Notable dignitaries from several Islamic organizations across the country recently converged on Lagos to applaud the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and commend him for his ceaseless support for righteous cause.

The groups such as Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, UNILAG Muslim Alumni (UMA), Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and other professional entities were represented by members at the special prayer to mark Oladejo’s 80 years anniversary in Lagos.

Speaking at the event organised by the Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, the participants eulogised Oladejo, describing him as a trailblazer, a mentor, and a bridge-builder whose contributions to Islamic education, communal harmony, and national development remain indelible.

From his administrative acumen to his quiet but impactful leadership, the MUSWEN President was celebrated not just for attaining 80 years, but for the legacy of excellence he continues to uphold.

The National President of Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Ganiyu Balogun, applauded Oladejo, describing him as an unrelenting philanthropist, a passionate helper, and a ceaseless supporter of righteous cause.

Balogun further affirmed that his predecessor’s roles in developing and expanding the organization is priceless, hence, the accolades, love, commitment coming from all members to him are well deserving. He prayed to Allah to bless him with more age, milestones and good health.

The Deputy National Missioner of Nawair-Ud-Deen, Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla, described the life of Oladejo as remarkably successful having achieved so many cherished achievements. The respected Muslim scholar identified these prized achievements as including knowledge, good health, wealth, influence, and children.

“It is very rare to get to the peak of civil service. Oladejo was among the privileged few that ended up as Deputy Directors in their civil service career. He is now at the top of the Muslim community in Nigeria serving as Deputy President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). That’s where his foresight, knowledge, and importantly good character has taken him to,” the cleric said.

Former Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Remi Babalola, spoke in glowing terms about the celebrant, saying that he is ever just and fair in his dealings with everybody and all parties.

Babalola declared that Oladejo is a leader with high professional capacity and moral rectitude – worthy of emulation, by those aspiring for resounding success in career and service to humanity.

Also speaking, Abimbola Abdulazeez, a former colleague of the octogenarian at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) said Oladejo was a powerhouse at the organisation, who proffered solutions to many challenges, before he retired

“Then our Director, Oladejo led the transition that transformed the Nigerian Stock Exchange from a local market to an international one.

“Two years before 1999, our total turnover was 7.1 billion annually. But after the transition, we moved to 14 billion, and from 14 billion to 28 billion, and to 56 billion. From 56 billion, we jumped to 120 billion, and from there we went to 280 billion. That’s how everyone started knowing the Nigerian Stock Exchange globally,” he said.

Oladejo, a man of deep faith, wisdom, and service, had earlier served as the National President and Head of Administration of Nawair-Ud-Deen before his elevation to the helm of MUSWEN, the umbrella body for Muslim organisations across the South West. He is also currently the Deputy President (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

The representative of UNILAG Muslim Alumni (UMA), Alhaji Olanrewaju Bakare, said Oladejo is a man of many parts who has contributed significantly to the development of Islam and the nation.

“He is one of our pioneer Presidents at UNILAG Muslim Alumni. He is also a former chairman of the state body and the current chairman of UMA BoT,” he said.

“As far as we are concerned at UNILAG Muslim Alumni, Alhaji Oladejo remains our mentor, leader, and we will continue to count on him. May Allah keep him safe for a longer time.” Oladejo, was born 80 years ago in Latoyo’s compound, Oritamerin in Ibadan, Oyo State, south west Nigeria.