Following a unanimous election at the conclusion of a public lecture on leadership, Mr Waahid Kolawole has been appointed as the substantive President of the Halal Cooperative Union.
The transition marks a pivotal moment for the union, which serves as a collective for various Islamic cooperative societies acrorrss the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In his acceptance speech, Mr Kolawole pledged to operate an inclusive administration that harmonises the diverse professional backgrounds of its membership, which is drawn from both the private and public sectors.
He emphasised the immediate necessity of “getting our thoughts straightened” and developing a structured roadmap to ensure the society’s objectives are met through a unified plan.
The new president’s appointment comes with a high-level charge from the Chief Imam of the Zone 3 Mosque, Abuja, Alhaji Tajudeen Mohammed Adegun, who served as the guest speaker at the event. Alhaji Adegun reminded the new executive team that leadership is a sacred trust based on ethics, competence, and community confidence.
He explicitly urged Mr Kolawole and his team to adopt honesty, transparency, and strict financial discipline as their primary watchwords.
The Chief Imam further advised the leadership to remain courageous and knowledgeable, particularly when managing the finances of their fellows, to avoid betraying the confidence reposed in them by the society’s members.
Throughout the session, union members echoed these sentiments, stressing that the success of Mr Kolawole’s tenure would depend on the fear of Allah and a commitment to Islamic guidance regarding cooperative societies. Participants highlighted the importance of patience, sincere communication, and regular consultation with Islamic scholars to ensure the union continues to improve the welfare and financial standing of its members.
As the Halal Cooperative Union embarks on this new chapter under Mr Kolawole’s leadership, the focus remains firmly on actualising the union’s objectives through a blend of professional strategy and spiritual integrity.
