₦airaland Forum

🗳 ERNEST FOR NERMA PRESIDENT 2026

Planning Today. Securing Tomorrow. Serving Together.

Dear Esteemed Members of NERMA,

In the next five to ten years, many of us will be transitioning into retirement — and some are already there.

Retirement brings real questions:
• Housing
• Healthcare
• Utilities
• Financial stability
• Social connection
• Purpose and relevance

The important question is:

Are We Truly Prepared?

The time to plan is NOW, not later.

⸻

WHY I AM STEPPING FORWARD

I, Ernest, humbly present myself for election as the Fourth President of NERMA.

I am not stepping forward merely to hold office.
I am stepping forward to begin a serious, structured, and necessary conversation about our collective future.

NERMA is no longer a small association.

We are:
• Over 100 accomplished members
• Spread across multiple countries
• Experienced professionals
• Individuals who faithfully served full-time missions
• Leaders in our various fields

It is time to channel our strength into something strategic and sustainable.

⸻

MY CORE PRIORITIES IF ELECTED

1️⃣ Retirement & Financial Readiness Initiative

We must move from informal discussions to structured preparation.

I will champion:
• Structured savings and pension awareness programs
• Financial literacy partnerships
• Retirement planning seminars
• Discussions around post-retirement housing options
• Healthcare strategy planning
• Peer support systems for members approaching retirement

Retirement should be a phase of dignity — not uncertainty.

⸻

2️⃣ Strengthening NERMA as a Recognized NGO

NERMA must evolve beyond being just an association.

I will work towards:
• Stronger institutional positioning
• Formal NGO recognition where applicable
• Attracting local and international funding opportunities
• Structured project implementation

Proposed Impact Projects:

✔ Educational Initiatives — Supporting girl-child education
✔ Health Campaigns — HIV awareness & mental health advocacy
✔ Social Cohesion Projects — Promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic groups

Our association must not merely exist — it must make visible, measurable impact.

⸻

WHY YOUR VOTE MATTERS

This election is not about personality.

It is about:
• Preparedness over uncertainty
• Structure over informality
• Progress over stagnation
• Long-term security over short-term comfort

Two-thirds of eligible members must vote to legitimize this leadership transition.

Your participation matters.

⸻

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

✅ Ensure you are financially up to date to qualify as a voter
🗳 Cast your vote on Tuesday, 24th February 2026
✔ Vote Ernest as the 4th President of NERMA

⸻

A CALL TO ACTION

Let us not wait until retirement arrives before we begin planning for it.

Let us continue building on the foundations laid by past presidents.

Let us strengthen NERMA into:
• A platform of empowerment
• A structure for preparation
• A network of support
• A vehicle for purposeful impact

Together, we can secure our tomorrow.

⸻

VOTE ERNEST

Vote Vision.

Vote Preparedness.

Vote Progress.

Ernest Forever — For a Stronger NERMA.

Ernest Will Do It!

—
ERNEST CAMPAIGN TEAM
[b][/b]

[b][/b]Ajoni LCDA Chairman Hails Governor Oyebanji’s Excellence as Leadership Newspaper Names Him Governor of the Year

The Executive Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ayedun-Ekiti, Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi, has congratulated the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on his well-deserved recognition as Governor of the Year by Leadership Newspaper.
A National Recognition of Purposeful Leadership
In a statement issued on behalf of the people of Ajoni LCDA, Prince Ogungbemi described the prestigious award as a powerful affirmation of Governor Oyebanji’s visionary leadership, strategic governance, and unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of Ekiti State.
He noted that the Governor’s administration has consistently demonstrated competence and accountability, earning the trust and confidence of citizens and stakeholders across the state and beyond.

MEASURABLE PROGRESS ACROSS KEY SECTORS

According to the Ajoni LCDA Chairman, the Oyebanji administration has delivered visible and measurable progress in critical sectors, including infrastructure development, education reforms, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, agricultural revitalization, and community-based development initiatives.
He emphasized that these achievements reflect a governance model focused on long-term impact and inclusive growth.

GRASSROOTS-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE

Prince Ogungbemi further commended Governor Oyebanji’s people-centered approach to leadership, noting that his administration has ensured that the dividends of democracy reach rural and grassroots communities, rather than being concentrated solely in urban areas.
“This recognition by Leadership Newspaper is not only a personal honour to His Excellency but also a testament to the collective progress Ekiti State is recording under his leadership,” he stated.

