The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • Christmas: Prison fellowship brings hope to families of inmates

    Christmas: Prison fellowship brings hope to families of inmates

    I feel relieved because the things my husband is not available to do for me and my children, God is using some people to do. I am very grateful.”

     These were the heartfelt words of Mrs. Grace Prosper, one of the beneficiaries of the Angel Tree 2025 Programme and Children Charisma Party, organised by Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN), Lagos State Chapter, and held recently at The Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Ikeja, Lagos.

     Speaking with The Nation, Prosper, who also participated in last year’s edition, noted significant improvements in her life and that of her children. She, however, appealed for sustained support for families of incarcerated persons.

     “We are grateful for the help, but we hope there will be regular interventions for people like us,” she said. “Our needs go beyond food and shelter. We need emotional and psychosocial support because there are things on our minds we often wish we could share.”

    Read Also: Extend U.S–Nigeria military strikes against terrorists to northeast, Ndume tells FG

     The event, which brought together families of inmates, children, and caregivers, featured the distribution of food items, clothing, cash support, and educational materials—drawing smiles and appreciation from beneficiaries. The outreach was supported by The Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC) and The Prison Ministry of The Apostolic Church LAWNA Territory.

    Addressing participants, Chaplain Mike Adeyemo, Chairman of PFN Lagos State, said the fellowship had strengthened its intervention packages this year to better meet the needs of inmates’ families.

    “We have improved on our intervention with better packages for the families of inmates,” he said. “Our joy is that the children and families will not have to depend on neighbours. These outreaches give them hope.”

     Adeyemo explained that PFN partners with churches willing to host the programme. “We don’t roster churches. We approach them, and any church that agrees hosts us. The churches are trying their best,” he noted.

    He urged mothers to guide their children properly and encourage the children to take education seriously.

     “Education forms and reforms the mind. Take it seriously. There is hope. Many of these children can become good citizens, and history must not repeat itself,” he said.

    Also speaking, Fabulous Bamidele Orji, Chairman of the Planning Committee, described the 2025 celebration as “extraordinary,” noting a significant expansion in scope.

     “This year is not ordinary. We increased the scale of what we do,” he said. “We prepared for about 100 families, and with their children, we are catering for nearly 400 people. They came from across Lagos State and even from Ogun State.”

     Orji explained that PFN’s annual end-of-year party is designed to stand in for what incarcerated parents would ordinarily provide during Christmas.

     “If a father is behind bars, he cannot be there for his family. So this Christmas party represents what their daddy would have done for them,” he said.

    According to him, beneficiaries received cooked meals, raw food items, clothing, cash support, and educational materials, with transport costs carefully considered based on beneficiaries’ locations.

    “It’s not just money; it’s a complete Christmas package,” he explained. “We want them to go home with dignity.”

    He stressed the importance of the initiative for children’s emotional wellbeing, recalling past experiences where children of inmates felt abandoned during festive seasons.

    “When nobody asks after you at Christmas, it affects a child deeply. But when they see that someone cares, it builds confidence and hope for the future,” he said.

    Orji added that PFN’s support extends beyond the Angel Tree programme through initiatives such as Promise Path Project (PPP), which focuses on returning out-of-school children—especially children of inmates—to school by covering fees, uniforms, and learning materials.

  • Nigeria needs moral rebirth as true essence of Christmas – Prophet Olagunju

    Nigeria needs moral rebirth as true essence of Christmas – Prophet Olagunju

    The Zonal Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Power of God Saves Zone, Prophet Moses Olagunju, has urged Nigerians to return to the true essence of Christmas by embracing moral rebirth as a foundation for national renewal.

     Speaking in an interview with The Nation ahead of the church’s annual Abraham’s Blessing Programme, scheduled for January 5–9, 2026, at Ori Oke Aanu Siku, Apomu Elekan Area of Osun State, the cleric described Christmas as a sacred season of reflection rather than one of excess.

     The programme, he said, would feature song renditions, an interdenominational ministers’ and workers’ conference, as well as prophetic ministrations.

     “We are supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ. Jesus was born in a manger, and that alone teaches us humility. Christmas is not about eating and drinking; it is about reflection—examining where we are spiritually and morally,” Olagunju said.

    According to him, although the exact date of Christ’s birth is unknown, Christmas has become a global acknowledgement of God’s grace to humanity. He, however, lamented that many Christians have lost the spiritual depth of the celebration.

    “It is unfortunate that unbelievers now take Christmas more seriously than Christians. Christmas should be a season to study the Bible, to X-ray the life of Christ and learn humility,” he added.

    Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence, Olagunju attributed the nation’s challenges to greed, corruption and moral decay.

     “Nigeria is not desolate; the problem is the people living in it. A nation filled with greed and selfishness cannot make progress. We waste resources and celebrate corruption,” he said.

    He expressed concern over the plight of Nigerian youths who, despite acquiring university education, struggle to find meaningful livelihoods.

     “Our children graduate from universities only to return to learning handiwork. When we continue to condone criminals and corruption, we will remain stagnant,” he warned.

     Assessing the current administration, the cleric acknowledged that efforts are being made but noted that corruption among public office holders remains a major setback.

    Read Also: Extend U.S–Nigeria military strikes against terrorists to northeast, Ndume tells FG

    “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach. You cannot build a nation where public office holders are only interested in cashing out from the system,” he said.

    He called on Nigerian youths to rise responsibly; stressing that violence is not the solution to the nation’s problems.

     “War is not the answer. Youths should arise and play their part in restoring dignity, trust and piety in our country. God is not done with Nigeria,” he declared.

     Olagunju also expressed deep concern over what he described as the commercialization of the Church.

    “We don’t have churches anymore; many have become business centres. How many are preaching holiness, repentance, heaven and the soon-coming King?” he queried.

     He lamented that truth has become unpopular in many pulpits, noting that prosperity preaching without righteousness has weakened the moral fabric of society.

     “Truth now sounds like a curse. If a pastor preaches the truth today, some members will accuse him of cursing them. My church does not pay me; it pays God. Members could pay me more if they stole at their workplaces, but the truth we preach here will not allow that,” he said.

    The cleric urged national leaders to deal decisively with corruption, calling on President Bola Tinubu to balance mercy with firm action.

  • Olukoya makes case for women – organists

    Olukoya makes case for women – organists

    The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Pastor Daniel Olukoya, has urged women to deliberately develop their musical talents by embracing organ playing, describing music as a potent instrument for evangelism, self-actualisation and empowerment.

    The event, the Ladies on the Organ 2.0, was organized by the Association of Nigerian Female Organists (ANFO), at the MFM International Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos.

     Tagged, ‘Her Hymn, Her Organ’ had talented female organists, played on three manual organs. One after another, they took their turn at the grand wooden console, filling the auditorium with powerful classical hymns.

    Olukoya, who is the grand patron of ANFO stressed that gender should never be a limitation to excellence in any field, including music ministry.

    According to him, encouraging women to take up the organ goes beyond music, as it also challenges stereotypes and creates opportunities for women to thrive.

     “What a man can do, a woman can even do better,” Olukoya said. “This initiative is a means of evangelism, confidence-building and a reminder that gender barriers should not restrict anyone, especially those with passion for music.”

    He disclosed that, to sustain the vision, an organ school has been established at Mountain Top University to provide structured and professional training for aspiring organists.

    “That is why we created a platform and made teachers available to train more people,” he explained. Together, we are breaking barriers and empowering the next generation of female organists. With time, this vision will continue to grow.”

     The cleric further encouraged women across denominations to seize the opportunity, noting that the initiative, which began with a maiden edition last year, has continued to expand without discrimination.

    In the same vein, ANFO founder and wife of the General Overseer, MFM, Mrs. Folashade Olukoya, said her passion for empowering women through music was shaped by her personal experiences and observations of societal realities.

    Recalling how her parents often intervened in resolving disputes, she observed that women tend to bear the brunt of challenges in marriage and society. This, she said, inspired her to create a platform where women could discover and fully actualise their God-given potentials.

     “My husband believes strongly that people can actualise their potential,” she said. “I decided that if everyone stays in their space and fulfils their God-given abilities, life will be better for all of us.”

     Describing women as “solutions,” Mrs. Olukoya warned that any society that fails to create space for women risks stagnation.

     “A nation that does not give space to women will remain lonely. Women are needed to move the world forward. When women are denied space, they become unfulfilled and unable to actualise their potential,” she said.

    Read Also: 2027: Why Tinubu deserves southeast, Nigerians’ votes – Group

    In her exhortation, she urged women to see themselves as the “Eves of our time,” encouraging them to identify their spheres of influence, raise their voices, pursue their passions and grow in wisdom. “Whatever we do, let us do it heartily, not unto men, but unto God,” she added.

    Also speaking, ANFO Coordinator, Mrs. Abiodun George, commended Pastor Olukoya and his wife for their unwavering support, highlighting the financial and technical demands of learning the organ, which she described as an expensive instrument beyond the reach of many.

