By Dare Akogun
Indigenes of Oke-Ode community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Thursday, held special prayer sessions across Nigeria and in the diaspora for the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari.
The prayer, which took place simultaneously in locations where Oke-Ode sons and daughters reside, sought divine guidance, protection, and abundant wisdom for the new NNPCL boss as he assumes the national assignment.
In Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the session was held at the Ansarudeen Mosque on Taiwo Road and led by the Chief Missioner of the Oke-Ode Muslim Community, Ilorin branch, Alhaji AbdulRauf Balogun. Special prayers were also offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for strength and direction in their leadership.
Speaking after the prayer, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, and Arogun of Oke-Ode Land, Professor Nurudeen Sikirulahi, commended President Tinubu for appointing an illustrious son of the community to such a significant national position.
He urged Engr. Ojulari to be mindful of the expectations of Nigerians, study the system thoroughly, and ensure he delivers on the mandate of the NNPCL.
“We are hopeful and prayerful that he will perform well and make Oke-Ode proud,” he said.
Also speaking, an aunt of the new GCEO, Alhaja Sidikat Aliyu (née Ojulari), described him as a competent and humble professional. She prayed for Almighty Allah to endow him with wisdom and good health to succeed in the role.
Chairman of the Oke-Ode Muslim Community in Ilorin, Mustapha Ayoku Babatunde, explained that the community deliberately chose to offer prayers instead of throwing parties, noting the importance of spiritual support in every endeavour.
President Bola Tinubu had recently announced the appointment of Engr. Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO of the NNPCL, making him the first Kwara indigene to hold the top position in the nation’s oil company.