OPTIMISM FOR CONTINUED EXCELLENCE

The Ajoni LCDA Chairman expressed optimism that Governor Oyebanji will continue to set new benchmarks in governance, economic development, and social welfare, positioning Ekiti State as a reference point for excellence in public administration nationwide.

He concluded by offering prayers for divine wisdom, strength, and sustained success for the Governor as he continues to steer the state toward inclusive prosperity and sustainable growth.

Signed:
Comr. Oyebola Oluwaseun
Media & Publicity Assistant
Office of the LCDA Chairman, Ayedun-Ekiti
Ekiti State

Ajoni LCDA Chairman Hails Governor Oyebanji’s Excellence as Leadership Newspaper Names Him Governor of the Year

The Executive Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ayedun-Ekiti, Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi, has congratulated the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on his well-deserved recognition as Governor of the Year by Leadership Newspaper.

A National Recognition of Purposeful Leadership
In a statement issued on behalf of the people of Ajoni LCDA, Prince Ogungbemi described the prestigious award as a powerful affirmation of Governor Oyebanji’s visionary leadership, strategic governance, and unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of Ekiti State.

He noted that the Governor’s administration has consistently demonstrated competence and accountability, earning the trust and confidence of citizens and stakeholders across the state and beyond.

MEASURABLE PROGRESS ACROSS KEY SECTORS

According to the Ajoni LCDA Chairman, the Oyebanji administration has delivered visible and measurable progress in critical sectors, including infrastructure development, education reforms, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, agricultural revitalization, and community-based development initiatives.
He emphasized that these achievements reflect a governance model focused on long-term impact and inclusive growth.

GRASSROOTS-DRIVEN GOVERNANCE

Prince Ogungbemi further commended Governor Oyebanji’s people-centered approach to leadership, noting that his administration has ensured that the dividends of democracy reach rural and grassroots communities, rather than being concentrated solely in urban areas.
“This recognition by Leadership Newspaper is not only a personal honour to His Excellency but also a testament to the collective progress Ekiti State is recording under his leadership,” he stated.

OPTIMISM FOR CONTINUED EXCELLENCE

The Ajoni LCDA Chairman expressed optimism that Governor Oyebanji will continue to set new benchmarks in governance, economic development, and social welfare, positioning Ekiti State as a reference point for excellence in public administration nationwide.

He concluded by offering prayers for divine wisdom, strength, and sustained success for the Governor as he continues to steer the state toward inclusive prosperity and sustainable growth.

Signed:
Comr. Oyebola Oluwaseun
Media & Publicity Assistant
Office of the LCDA Chairman, Ayedun-Ekiti
Ekiti State

[/b] HISTORY OF ISLAM IN IGBEMO-EKITI

The spread of Islam in Igbemo-Ekiti dates back to the 19th century, though different accounts exist regarding the exact period. Some historians believe that Islam entered the town in the first half of the 19th century through traders, traveling scholars and roving preachers. Others argue that it reached Igbemo-Ekiti in the second half of the century. Early research shows that the identities of the very first Muslims remain unknown. However, figures such as Alfa Aliyu Olooko-Oba and Alfa Abdul Rahman Dotia, who came from Ilorin, later played important roles in Islamic education in the town.

[b] The Coming of the First Known Muslim – Sunmonu (Oníséré)

The most accepted historical account attributes the foundation of Islam in Igbemo-Ekiti to Oníséré of Onisara Compound, Iro Quarters, who embraced Islam in Ilorin in the 1840s. His name was changed to Sunmonu (a Yoruba rendering of ‘Uthman).

Prior to Sunmonu’s return, Muslim preachers had occasionally visited the town, but they were neither allowed to settle nor make converts. Sunmonu became the first documented Muslim in Igbemo-Ekiti and a reference point for the growth of the faith.

Rise of Early Muslim Settlers

Over time, more natives returned to Igbemo-Ekiti after accepting Islam in other towns. These included:
• Muhammad Sanusi Bada (from Iwo)
• Amodu Ayodele Elesi (from Ibadan)
• Maliki Ajana (from Iwo)
• Ibrahim Egbedi (from Abeokuta)
• Junaid Ikudanikansi (from Badagry)
• Yusuf Fatimehin (Abeleje) from Ado-Ibini

Their return gave the Muslim community strength and visibility. This also encouraged Ilorin scholars like Alfa Abdul Rahman Dotia and Alfa Aliyu Olooko-Oba to settle in the town.