    “Purchasing an organ is not affordable for most people,” she said. “But the General Overseer believed in us, provided professional trainers and created a safe space for us to grow. The training fees alone are beyond what many of us can afford, yet Pastor Olukoya made it accessible.”

    One of the standout performers at the event, 28-year-old Temitope Aina, expressed excitement after receiving a standing ovation from the audience. She said her passion for music began in childhood, nurtured by a father who is a pianist and a mother who is a choir leader.

    A first-class graduate of the University of Ibadan, Temitope currently teaches at a piano school, offers online music lessons to clients in the diaspora, and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Music at Mountain Top University.

  • Adeboye urges Nigerians to embrace Christ’s priceless gift

    Adeboye urges Nigerians to embrace Christ’s priceless gift

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to fully embrace the gift of Jesus Christ, describing it as the only gift without limitation.

    Speaking recently, Pastor Adeboye emphasised that God has given the world the priceless gift of His son, and accepting Christ opens the door to all associated blessings.

    “The echo is simple: the only gift that has no limitation is the priceless gift, the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has given the whole world this gift,” he said, calling on everyone to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour so that blessings of healing, victory, favour, breakthrough, and prosperity can be released in their lives.

    Adeboye reassured believers that by next year, those who are sick or seeking divine intervention would experience answered prayers.

    Read Also: Nigeria, AU call for respect of sovereignty, unity of Somalia 

    “One of the blessings of the gift of Jesus is healing. Those who are sick will receive their healing. One of the blessings is victory. If you are being pursued by the enemy, you can be sure your enemy will not overcome you,” he said.

    He also urged Nigerians to live lives that reflect Christ’s character.

     “Christ came to save mankind from sin. Our attitude as Nigerians should be to accept Jesus and ensure that our lives resemble Him. Jesus is truthful; let us be truthful. Jesus is holy; let us be holy. Jesus is merciful; let us be merciful. Jesus is compassionate; let us be compassionate.”

     Adeboye lamented that many Nigerians accept Christ in words but not in action, urging them to emulate Jesus in their daily lives. Looking back at 2025, he noted, “We didn’t serve God the way we ought. In 2026, let us praise Him more, show appreciation, live holy lives, love others, and stand against kidnapping, insecurity, and all forms of vices.”

    He assured Nigerians that whatever the nation has lost will be restored for those who align their lives with Christ.

  • Olukoya urges women to embrace organ playing for evangelism, empowerment

    Olukoya urges women to embrace organ playing for evangelism, empowerment

    The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Pastor Daniel Olukoya, has called on women to deliberately develop their musical talents, particularly in organ playing, describing music as a powerful tool for evangelism, self-actualisation and empowerment.

    Pastor Olukoya made the call at the Ladies on the Organ 2.0 programme organised by the Association of Nigerian Female Organists at the MFM International Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos.

    The event, themed Her Hymn, Her Organ, featured gifted female organists who took turns performing on a three-manual organ. One after another, they mounted the grand wooden console, filling the auditorium with rich classical hymns that drew admiration from the audience.

    Speaking as the Grand Patron of ANFO, Olukoya stressed that gender should never be a barrier to excellence in any field, including music ministry. He noted that encouraging women to play the organ goes beyond music, as it challenges stereotypes and creates opportunities for women to thrive.

    “What a man can do, a woman can even do better,” he said. “This initiative is a means of evangelism, confidence-building and a reminder that gender barriers should not restrict anyone, especially those with passion for music.”

    He disclosed that to sustain the vision, an organ school has been established at Mountain Top University to provide structured and professional training for aspiring organists.

    “That is why we created a platform and made teachers available to train more people,” he explained. “Together, we are breaking barriers and empowering the next generation of female organists. With time, this vision will continue to grow.”

    The cleric further encouraged women across denominations to seize the opportunity, noting that the initiative, which began with a maiden edition last year, has continued to expand without discrimination.

    In the same vein, the founder of ANFO and wife of the General Overseer, Mrs Folashade Olukoya, said her passion for empowering women through music was shaped by personal experiences and observations of societal realities.

    Recalling how her parents often intervened in resolving disputes, she observed that women frequently bear the brunt of challenges in marriage and society, a reality that inspired her to create a platform where women could discover and fully actualise their God-given potentials.

    “My husband believes strongly that people can actualise their potentials,” she said. “I decided that if everyone stays in their space and fulfils their God-given abilities, life will be better for all of us.”

