Adepoju Urges Unity, Responsible Leadership at NASFAT Akure Anniversary

 

By Atlantic Reports

Islamic scholar Malam Yusuf Adepoju has urged Nigerians to reject ethnic division and mutual suspicion, saying national development requires unity, justice and responsible leadership.

Adepoju, Chief Lecturer at the Academy of Islamic Propagation (ACADIP), spoke on Monday at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Akure Branch, in the Ondo State capital.

The event’s theme was “From Humble Beginnings To Divine Establishment: 25 Years of Faith, Growth and Community Impact”.

Delivering the guest lecture, Adepoju linked Nigeria’s insecurity to disunity, injustice and leadership failures. He argued that ethnic and cultural differences should enrich national life rather than become grounds for exclusion.

“No nation can achieve meaningful development in an atmosphere of rancour and mutual suspicion,” he said.

“Unity should not mean uniformity, rather, differences in tribal identity such as being Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo should not be a cause for separation.”

He urged Nigerians to treat every life with respect, saying this was essential to peace and stability.

Adepoju also encouraged Muslims guided by integrity and their faith to participate actively in politics. He said leaders should demonstrate exemplary conduct and a commitment to the public good.

Turning to NASFAT’s anniversary, he praised the organisation’s work in religious education, healthcare, welfare and empowerment, while urging members to match institutional growth with personal responsibility.

He encouraged them to practise truthfulness, humility, generosity, patience, forgiveness and discipline in their daily lives.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Special Adviser on Mines and Mineral Resources, Mr Gani Muhammed, commended NASFAT’s contributions to education and youth development.

The governor said the society’s educational initiatives aligned with his administration’s priorities and pledged continued support for programmes promoting education and human development. No specific funding commitment was announced in the account of the event.

“We are impressed by NASFAT’s contribution to education and youth development because investment in education is an investment in human capital and the future of society,” he said.

A former National President of NASFAT, Alhaji Mikhail Sarumoh, attributed the Akure branch’s growth to faith, unity, perseverance and service. He said its activities had supported Islamic propagation and community development.

The branch chairman, Mr Sodiq Obanoyen, thanked members and supporters who had contributed to the society’s development over the past 25 years.

“NASFAT has demonstrated that Islam is beyond worship in the mosque alone but also to serve humanity, seek knowledge, strengthen families, empower youths, care for women, support the vulnerable and contribute positively to society,” he said.

The anniversary featured the commissioning of a NASFAT school laboratory and the laying of the foundation for a multipurpose hall. Adepoju also received the Pillar of Spiritual Support Award.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.