Family, friends and associates gathered together Saturday, June 8 2024 at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja to celebrate the 70th birthday of Alhaji YKO AbdulKareem.
Dr Muiz Banire, host of the event and one of the conveners of Muslims In National Development (MIND) organizers explained that the event was about celebrating AbdulKareem’s decades long service to Islamic causes as well as his dedication to service of humanity.
Following an opening prayer by Barrister Taiwo Hassan Fajemite, Banire described the honouree as an encyclopedia on the struggles for the promotion of Islam in Nigeria
The presenters were honorees of MIND, who were first class graduates.
“A lot of the events organised by the MIND is about excellence. In fact, the group was established to celebrate the best among Muslims,” he said.
“The event is about celebrating the life of YKO.
Allah has done the celebrant so many favours that we can only use as a point of prayer for our own supplications. I have known him always in relation to Dawah and have not seen anyone as commited to Dawah as YKO.
“We are recognizing him as a catalyst for others to want to do more. He is someone impactful to the Cause and we pray that Allah would enable him to work with us for many more years.”
Senator Shuaibu Salis led the dua (prayer) for the celebrant. Salis said YKO has come this far as a result of Allah’s benevolence.
He recalled how the celebrant, as a journalist, faced many challenges in the course of his work but was not scathed.
He also noted that people’s sins are proportional to the favours of Allah, “for the favoured are more likely to sin,” he said.
Then came a torrent of tributes, led by chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) , Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN.
Babalakin, who said he met the celebrant about a decade ago, said he was impressed by his diligence, comportment and ability to get things things done.
“YKO is an honest man and a man to be honoured, ” he said. “He is the engine room for a lot of Islamic activities.”
Babalakin also advised that Muslim parents should be intentional in raising their children as Muslim children.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN said what was notable about TKO is that his efforts speak for him.
“He is not the type to flaunt his activities,” Fagbemi said. “He prefers to run errands for people rather than run for himself. He is a selfless man.”
For Senator Salis, the celebrant is a man of strong leadership skills and ability. “He is the linkage that holds a lot of muslim groups together, ” he said.
Alhaji Lateef Bakare, an associate of the celebrant, expresed happiness that his effort is recognized and celebrated. He prayed for longer life for YKO.
Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti testified that you cannot fault the sincerity of what YKO says or does, even though you might disagree with him. ‘I call YKO trouble, but this is trouble that will lead to aljanat, ” he said.
Wale Sonaike described YKO is an embodiment of ideas and a bundle of energy.
“He is on the road all the time and it is amazing how he gets things done,” he said. “He is about the Deen. He is someone that strives to make others. He remains a forward thinking member of MUSWEN.”
Prof Latifat AbdulKareem described the celebrant as a repository of knowledge about Islam. “He is someone ready to spend his money and sacrifice his time in the cause of Islam,” she said. “He is always positive when it comes to solving issues relating to the Ummah. He has done a lot for the Ummah and this occasion is one to celebrate him.”
Prof Khalid Adekoya described himself as one of the people under the tutelage of YKO. “Not only does he want one to succeed, he is always concerned about the activities of MSSN at Unilag,” he said.
For Sekinat Lawal, “Alhaji YKO was always there to mentor us as professionals and guide us. He has always been a source of support to us. He is humble and welcoming.”
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola described YKO as a keeper of rules and a straightforward person. Going down memory lane, He recalled how he met the celebrant as an 18 year old at Akoko land. “He is one of the people that made Islam attractive for us, ” Aregbesola said.
Alhaji Najeem Jimoh, a former editor of The Punch, said YKO was a seasoned production man.
“He helped to change Punch to become a serious paper for serious minded people,” he said. “We worked together to turn it from an entertainment focused publication to a newspaper of record which it is now. YKO is one of the most pleasant persons one could deal with.”
Alhaja Yewande Oyefeso described YKO as a selfless leader. He is also a talent hunter. He is always ready with advice and does not stint with his time.
The Citation was read by an associate professor at the Lagos State University (LASU), Dr Akintunde Akanni.
He took the audience through the celebrant’s life as journalist, strategic communications professional, lawyer and family man.