    Describing women as solutions, Mrs Olukoya warned that any society that fails to create space for women risks stagnation.

    “A nation that does not give space to women will remain lonely. Women are needed to move the world forward. When women are denied space, they become unfulfilled and unable to actualise their potentials,” she said.

    She urged women to see themselves as the Eves of their time, encouraging them to identify their spheres of influence, raise their voices, pursue their passions and grow in wisdom.

    “Whatever we do, let us do it heartily, not unto men, but unto God,” she added.

    Also speaking, the ANFO Coordinator, Mrs Abiodun George, commended Pastor Olukoya and his wife for their unwavering support, highlighting the financial and technical demands of learning the organ, which she described as an expensive instrument beyond the reach of many.

    “Purchasing an organ is not affordable for most people,” she said. “But the General Overseer believed in us, provided professional trainers and created a safe space for us to grow. The training fees alone are beyond what many of us can afford, yet Pastor Olukoya made it accessible.”

    One of the standout performers at the event, 28-year-old Temitope Aina, expressed excitement after receiving a standing ovation from the audience. She said her passion for music began in childhood, nurtured by a father who is a pianist and a mother who is a choir leader.

    A first-class graduate of the University of Ibadan, Temitope currently teaches at a piano school, offers online music lessons to clients in the diaspora, and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Music at Mountain Top University.

  • Shallow religious knowledge responsible for violent extremism in Nigeria –East London Mosque Imam

    Shallow religious knowledge responsible for violent extremism in Nigeria –East London Mosque Imam

    The Imam of the East London Mosque, Shaykh Mohammed Mahmoud, has attributed insurgency and violent extremism in northern Nigeria to shallow religious understanding, insisting that Islam does not sanction violence detached from sound scholarship.

    The UK-based cleric made the remarks at a press conference in Kaduna during his visit to Nigeria.

    Responding to questions on killings and acts of terror carried out in the name of Islam, Shaykh Mahmoud said the misinterpretation of religious texts remains a major factor fuelling insecurity in parts of the region.

    He explained that reading Qur’anic verses or isolated prophetic traditions without proper guidance does not confer religious authority, warning that self-styled preachers often elevate limited knowledge into unquestionable truth.

    According to him, Islam has historically been transmitted through qualified teachers, beginning with the prophets and continuing through generations of scholars, a system meant to preserve both the text and its correct interpretation.

    Shaykh Mahmoud likened extremists who justify violence through selective readings of scripture to individuals who study fragments of professional manuals and falsely claim expertise.

    He also recalled prophetic warnings against groups that exhibit outward religiosity without sound understanding, noting that such tendencies have, throughout history, led to serious harm and deep divisions within societies.

    The cleric stressed that combating extremism requires more than force, arguing that education, enlightenment and the revival of authentic Islamic scholarship remain the most effective antidotes.

    Shaykh Mahmoud urged Islamic institutions in Nigeria to strengthen their foundations in classical learning while maintaining active links with reputable centres of scholarship across the Muslim world.

    He warned that intellectual isolation breeds insular thinking, where individuals hear only their own interpretations and gradually lose balance and compassion.

    The Imam said part of his Nigeria visit was aimed at building enduring scholarly relationships, encouraging exchange of ideas, knowledge and resources to promote unity within the Muslim community.

    He added that Islam’s ultimate objective is peace, beginning with peace within the individual and extending to peaceful coexistence with others, regardless of religion.

    “You cannot claim to seek paradise while making life unbearable for people on earth,” he said, insisting that terror and oppression have no place in Islam.

    Shaykh Mahmoud also highlighted the importance of engaging young people, noting that early exposure to balanced religious education can prevent radicalisation and social breakdown.

    He called on religious leaders to prioritise mentorship, dialogue and cooperation as tools for countering extremism and restoring Islam’s message of mercy and balance.

    The cleric expressed optimism that sustained education and interfaith engagement would contribute to healing divisions and strengthening peace in Nigeria.

  • Christmas: Prophet Olu Alo calls for love, compassion, humility

    Christmas: Prophet Olu Alo calls for love, compassion, humility

    Prophet Sam Olu Alo has extended his warm felicitations to Christians worldwide on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration. 

    The cleric also greet Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors, Senators, members of House of Representatives, Minister and Adamimogo partners, Adamimogo ministry, Adamimogo online followers both home abroad and Adamimogo Media Support group.

    A statement by the Cleric reflected on the true essence of Christmas, emphasising the significance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.

