Two outstanding prominent Nigerians, the Oluwo Of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, were bestowed with the “Defender Of The Faithful” awards by the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) on Sunday.

The program, which attracted important personalities from all walks of life, was held at the Combo Hall of Lagos State Television.

The awardees were described as men of letters who had written their names in the annals of history with their contributions to religious development

Speaking at the ceremony, the traditional ruler said, “I am honoured with the award of the ‘Defender Of The Faithful’ bestowed on me by the respectable Islamic body, Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC). The recognition has presented a formidable challenge to do more towards the propagation of the oneness of Olodumare (God).

“On behalf of the good people of Iwoland and my well-wishers, I appreciate MURIC in general and specifically its founder, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, for considering me worthy. I pray for a happy retirement and more prosperous years of positive accomplishment.”

He, however, described the body as credible and its members as embodying impeccable pedigrees that can stand the test of time at any particular time.

The monarch, while describing the award as a challenge to further propagate the oneness of Olodumare (God), charged other monarchs, especially those in Yorubaland, to dedicate themselves more to defending the institution of God they represent.

The event was chaired by the legal icon, Mallam Yusuf Ali, and the keynote address was given by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, who was also an awardee of the event.

In his keynote address, Mallam Rufai described the awards as well-embraced and pledged to forge ahead in the proclamation of faith.

He, however, preached oneness and harmony among religious groups and warned against sectionalism, segregation, and nepotism in the interest of the country’s development.(Nigerian Tribune)