Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has highlighted equity, justice, and fairness as key elements of democratic governance, describing them as a tripod upon which a nation is built.
The deputy governor made this assertion while speaking as Keynote Speaker at the Annual General Assembly of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), held at the weekend at the J.F. Ajayi Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka-Lagos.
Hamzat, who spoke at the event also attended by the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako Oyedele, argued that as building blocks of a nation, equity, justice, and fairness were critical elements all must focus on if the citizens would feel comfortable enough to tolerate each other and foster unity.
He commended the association for hosting the event and the aptness of the theme, “Rebuilding National Unity and Understanding: The Quest for Equity, Justice, and Fairness in a Multi-Religious Society.”
According to him, the topic is of national importance and demonstrates the religious body’s commitment to continuously engage in national challenges and chart a better course for the future.
“For me, this continuous engagement with our national challenges will invariably result in paradigm shifts that will be of immense benefit to the nation.
“It is faith-based organisations like this that are best placed to offer solutions to seemingly intractable issues that we sometimes face. As you engaged, it is my hope that you will explore and, based on the outcomes of the meeting,” he said.
Speaking further, the deputy governor noted that religion is also a potent force for unity if properly managed, but quickly asked “if it has been a bane or a benefit to us as a multi-religious society whose people are deeply religious.”
He, however, pointed out that religious leaders, notwithstanding the various challenges and sentiments, have a pivotal role they can play using the pulpit as a launching pad in dousing the tension, saying that not only do they have the clout to influence, but they must also utilise various opportunities to address national malaise.
Hamzat urged them to ensure that religious tenets and their applications to national life must be the subject of sermons and must reflect on key realities, saying that they must speak truth to the government as they often have access to them as spiritual leaders and fathers.
He added that as religious leaders, they must also let their voices resonate at the forefront of national issues, upholding Allah’s standard and banner.
Also, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oyedele, in her remarks at the event, commended the association’s efforts at propagating the ideals of Islam, urging the Muslim faithful to get involved in political activities in the country.
According to her, it’s only through power that Muslims can influence things to their advantage, urging the group not to relent on their oath to make Nigeria a better place for all.
“However, we need to realise that power is not served a la carte. Muslims must actively participate in politics, or else we will be lagging,” she said.
Earlier in his address, the President, Muslim Ummah of South Western Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaq Oladejo, expressed joy over the commitments of the members of MUSWEN to its lofty goals, especially the executive members, for what he described as unalloyed and total commitment.”
He expressed confidence that the group was bound to achieve the set goals as envisaged by the founding fathers of the association.
Highlighting the achievements and expected goals of his administration, Alhaji Oladejo urged members to ensure they were faithful to their financial obligations.
“While I would always appreciate our esteemed members’ commitment to the goals set by the association, I will want to implore you all to ensure that you’re faithful to your financial obligations, notwithstanding the current economic situation of the country, as Allah will reward you for whatever you do,” he said.
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