    According to Prophet Alo, Christmas is a time to remember the death of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for the sins of the world. 

    He urged Christians to use this occasion to reconnect with the core teachings of Jesus, focusing on love, compassion, and forgiveness.

    “The death of Jesus Christ is a powerful reminder of God’s love for humanity,” Prophet Alo said. “As we celebrate Christmas, let us strive to embody the values Jesus stood for, spreading kindness and peace.”

    Prophet Alo’s message encouraged Christians to look beyond the festivities and commercial aspects of Christmas, focusing instead on spiritual growth and renewal. He emphasized the importance of applying Jesus’ teachings in daily life.

    He also highlighted the relevance of Jesus’ message in today’s world, urging Christians to be beacons of hope and light.

    Prophet Alo however prayed for peace, joy, and prosperity for Christians and people of all faiths.

    The Cleric also mentioned his tour coming up between January 1 to 8, 2026 to Jordan, Israel, Nebo and Mount Sinai for prayers for Nigerian, Adamimogo church and his online followers.

    Prophet said fasting and prayer program will hold in Jesus City, Adamimogo Camp, Lekki/Epe Express Way Lagos between Dec 28, to 31, 2025.

  • Christmas: Adeboye describes Jesus as priceless gift

    Christmas: Adeboye describes Jesus as priceless gift

    • …assures Nigerians of God’s favour in 2026

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on Nigerians to fully embrace Jesus Christ, describing Him as the only gift without limitation.

    Adeboye made the call at the Christmas Party with Daddy G.O organised by RCCG Regions 1, 36 and 52, held at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    Speaking at the event, tagged The Priceless Gift, the cleric said God has given the world the ultimate and priceless gift in His Son, adding that accepting Christ opens the door to numerous blessings.

    He said the only gift without limitation is the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ, urging everyone to accept Him as Lord and Saviour so that blessings such as healing, victory, favour, breakthrough and prosperity can be released in their lives.

    Adeboye assured believers that by the coming year, those trusting God for divine intervention would have their prayers answered.

    According to him, healing is one of the blessings of Jesus, noting that those who are sick will receive healing, while those facing opposition will enjoy victory over their enemies.

    He further urged Nigerians to live lives that reflect the character of Christ, stressing that Jesus came to save mankind from sin.

    Adeboye said Nigerians should not only accept Christ in words but also in actions, adding that believers must be truthful, holy, merciful and compassionate, just as Christ is.

    He lamented that many people profess faith without living it out in their daily conduct, urging a renewed commitment to godly living.

    Reflecting on the outgoing year, he noted that many did not serve God as they ought to, calling on Nigerians to praise God more, live holy lives, love one another and stand against all forms of vices in the coming year.

    He assured that whatever the nation has lost would be restored for those who align their lives with Christ.

  • Nigerians’ resilience weakened by poor governance, oil dependence, says MUSWEN President

    Nigerians’ resilience weakened by poor governance, oil dependence, says MUSWEN President

    The President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, has said that Nigerians ability to withstand economic and social shocks has been severely weakened by poor governance, overdependence on oil revenue and weak institutions.

    Alhaji Oladejo stated this yesterday during the Formal Opening of the Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) Convention at AM2PM Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

    Represented by the Deputy President II, MUSWEN, Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike, Alhaji Oladejo, said the country ranks among the least resilient nations in Africa and warned that without deliberate reforms and morally grounded leadership, sustainable development will remain elusive.

    The convention, themed “Resilient Professionals, Resilient Nation,” brought together Muslim professionals, scholars and industry leaders to examine Nigeria’s economic fragility and the role of faith-driven professionalism in national renewal.

    Alhaji Oladejo said Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil and gas, which accounts for up to 90 per cent of foreign exchange earnings and about half of government revenue, has exposed the economy to volatility.

    He added that infrastructure deficits, insecurity, high poverty levels and rising debt have further eroded national resilience.

    According to him, Nigeria’s per capita GDP declined by an average of 0.7 per cent annually between 2014 and 2023, while inflation exceeded 40 per cent in 2024, worsening hardship for citizens.

    “Although recent reforms such as foreign exchange liberalisation and fuel subsidy removal have improved access to forex and strengthened reserves, electricity shortages, food insecurity and widespread poverty remain major challenges,” he said.

    The MUSWEN president identified poverty reduction, fiscal discipline and increased domestic revenue as key priorities, stressing that poverty cannot be addressed through quick fixes.

    He stressed the need for a resilient workforce, describing skilled, adaptable and ethically grounded workers as critical to national stability.

