From Abdulfatah Babatunde, Abeokuta
Abeokuta, Oct. 6, 2025 (TNZ) Amb. Sarafa Ishola, former ambassador to the UK, has called on Nigerians to be more constructive in criticising government policies and programmes.
TheNewsZenith reports that Ishola gave the advice in his keynote address at the 18th annual lecture of The Muslim Congress (TMC) in commemoration of the nation’s 65th independence anniversary on Saturday in Abeokuta.
The ambassador, who is also the Baba Adini of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, enjoined both leaders and followers to fear Allah in all their daily activities.
He lauded the leadership of TMC in the state for sustaining the annual lecture, noting that it was a fertile avenue to engage in national discussion.
Amb Ishola announced a one-million-dollar donation to the noble cause of the Islamic body, expressing his readiness to always support the organisation.
TheNewsZenith reports that the theme of the annual lecture is “The Nigerian State and Lessons From Contemporary History”.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Amir of TMC, Alhaji Taiwo Bamgbala, expressed concern over the biting effects of the economic reforms of the present administration.
The Waali of the Ogun State chapter of TMC, Dr Abdulrazaq Ogunmoye, represented Bamgbala at the event.
He expressed worry over the recent crisis between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery, calling for urgent government intervention.
TheNewsZenith, however, reports that the crisis had since been resolved at the CEO of the refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, following the Federal Government’s intervention.
He had reinstated all the workers, earlier sacked in the wake of the crisis, reabsorbing them into its various sectors of the conglomerates without losing their entitlements.
Ogunmoye, however, appreciated the administration’s economic reform initiatives, saying it aims at restructuring the economy for long-term stability and growth.
He advised policymakers in the government circle to urgently initiate measures that could reduce the burden on the people.
“The plight of the common Nigerian, grappling with rising costs of living, demands not just policy. But Nigerians are in palpable empathy and need immediate relief.
“A nation’s strength is derived from the well-being of its citizens “, TheNewsZenith quotes him as saying.
The faith-based body also raised concern over the devastating and heart-wrenching crisis in Gaza, Palestine, in the Middle East.
“The scale of destruction and loss of innocent lives, especially that of women and children in Palestine, is a scar on our collective conscience.
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“We, therefore, sue for peace. We charge the world leaders to rise above rhetoric and do much better in the arena of international diplomacy”.
TheNewsZenith quotes Ogunmoye as also calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza.
Also speaking, the Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akinola, emphasised the importance of economic independence by building local industries in agriculture, energy, and technology.
The Coordinator of MURIC in Ogun State, Dr Abdulkareem Nurudeen, represented the founder of the Rights organisation.
He called for the expansion of intra-trade among member countries under the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation.
Akinola equally sought the adoption of Islamic finance mechanisms, so as to reduce reliance on the Western economy and banking.
“The institution of the Shar’ah legal system will ensure accountability and combat corruption in the country,” MURIC director said.
He also advocated for political renewal that promotes a leadership style grounded in amona (trust and justice).
Another guest lecturer, Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Ariremako, noted that the major challenge facing Shariah Law was the misconception and lack of understanding of Shariah in South West Nigeria.
Ariremako pointed out that the lack of understanding of Shar’ah, even among some Muslims who ought to have known, was a major hindrance to the implementation of the legal codes.
The Islamic Scholar stressed the need for a round table discussion between Muslim leaders and other religious leaders to explain the spiritual and socio-economic importance of Shariah in the society.
He maintained that Shariah and Islam are inseparable because it is a way of life for every Muslim on earth that must be guided jealously.
A royal father, the Olowu of Owu-Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, among others, sent a goodwill message to the event.
Awards of recognition were presented to individuals who contributed to the growth of Islam in the state.
TheNewsZenith reports that the awardees include the Secretary General of Ogun State Muslim Council, Asiwaju Kamaldeen Akintunde and Alhaji Abdul-Wahed Shittu, Abdul-Wahab Adeniyi Oleolo, amongst others.
A model drawing of N100 million Ogun State Secretariat of The Muslim Congress (TMC) was formally unveiled, for individuals to contribute to the construction work on the project.
Free Medical Services were also provided for some of the participants at the Alake Pavilion venue of the annual lecture. (TNZ)
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