Ogun Head Of Service Seeks Muslims Support For Abiodun's Government

Alhaja Selimot Ottun 

Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji 

ABEOKUTA - The Ogun State Head of Service, Alhaja Selimot Olapeju Ottun  has called on the League of Imams and Alfas in the state to support the success of Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration.

Ottun stated this on Sunday at the Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti, in Abeokuta during a programme held in her honour by the League. 

The Head of Service who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Taiwo Adekunle while ommending the organisers for complying with COVID-19 protocols, Ottun said the government is not for any religion but for the entire citizens of Ogun State.

The League of Imams and Alfas of Ogun State, had on Sunday, honoured the State new Head of Service, Alhaja Selimot Olapeju Ottun on her appointment as the 17th Head of Service of Ogun by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The programme which was held at the Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital was organised in strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols of physical distancing, hand-washing, use of hand sanitizer and temperature check.

The Secretary General of the League and Chief Imam of Ilaro, Shaykh Tajudeen Adewunmi in his welcome address said apart from celebration of a worthy member in the Head of Service, the programme was also to renew engagement heralding a purposeful interaction with Muslims in the various public officers towards a sustainable development.

According to him, the Muslims have suffered perpetually as a result of individuality, selfishness and lack of understanding of the big picture of the vision of Islam, this, he described as bane of retrogression.

The Secretary General also used the opportunity to condemn the recent rampaging cases of rape against female children describing same as devilish, uncivilized and a heinous crime against humanity.

While imploring parents to be more vigilant and concerned with the appearance and attitude of their wards, the League called on Ogun State House of Assembly to enact appropriate laws that would prescribe adequate punishment for rapists and their accomplices.

The Muslim leader who noted that the new Head of Service will be the second Muslim to be so appointed since 1976 called on Ottun to employ Islamic principles of selflessness, fairness, equity and justice throughout her stay in office.

He said the woman has an epitome personality, humility personified adding that she has always shown diligence in all her responsibilities without compromising her identity.

While thanking the Governor for the appointment, Sheikh Adewunmi said the new Head of Service will bring immense benefits to the civil service and the entire citizens of Ogun State judging by her track record.

The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Sarafadeen Tunji Isola, an Ambassador-Designate, in his welcome address said he was convinced that Alhaja Ottun will be a role model to Islam, requesting for the Muslim community to assist her with prayers.

Describing the Ogun State civil service as the best in the Country, the former Minister who was also a former Secretary to Ogun State Government, revealed that the Head of Service will need beyond competence but also prayers to succeed in her new duty posts.

He said, "She will be a role model to Islam but we should assist her with prayers. Ogun State to the best of my knowledge has the best civil service in Nigeria and Ogun State is sophisticated both socially and politically. To this end, it's guess beyond her competence, despite her competence, she needs prayer."

In his sermon, Professor Kamaldeen Balogun said a close observation of the new Head of Service has demonstrated a product of good home, with the best manners and a good Muslim.

He however challenged her to serve with letters and spirit of the Qur'an while collaborating with the League in discharging her duties to Islam.