Recently, the conference of Muslim Ummah of Nigeria hosted by the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and presided over by the President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islami Affairs, NSCIA, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III elected  Alhaji Sakariyau O. Babalola as the Deputy President-General (South); a position that was occupied by the late Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land, Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao.

In a press statement  after  Babalola’s election as Deputy President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (South), Chairman of the NSCIA’s Media Committee, Alhaji Femi Abbas stated that Babalola who is also the President, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), was announced at the General Assembly/National Executive Council (NEC) of the NSCIA meeting held recently at Imaguero College, Benin, Edo State.

The statement said, “With the new appointment, Babalola becomes the second Deputy President-General of NSCIA for the Southern part of the country, after the late Aare Arisekola.

“He is to partner with the Shehu of Bornu, who is the Deputy President-General of the Muslim apex body for the North.

Sultan of Sokoto and Gov Oshiomhole

The General Assembly of the NSCIA is the highest organ of the body comprising the National Executive Council (NEC), the General Purpose Committee (GPC), and the Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC).

Who is S. O.  Babalola?

Alhaji Dr. Sakariyau O. Babalola, an honourary doctor of science and Officer of the Order of Niger (OON), was born in the thirties in Ede, Osun State. He started learning the Holy Qur’an at a tender age of six (6). He became so proficient in the teaching of the Muslim faith at ten (10) and was locally known in his community as a young teacher.

Subsequently, he attended St. Peters Anglican School, Oke Egan in Ede from 1948 to 1953. He has in addition, attended series of educational development courses nationally and internationally.  Alhaji Dr. S. O. Babalola, however, started his Trading Business in Lagos in 1955 with only 30 shillings and was immensely blessed with it.

Today, his business has grown into a conglomerate, diversifying into such areas as Haulage, Oil and Gas, Shipping and Communications.

In Philanthropy, Alhaji Babalola is magnanimous. He has brought smiles to the faces of indigent Nigerian students within and outside his local community. He solely built a multi million naira auditorium (with a 1,500 seating capacity) for the Federal Polytechnic, Ede.

This is considered a major contribution to the development of infrastructure in the higher education sector in Nigeria. Perhaps, it is in the Telecommunication sector that Alhaji Babalola made significant contribution for which he was honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria with the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON).

He established the first indigenous and largest satellite communication outfit in Nigeria, Telemobile Nigeria Limited. His decision to establish such Telecommunication company in Nigeria is praiseworthy and visionary. In deep appreciation for the quality of leadership and contribution to the society.

Alh. Dr. S. O. Babalola has been honoured in Islam, by his people and the Federal Government with awards such as: Saraki Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque, Edeland Merit award 2002; Aare Musulumi of Surulere original Central mosque; Officer of the Order of Niger (OON); Doctor of Science (DSC); Telecommunication (Honoris Causa) of the University of Calabar and Fellow of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State.

His experience and shrewdness in business have fostered on him the chairmanship of the following companies: Telemobile Nigeria Ltd; Franing International Ltd; Hurks International Ltd, S. O. Babalola Transport Service; Sierra Western Nigeria; Silemco Ltd and Octagon Technology Ltd.