The 25th public edition of the Professor R.O. Rom Kalilu Maolid Nabiyy celebration was held at the Great Hall of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The event was attended by principal officers of LAUTECH, deans, heads of departments, members of the university community, and academics from various tertiary institutions. High Chief Yusuf Kasali Oladipo, the Abese of Ogbomosoland, chaired the celebration.
Dr. Najeem Idowu, a consultant urologist at LAUTECH, and Dr. Quadri Jelili, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, were guest speakers at the event. They made separate presentations, urging Nigerians to prioritize preventive healthcare, healthy eating, and responsible body care. Dr. Idowu emphasized the importance of regular medical screening, healthy living, and adequate water consumption.
Dr. Idowu spoke on 'The Surgeon and Preventive Health', calling on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for their health by undergoing regular medical examinations. He noted that early detection of health problems could facilitate timely intervention and help prevent complications. Dr. Idowu also advised people to consume an appropriate amount of water daily and adopt other healthy habits that promote physical wellbeing.
Dr. Jelili, in his lecture titled 'Healthy Eating and Responsible Stewardship of the Body', urged Muslims to adopt healthy eating habits and regard their bodies as a trust from Allah. He stressed the importance of moderation, balanced diets, and wholesome food choices, while warning against excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and processed foods.
The celebration featured various activities, including tani'a (poetic praises and eulogies dedicated to the birth and noble status of the Prophet Muhammad), special prayers, and the presentation of cash prizes to schoolchildren who emerged winners of Qur'an recitation and quiz competitions. The organisers had earlier visited the State Hospital in Ogbomoso, where less-privileged patients were offered financial assistance.
Professor R.O. Rom Kalilu, in his remarks, said Maolid Nabiyy provides a good platform to thank God for His mercies and promote the virtues of Prophet Muhammad. He expressed gratitude to all attendees and individuals who contributed to the success of the year's celebration. Professor Kalilu disclosed that he had organised the celebration for 40 years, explaining that he privately held it for 15 years before the public celebration commenced 25 years ago.
The event was attended by notable individuals, including Dr. M.T. Jimoh, Grand Khalifa, Tijaniya, Ede, Osun State; Sheikh Habeeb Ayilara, Chief Imam, Ogbomoso Palace; Sheikh Muhideen Fate; Oba Sulaiman Iwinkunle, the Alaroje of Arojeland; Alhaji Rasheed Ayinla (Ragaray); Dr. A.O. Akanni; Alhaji A. Olowookere, a former Director of Audit at LAUTECH; and Professor Dele Afolabi.
Key points
- Two lecturers at LAUTECH urged Nigerians to prioritize preventive healthcare, healthy eating, and responsible body care.
- The 25th public edition of the Professor R.O. Rom Kalilu Maolid Nabiyy celebration was held at LAUTECH in Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
- The event featured various activities, including medical screening, tani'a, special prayers, and quiz competitions.
