Constituency; and Alhaja Maryam Bimbola Ogunlade, Member representing Emure Constituency I, whose presence reflects our shared commitment to the progress of our communities.

Special appreciation also goes to Pastor J.B. Folorunsho, Special Adviser on Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and my leader, Chief Oladele Adeniyi, Board Chairman of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority, for their presence and support.

Ramadan remains a season of reflection and moral renewal. May its lessons continue to guide us as we work together to build stronger, more united, and more prosperous communities across Ekiti North 1 and beyond.

AkinỌmỌAkin

Monday, March 16, 2026