A Journey of Faith and Leadership
Pius Etokhana Abdulmalik: A Modern Torchbearer
Born in 1994, Pius Etokhana Abdulmalik upholds a proud tradition of dedicated community service, focusing on Islamic scholarship and youth development. After earning an ND in Chemical Engineering, he discovered a deeper calling in faith, completing a second ND in Islamic Knowledge and Arabic Language. This commitment launched him into a leadership role within the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), where he now serves as President of the Ogbona Branch and Vice President of the Edo North Area Council.
founder and director of daarul Hudah Islamic center ogbona -Avianwu.
Personal Background
Pius was born on February 18, 1994, at UBTH, Ogbona, and resides on Bode Road in Ivhiochie, Otuaye compound. Married with one child, he is the son of Engineer Stephen Otuaye and Mrs. Paulina Azoganokhia.
Early Life and Identity
Raised in Ogbona, Pius navigated his parents’ separation with resilience and faith. His names reflect a rich heritage: “Pius” and “Imughene” from his grandfathers, “Etokhana” from a great-grandmother, and “Abdulmalik” after embracing Islam at age 15. Childhood nicknames like “Big Man” and “Friday” (his day of birth) further connect him to his roots.
Education and Faith Formation
Pius began school at World of Life Primary and completed his Common Entrance at Imhakhena Primary in 2005. He attended Ogbona Community Secondary School and Ikabigbo Grammar School, completing his senior secondary education in 2011. After Auchi Polytechnic and his Walimat al-Qur’an in 2014, he pursued deeper Islamic studies at Alfalah Islamic and Arabic Institute (affiliated with Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin), graduating in 2017. Fluent in Arabic, he attended national Islamic programs, including the Muslim Intellectual Course in Minna, imam and scholar training, and a digital business workshop by Professor Isa Ali Pantami.
Islamic Training and Experience
Pius has actively sought specialized religious and intellectual training across Nigeria, including the Muslim Intellectual Course in Niger State and the training of Imams and Muslim scholars in South Ibie. Notably, he participated in a digital online business training organized by the formal Minister of Communication, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, which included a gift of a new laptop.
His subsequent professional life in Benin City solidified his teaching career, working concurrently as an Arabic and Islamic teacher at both Fomwan Group of School and Daarul Abrah Islamic Academy for two years.
Community Contribution and Leadership
In 2017, Pius made the conscious decision to relocate from Benin back to Ogbona to dedicate his life to the community’s young Muslims.
Career and Leadership
His career began in Benin City, teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies at FOMWAN Group of Schools and Daarul Abrah Islamic Academy. Inspired, he returned to Ogbona, founding Daarul Hudah Islamic Center in 2019 to teach and support youth and adults in faith, with eight students completing Qur’an recitation. In addition to MSSN leadership, he works with Amana Legacy Foundation and hosts MSSN and FOMWAN events.
Daarul Hudah Islamic Center:
His most significant contribution is the establishment of the Daarul Hudah Islamic Center Ogbona – Avianwu on August 17, 2019. This center serves as a vital platform where he teaches, preaches, and prays, focusing on the word of Allah (Al-Quran and good conduct). He currently boasts eight students who have completed the recitation of the Holy Quran.
MSSN Leadership:
Pius is the current President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Ogbona Branch and the Vice President of MSSN Edo North Area Council. He leverages this platform for community welfare, including caring for the sick, the elderly, orphans (one of whom currently stays with him), and the needy.
Fundraising and Development:
Demonstrating initiative, he successfully collaborated with friends and the MSSN to secure resources, including plastic chairs, and to raise funds, notably ₦2 million from Mr. Peter Omo Dunia, Esq., which was used to buy foreign instruments for the Muslim community. He also uses a motorcycle gifted to him by the S.S.G. Edo state, Mall. Bar. Umar Musah Ikhilor, to assist elders and community members without charge.
Aspirations and Legacy
As a teacher, preacher, and facilitator (currently working with Amana Legacy Foundation), Pius is proud of his heritage and grateful for the example set by Ogbona leaders. He aspires to be remembered as the Ustaz (teacher) who dedicated his life to teaching the Qur’an and good conduct to the next generation.
Looking ahead, his biggest plan is to tackle the issue of marital breakdown in Ogbona, believing that “a broken home makes a broken community.” He is committed to combining prayer, preaching, and developing tangible programs to reduce divorce and separation among the youth.
Pius Etokhana Abdulmalik’s advice to the youth is a testament to his values: “put trust in God, respect their parents and work hard,” emphasizing that “The fight is against poverty, not against each other.”
