By Fatima Saka
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, has described the Special Recognition Award conferred on its Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, as an encouragement to advocates of religious freedom, justice and human rights in Nigeria.
The chapter said the honour, bestowed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, reflected Akintola’s decades of commitment to defending constitutional rights, promoting religious freedom and advocating peaceful coexistence.
The award was presented to Akintola on November 2, 2026, during the grand finale of the 13th Usman Dan Fodio Week and the 20th Coronation Anniversary Celebration of the Sultan of Sokoto at the International Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto State.
In a congratulatory statement issued on Thursday, MURIC Ogun Chairman, Ustaadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, and Secretary, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, said the recognition was a deserving acknowledgement of the professor’s principled leadership, intellectual contributions and consistent advocacy for justice.
The chapter noted that Akintola had remained a courageous voice in defending the rights of Nigerian Muslims through peaceful, lawful and constitutional means, particularly in addressing discrimination, intimidation and religious persecution.
It described as particularly inspiring his decision to dedicate the award to Muslim victims of religious persecution across the country, saying the gesture demonstrated humility, selflessness and concern for the welfare and dignity of others.
According to the chapter, the award goes beyond personal recognition, representing an honour for the entire MURIC family, the Nigerian Muslim community and other advocates of human rights, equity and the rule of law.
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It added that Akintola’s contributions to scholarship, religious freedom and human rights advocacy had continued to inspire Muslims and defenders of justice within and outside Nigeria.
The Ogun chapter also prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, good health, wisdom and strength for the MURIC founder, urging future generations of Muslim leaders and advocates to emulate his commitment to truth, peaceful engagement and the defence of the oppressed.
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