Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has urged Nigerians to be more godly and foster awesome relationships with their neighbours as this will engender communal relationship which is the bedrock of societal development, social cohesion and national development.
The Deputy Governor said this at the weekend while speaking during the annual Ramadan lectures of Nawair-Ud-Deen (Lagos) and Anwar-Ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, in Mushin Idi-Oro and Agege, respectively.
Hamzat added that Nigerians, irrespective of their religions, should demonstrate genuine patriotism by loving the country and consistently speaking positively about it, urging them to promote unity and uphold the values that are germane toward building a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous society.
His words: “A positive national mindset and collective responsibility are essential for fostering stability, strengthening public confidence, and advancing sustainable development.
“The need to strengthen family values and parental responsibility, rebuilding strong value-driven homes, is essential for raising responsible citizens and fostering long-term social and economic stability.
“The family remains the first institution of learning and character formation. When the family system fails, the society and the economy inevitably bear the consequences,” said the Deputy Governor.
Hamzat noted that the nation’s greatest challenge is the breakdown of the family unit, with its consequences having far-reaching negative impacts on the country’s social and economic stability and growth.
He therefore stressed that restoring moral values, parental responsibility, and social cohesion at the family level is critical to addressing social challenges and building a sustainable economic future for the nation.
He further urged Muslim faithfuls to ensure that they teach their children the right way to live as Muslims, be lawful, and ensure they live peacefully with their neighbours.
In his lecture titled “Unified Ummah, Stronger Nation: The Role of Islam in National Growth,” the Zonal Chief Imam and Chairman, Zonal Mission Board of Nawair-Ud-Deen (Lagos), Alhaji As-Sheikh Abdul Majeed Sheu Ayinla, called on the Islamic community to promote peace and harmonious coexistence with all people, regardless of religious differences, in the interest of national unity and development.
According to him, “It is expected of every Muslim to love and respect himself, his country of birth and country of residence.” He therefore urged the people to take pride in their countries, saying a nation cannot progress beyond the moral level of its citizens
In a similar event, organized by the Anwar-UI-Islamic Movement of Nigeria, in a lecture titled “Faith, Unity and Nation-Building: The Role of Muslims in a Diverse and Changing Nigeria”, the National Chief Imam and Missioner of the group, Imam Muslihu Adebola Afisis, emphasized the centrality of justice, good governance, and civic responsibility in fostering a prosperous society, highlighting that justice and ethical leadership are essential foundations for national development.
He underscored the importance of youth development, collective efforts in education, social and economic initiatives, and vigilance against corruption and mediocrity as guiding principles, adding that Citizens and leaders alike are called to share responsibility in ensuring peace, fairness, and social cohesion.
“Our role as Muslims is to promote unity and harmony within Nigeria’s diverse society. I want to say that the true faith of a Muslim, who is expected to be of good character, to be honest, to uphold justice and equity, and to lead by example in our politics.
“For true unity, we are expected to promote peace and mutual respect; to strengthen the ties of brotherhood among ourselves, and to foster harmony with non-Muslims. For true leadership, we should support education and knowledge, promote economic productivity, fight corruption, pay for community service, uphold justice, and be actively involved in peace and national unity,” said the Imam.
