By Amidat Shittu | June 23, 2025
Lagos, Nigeria — The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) held a three-day Fidau prayer from June 21 to 23 in Lagos for late media executive and Islamic advocate, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Olabanji Busari, who passed away on June 20 following a prolonged battle with kidney-related illness.
Busari, a pioneer member of KIIN Media and former Head of Programmes at MITV, was a central figure in the intersection of Islamic outreach and broadcast media in Nigeria. His death, at a time NASFAT is expanding its digital and media footprint, triggered an outpouring of grief from religious and professional circles.
The prayer session was organized by the NASFAT National Public Relations Committee, a team Busari helped shape. It was attended by high-ranking officials including NASFAT President AbdulRauf Ayodeji, Chief Missioner AbdulAzeez Onike, former President Kamil Bolarinwa, and several other national officers, trustees, and media collaborators.
“No One to Call for Him”
Chief Missioner Onike led the prayer and sermon, offering a stark reminder of life’s brevity. “He was the one we called whenever anyone passed away. But now, there was no one to call for him,” Onike said, drawing visible emotion from the congregation. He described Busari as a “servant of Allah” whose contributions outlived him but whose reward in this world remained largely unrealized.
Busari’s role in mainstreaming Islamic content on television was repeatedly highlighted. At KIIN Media, he helped steer faith-based storytelling into modern formats. At MITV, his leadership as Head of Programmes was characterized by high production standards and strategic direction.
Tributes Reflect Broad Influence
Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola, NASFAT’s Women Affairs Secretary, credited Busari with introducing her to public speaking and television. “He changed how we approached media as Muslims. His work ethic and vision made us bolder.”
Mrs. Toun Aderele, a former MITV colleague, described him as “relentless” even during illness. “He worked like someone with no health challenge. He never lost his grip on excellence.”
His son, Abdul Roqeeb Busari, offered a personal reflection. “He wasn’t just our father. He was our coach, our advisor, our emotional compass,” he said tearfully.
Legacy and Loss
Busari’s death leaves a significant vacuum in Nigeria’s Islamic communications space. Yet his influence—across KIIN Media, MITV, and NASFAT’s PR arm—remains embedded in the institution’s current strategy and values.
In closing remarks, NASFAT President Ayodeji emphasized continuity: “His values—discipline, faith, and service—must not be buried with him. They must be institutionalized.”
Alhaji Abdul Azeez Olabanji Busari was buried in accordance with Islamic rites. He is survived by his wife, children, extended family, and a nationwide community of mentees and collaborators. He was 59.