⸻

THE LINEAGE OF CHIEF IMAMS IN IGBEMO-EKITI

1. Imam Muhammad Sanusi Bada (1856–1925)

With the growing number of Muslims, a committee of elders established the office of the Chief Imam. Imam Muhammad Sanusi Bada, from Ilemo Igbemo, became the first Chief Imam in 1856.

His tenure was marked by strong opposition from followers of African Traditional Religion, who saw Islam as a threat. Despite persecution, he defended and expanded the faith. During his time:
• Islamic administrative titles were introduced.
• Uthman Oníséré became the first Balogun Musulumi for defending Islam.
• His wife, Asimau Balogun, became the first Iyasuna.
• Positions were evenly zoned among the three quarters: Odo-Igbemo, Iro, and Orun.

He died in 1925.

⸻

2. Chief Imam Junaid Agigi Ogunmola Ikudanikansi (1925–1942)

Born a warrior known as Ogunmola, he embraced Islam during his travels to Badagry and Bida, adopting the name Junaid Agigi. Wealthy and influential, he used his network to spread Islam throughout Igbemo-Ekiti.
His era saw the introduction of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’ah to the town. He died in 1942.

⸻

3. Chief Imam Abdul Karim (1942–1973)

Formerly Oluwatuyi Fadunmiye, he accepted Islam under Imam Junaid and excelled rapidly in Qur’anic studies. Installed in 1942, his tenure witnessed:
• Establishment of Anjuman Primary School (1945)
• Takeover of the school by Ansar-Ud-Deen Society (1947)
• Penetration of Zumuratu-l-Mu’minin (1953)
• Installation of many dedicated Muslim chiefs, such as Muhammad Akanbi Balogun (second Balogun, 1965)

He died in 1973.

⸻

4. Chief Imam Alhaji Abdullah Junaid (1973–2004)

The son of Imam Junaid Agigi, he was deeply trained in Islamic scholarship in Ilorin, Yola and Kano. After returning home, he established his own Qur’anic school and was installed as the fourth Chief Imam in 1973.

His achievements include:
• Installation of many Muslim chiefs, including Alhaji Musa Ajagbemokeferi (Are-Musulumi, 1986)
• Founding Olorunda Settlement and its primary school (approved in 2001)
• Promoting the development of AUD Primary School
• Mediation of disputes within the Muslim community
• Advocacy for the siting of Hijrah University in Igbemo

He became the first Amir-ul-Mu’minin (Commander of the Faithful) of Ekiti State in 2002 and died in 2004.

⸻

5. Fadheelat Shaikh Alhaji Abdullah Kolawole Jamiu Oluwadumiye (2009–Date)

After Imam Abdullah Junaid’s death, Alhaji Bakare Abiola Maliki served as Acting Imam until March 7, 2009, when Fadheelat Shaikh Alhaji Abdullah Kolawole Jamiu Oluwadumiye was formally installed as the fifth Chief Imam of Igbemo-Ekiti.

In recognition of his spiritual leadership and service, he was conferred the title of second Amir-ul-Mu’minin (Commander of the Faithful) of Ekiti State on January 19, 2013.

He currently serves as:
• Chief Imam of Igbemo-Ekiti
• Chairman, League of Imams and Alfas, Ifelodun Local Government Area

Under his leadership, the Igbemo Muslim community continues to experience:
• Strengthening of Islamic administration
• Revival and turbanning of Muslim chieftaincy positions
• Installation of deserving indigenes and non-indigenes as chiefs
• Expansion of Islamic institutions
• Promotion of unity, discipline and active religious participation

⸻

Islamic Chieftaincy Practices in Igbemo-Ekiti

The practice of awarding Islamic chieftaincy titles is deeply rooted in Qur’anic and prophetic tradition. Allah Himself conferred titles such as Khalilullah (Ibrahim), Kalimullah (Musa), Ruhullah (Isa), and Habibullah (Muhammad). The Prophet (SAW) also gave titles to devoted companions like Bilal (Mu’adhdhin), Abu Bakr (As-Siddiq), Umar (Al-Faruq), Uthman (Dhun-Nurayn), and Ali (Asadullah).

In Yorubaland, including Igbemo-Ekiti, Islamic titles serve to:
• Reward service and devotion to Islam
• Strengthen religious administration
• Discourage non-Islamic titles
• Preserve Muslim identity
• Encourage community leadership
• Utilize the influence and resources of distinguished Muslims

The earliest Islamic title in Igbemo-Ekiti was Balogun Adini, after which more titles were created for effective administration across the three quarters of the town.