TMC Annual Lecture: Scholars Proffer Solutions To Nigeria’s Challenges

Prominent Islamic scholars in Nigeria at this year’s TMC annual lecture have proffered solutions to the plethora of challenges bedeviling the nation.

The annual lecture which held on Sunday at Daylan Event and Conference Centre, Barracks area, Sanngo-Eleyele road, Ibadan, with the theme, building A Great Nation: Collective Responsibility of the Leader and the led, had two lectures delivered by Sheikh (Dr) Bashir Olanrewaju Elesinmeta, Chief Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Oyo State and Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i, Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisations of Nigeria (CIO).

In his lecture titled, Good Governance: Catalyst for Economic Growth and Development, Dr Elesinmeta said for economic growth, social justice and human development, good governance must be ensured.

He said, “good governance is the driver of economy of a nation, and a strong factor that determines economic growth and development of a nation. Thus, it is essential for promoting economic growth, social justice and human development”.

Chatting with our correspondent after the lecture, Dr Elesinmeta said to revamp Nigeria’s ailing economy, our leaders must reduce external loans, which is a ploy for our creditors to continue to enslave us, adding that diversification is a way to go for Nigeria.

In his speech, the Grand Mufti of Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i enjoined Nigerians to support the government as societal reformation is the duty of individual in a society. The Mufti redirected the masses to lay emphasis on monotheism of God and refrain from all forms of polytheism.

Sheikh Shafi’i equally stressed that equity and justice should be reestablished by all and sundry. Referring to the quality of a good leader, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i said humbleness and accountability are qualities that can’t be toyed with. He said, “the government should provide life security, economy security, social security and health security. With this, the nation will be better”.

Earlier in his speech, Amir, The Muslim Congress, Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Bamgbala, represented by the Oyo State Waali, Alhaji Engineer Dawud A. Oladosu said, “Nigeria at present faces daunting social and economic challenges, no doubt. Millions of Nigerians live under palpable economic conditions, with families struggling daily to meet basic needs.

“Much as the government is responsible, each of us has got an important role to play in the making of our desired nation. We must hold our leaders accountable, engage them in constructive dialogue, and support initiatives that promote economic stability and social justice. Religious bodies and civil societies must also ramp up initiatives that would foster unity in spite of our apparent differences. Together, we must fix the systemic challenges that hinder Nigeria’s growth. Whether through advocacy, community service or education, we must all step up and fulfill our roles of engaged citizenship”, he concluded.

On his part, the chairman of the occasion, Engineer Idris Adeoye affirmed that good governance and economic sustainability are intertwined. He said this is in line with the preaching of Islam as Zakat and Sodaqah also have roles to play in ensuring a peaceful society. He however enjoined Nigerians to keep charity flowing among them.

The Commissioner for Special Duty in Oyo State, Hon. (Alhaja) Fausat Joke Sanni frowned at how scholars abuse each other on the social media, as this is not only misrepresenting Islam negatively but also tarnishing Nigeria as a country. She therefore called on scholars to set up a committee checkmating social media scholars who, through their uncouth attitude, misrepresent Islam and its ideals.

Dignitaries at the annual lecture included His Excellency, Barrister AbdurRahim Adebayo Lawal, ably represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic affairs, Alhaji Abdulrasheed AbdulAzeez, the Asigangan of Iganganland, HRM Oba Rafiu Olaniyi Adeniyi (Aako ll), and, the chief Imam of Fountain University, Osogbo, Sheikh Sirajudeen Bakrin.