The Omo-Asoore Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering lives and building futures, has rewarded the overall winners of its recently concluded Quranic Competition with multimillion naira scholarships.
The official presentation ceremony took place on Friday, 19th September, at one of the leading hotels in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, where nine beneficiaries drawn from three categories were honoured with cash scholarships.
In the first category, the winners included:
Abdul Wasii Murtadha (1st Position),Basheer Abdul Khaliq (2nd Position) and Dhu-Nurain Foodhil (3rd Position)
In the second category, the winners were: Salaudeen Fatimah (1st Position), Abdul Wasii Abdullah (2nd Position) and Abdul Raheem Uthman (3rd Position)
In the third category, the winners emerged as: Salaudeen Uwais (1st Position) and Raji Naheem (2nd Position) and Saheed Mustapha (3rd Position).
Speaking at the event, the Founder of the Omo-Asoore Foundation and Assembly hopeful, Alhaji Shakirulah Adeola Tijani, popularly known as Omo-Asoore, explained that the gesture was in fulfillment of his earlier promise when the competition commenced. He emphasized that the scholarships were designed to ease the financial burden of school fees and to support the beneficiaries in acquiring both western and Quranic education without disruption.
Alhaji Tijani further disclosed that similar arrangements were underway to organise a Bible Competition for Christian students, noting that the programme would be held ahead of the next Easter celebration.
Reiterating the mission of his foundation, he stressed that the Omo-Asoore Foundation is committed to empowerment and humanitarian services, citing past interventions that have benefited orphans, widows, and the less privileged across communities.
The Chairman of the Quranic Competition Committee, Ustadh Adam Awayewaserere, lauded the sponsor for initiating the programme, describing him as a role model and pacesetter who spends wisely for the sake of humanity and in service to Allah.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Strategic Committee, Comrade Abdul Wasii Ismail, appreciated the committee members for their collective efforts and thanked Alhaji Tijani for his sincerity and commitment to the programme. He revealed that each category originally had 15 participants before the winners eventually emerged, urging parents of the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the scholarship funds.
In their separate goodwill messages, community leaders and clerics also expressed appreciation.
Hon. Ebun Popoola, speaking on behalf of leaders from Ilua, the sponsor’s hometown, praised Omo-Asoore for following in the footsteps of his forefathers and encouraged him to extend similar gestures to Christian communities.
Ustadh Dhikirulah Fasasi, the Ilua Mufasir, speaking on behalf of the Chief Imam, Taofeek Aroworakeu, prayed for the sponsor’s success and urged him to remain steadfast despite detractors.
Ustadh Saheed Almorikazy, representing the Chief Imam of Okeholand and also a parent of one of the beneficiaries, called for consistency in sustaining the programme while emphasizing the importance of Quranic memorisation. He urged all Quranic teachers to intensify efforts in grooming students for excellence in Qur’anic learning.
One of the scholarship recipients, Abdul Wasii Abdullah, speaking on behalf of his peers, expressed gratitude to the sponsor and encouraged fellow students to pursue both western and Quranic education with dedication.
The well-attended event drew dignitaries and community stakeholders, including Mr. Shittu Tajudeen, Hon. Ebun Popoola, Mr. Olu Oniosun, Mr. Gbenga Awolola, Deacon Awolola, Ustadh Adam Awayewaserere, Ustadh Saheed Almorikazy, Ustadh Dhikirulah Fasasi Mufasir, parents of the beneficiaries, and other well-wishers.
