President of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo
Remi Babalola, others attend prayer session to mark MUSWEN President’s 80th birthday anniversary
Family members, friends, professional colleagues, top government officials, religious and community leaders, last Sunday,( 22nd June, 2025) gathered in Alagbado area, a Lagos suburb to honour the President of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, as he marked his 80th birthday.
At the session, which held inside the Nawair-Ud-Deen Society Central Mosque, Adura, Alagbado, dignitaries and clerics at the well attended event took turn to reminiscent stellar qualities of the dynamic and vibrant financial icon, praying God to grant him long life with sound health.
A former Minister of State for Finance ‘Remi Babalola, one of the dignitaries in attendance, spoke in glowing terms about the celebrant, saying that he is ever just and fair in his dealings with everybody and all parties.
The former Minister declared that Alhaji 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.
Deputy National Missioner, Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul Mojeed Ayinla, in a lecture, spoke extensively on the grace associated with old age, ability to remain relevant in professional, religious and humanitarian activities.
Sheikh Abdul Mojeed declared that Alhaji Oladejo is one of those Allah has given the privilege to be very dedicated to His cause and impact ceaselessly on the society with his person, knowledge and wealth.
He noted that age is not a barrier for Muslims from aspiring to achieve more, in terms of giving to others and striving in the way of Allah, adding that these are exemplary virtues in Alhaji Oladejo and why he is a true role model for NUDS members and Muslims.
The National President of Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Ganiyu Balogun, in his opening remarks applauded Alhaji Oladejo, describing him as an unrelenting philanthropist, a passionate helper, and a ceaseless supporter of righteous cause.
Alhaji 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 Chairman of NUDS, Alagbado branch, Alhaji Nurudeen Taiwo Giwa, in his welcome address, traced the history of the branch and the significant moral, financial and intellectual inputs of Alhaji Oladejo, towards its growth.
He thanked and congratulated the celebrant and wished him a prosperous future.
The height of the prayer session was the launching of a biography, titled: “Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo @ 80 …inspiring strides of a stockbroking icon”, authored by Gbadebo Akinyemi.
The event was graced by the many prominent individuals and
Muslim organizations, such as Alhaji Mikail Mumuni, a veteran journalist and the Chairman of Media and Publicity Committee of MUSWEN; University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, (UMA) represented by Alhaji Abdul Fatai Lanre Bakare, Alhaji Oladejo’s wife, Alhaja Muslimah Oladejo, the celebrant’s children, notably among them is a seasoned stockbroker, Alhaja Adetutu Ayantayo, NUDS members and leaders from different branches within and outside Lagos State, among many wishers, religious and community leaders, across the religious faith.
Alhaji Oladejo, FCS, was born 80 years ago in Latoyo’s compound, Oritamerin in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He began his primary education at Islamic Mission School, Odoye, Ibadan in 1953 and completed it in 1958.
He taught for a few years in Fazl-Omar Ahmadiyya primary school on Lagos Island before his admission to the University of Lagos in 1971 for an undergraduate degree course in Economics, with Federal Government scholarship. Not surprising, Oladejo graduated in June 1975 with B.Sc. (Hons) Economics, Second Class, Upper Division.
His public service career soared at the Federal Ministry of National Planning. He was the Head of Research Unit in the Macro – Economic Department.
Afterwards, he joined the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and rose to the rank of the Head of Research and Business Advisory Services Department.
Again, he joined the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) after leaving LCCI in August 1989. While at the NSE, he was elevated to the position of Project Director For the Automated Trading System (ATS) – a replacement for Manual Call-Over Trading System.
Alhaji Oladejo’s wide academic exploits, impressive professional background and insatiable quest to work for the upliftment of Ummah projected and properly positioned him to be considered and elected as the President of MUSWEN, a position that accorded him another big cap – the Deputy President – General (South) Nigerian Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
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