Prominent Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo have congratulated and extolled the virtues of the publisher of The Point Newspapers, Dr. Lateefat Oyeyemi Kolapo, over her emergence as the Iyalode Musulumi of Egbaland.
Other eminent Nigerians who described her installation as an endorsement of her strength and character included Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, a former governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun and Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Citadel Global Community Church.
In their various goodwill messages, a former minister of industry, trade and investment, Olusegun Aganga and the president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Isiguzo said her installation was a testament to her sterling leadership qualities.
Kolapo was last Saturday installed as the new Iyalode Musulumi of Egbaland at a ceremony held at Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Governor Abiodun and his Kogi State counterpart Yahaya Bello also sent congratulatory messages.
Obasanjo said, Kolapo’s installation “reflects the sterling leadership qualities that I have noticed in you over the years”, describing Kolapo as “a great pride of Egbaland, a devout Muslim and a veteran journalist” who has contributed to the development of her people and the community.
Amosun commended the installation of the media guru as the right choice for the position while enjoining the honoree to do more for the advancement of Islam in Egbaland and Ogun State, saying that the chieftaincy title “speaks volumes about your service and commitment to the cause of the Almighty Allah.”
Pastor Bakare on his part, while congratulating his “dear aburo on this special recognition”, noted that “it is no small feat to be considered for a position as distinguished as the lyalode of Egba Muslims.”
He wrote: “I am not surprised that you were nominated. From what I know about you, this is one honour very well deserved.
“I wish you long life and God’s guidance as you take up the responsibility.”
Isiguzo (NUJ president) acknowledged the professionalism with which Kolapo approaches her duties, saying that he is not only celebrating her remarkable achievements in the realm of journalism and media consultancy but also recognising the profound impact Kolapo has had as the distinguished Publisher of the Point Newspaper.
“Your new role as Iyalode is a testament to your exceptional leadership and the high regard in which you are held within the community. I encourage you to continue your exemplary service in advancing Islam in Egbaland and Ogun State.
“I pray that the Almighty Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and divine guidance to discharge your duties effectively,” the NUJ president noted.
The Kogi governor also commended her experience, expertise, and dedication to duty, saying that the conferment was well deserved.
On his part, Governor Abiodun said the Egba Muslim community would benefit from the new Iyalode’s invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to service, expressing his confidence that her wealth of experience would equip her to discharge her duties accordingly.
Abiodun, who spoke through his deputy chief of staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, said, “As the brand new Iyalode of Egba Muslims, I am confident that your wealth of experience and personal attribute, including courage, philanthropy, tenacity and focus will undoubtedly equip you to discharge the duties of this new role.
