By Stanley Sunday
A former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Abubakar Bobboyi Jijiwa, has received a humanitarian and philanthropic services award from a faith-based organization, Al-Mustofiyyah Society of Nigeria.
Jijiwa was among 28 distinguished Nigerians honoured by Al-Mustofiyyah at its maiden award and book presentation ceremony held at Merit House, Abuja, at the weekend.
In his response, Jijiwa commended the organizers for the initiative and for making the award credible, devoid of any form of financial inducement.
Jijiwa, who is the deputy chairman, Initiative for Dialogue and Development (IDD), a Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to promoting national unity, thanked the organisers for finding him and other recipients worthy of their maiden awards.
He said the award would motivate him to do more for the society and humanity at large.
He therefore advised Muslims and non-Muslims alike especially youth to concentrate on what they can contribute in making the world a better place to live in.
The Chairman, Al-Mustofiyyah Society, Femi Sanusi Alaka, explained that the award was given to the awardees, in recognition of their immense contribution to the growth of the organization and Islam in general.
He added that it was also to appreciate and honour exceptional philanthropists and role models like Jijiwa, whose kind gestures in cash and kind as well as mentorship has been felt by all and sundry.
Earlier, Guest Lecturer at the occasion, Professor Is’haq Oloyede encouraged Muslims to enbrace righteousness, piety and patriotism in all their endeavours.
Oloyede who is the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB) said the presentation of awards to the recipients is in line with the the teachings of Islam, as Allah is very appreciative of good deeds.
“It’s abnormal to pay good with evil, so it’s expected we show gratitude for good deeds in life.
“As Muslims, it’s part of our culture to be appreciative of people who have done good in the society, as it’s in tandem with Islamic teachings. And these awards should not be for the highest bidders, but an encouragement to the recipients, thereby encouraging others to also do good in the society,” Oloyede stated.
Other awardees were Chief Alani Bankole, the father of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; Professor Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub, former Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja; and Imam Nuraen Taiwo Dindi.
Others include; Hajiya Raliah Abdulrazaq, a renowned gender advocate; Hajiya Mairo Tanko Al-Makura, wife of Nasarawa State Governor; and Hajiya Sidiqat Lami Salaudeen, Deputy Registrar, the Mining Cadastre Office.