    He called for targeted reskilling in digital technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, alongside flexible work models and strong mental health support.

    According to him, such measures would help Nigerian professionals remain productive during crises and contribute to long-term growth.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of GMP and Chief Executive Officer of Marble Limited, Dr Akeem Oyewale, urged Muslim professionals to see resilience as a moral and spiritual obligation.

    He said professionals must act as pillars of integrity within weak systems, guided by Islamic values of accountability, justice and excellence.

    According to him, resilience rooted in faith requires ethical restraint, diligence and stewardship, even when institutions fail.

    He urged Muslim professionals to strengthen, rather than undermine, the organisations they serve, noting that national stability depends largely on individual conduct.

    The keynote speaker, Sheikh Muhammad Mahmoud, in his lecture “Ihsan in Islam” stressed that constant awareness of Allah’s presence fosters ethical behaviour, calmness and excellence (Ihsan).

    He said when professionals internalise divine accountability, integrity becomes natural in both public and private life.

    The scholar urged participants to embed spiritual mindfulness into daily routines using simple habits, such as brief moments of reflection supported by technology, while stressing the importance of proper mentorship and adherence to established Islamic teachings.

    Read Also: Christmas: Tuggar reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to religious harmony, protection of faiths 

    The Director of Executive Education and Consultancy, Nungu Business School by Dr. Jubril Salaudeen, Dr. Jubril Salaudeen, said Muslim professionals must take deliberate responsibility for Nigeria’s economic and social development.and warned that silence and poor coordination have weakened their influence in national affairs.

    He noted that despite their presence across key sectors, Muslim professionals face identity, of representation and contribution gaps, worsened by the absence of reliable data on their population, sectoral spread and leadership positions.

    According to him, this data gap makes effective planning, impact assessment and succession difficult.

    Dr Salaudeen said Muslim professionals remain largely in middle management, with limited representation at top levels in sectors such as banking and law, a trend he described as a threat to long-term influence.

    He called for intentional mentorship and advocacy to move qualified professionals into leadership rather than waiting for chance.

    He decried discrimination against Muslim women in the workplace, recounting cases where qualified candidates were excluded due to wearing the hijab. He said empowering Muslim women professionally would strengthen household incomes and boost national economic outcomes.

    Dr. Salaudeen urged the GMP to adopt sustained mentorship and leadership development plans spanning five to 10 years, strengthen collaboration between Muslim professionals in public and private sectors, and promote responsible public engagement to improve community image and national relevance.

  • Nigerians’ resilience weakened by poor governance, oil dependence, says MUSWEN president

    Nigerians’ resilience weakened by poor governance, oil dependence, says MUSWEN president

    The President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, has said that Nigerians’ ability to withstand economic and social shocks has been severely weakened by poor governance, overdependence on oil revenue and weak institutions.

    Alhaji Oladejo stated this on Thursday, during the Formal Opening of the Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) Convention at AM2PM Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

    Represented by the Deputy President II, MUSWEN, Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike, Alhaji Oladejo, said the country ranks among the least resilient nations in Africa and warned that without deliberate reforms and morally grounded leadership, sustainable development will remain elusive.

    The convention, themed “Resilient Professionals, Resilient Nation,” brought together Muslim professionals, scholars and industry leaders to examine Nigeria’s economic fragility and the role of faith-driven professionalism in national renewal.

    Alhaji Oladejo said Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil and gas, which accounts for up to 90 per cent of foreign exchange earnings and about half of government revenue, has exposed the economy to volatility. 

    He added that infrastructure deficits, insecurity, high poverty levels and rising debt have further eroded national resilience.

    According to him, Nigeria’s per capita GDP declined by an average of 0.7 per cent annually between 2014 and 2023, while inflation exceeded 40 per cent in 2024, worsening hardship for citizens. 

    “Although recent reforms such as foreign exchange liberalisation and fuel subsidy removal have improved access to forex and strengthened reserves, electricity shortages, food insecurity and widespread poverty remain major challenges,” he said.

    The MUSWEN president identified poverty reduction, fiscal discipline and increased domestic revenue as key priorities, stressing that poverty cannot be addressed through quick fixes. 

    He stressed the need for a resilient workforce, describing skilled, adaptable and ethically grounded workers as critical to national stability.

    He called for targeted reskilling in digital technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, alongside flexible work models and strong mental health support. 

    According to him, such measures would help Nigerian professionals remain productive during crises and contribute to long-term growth.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of GMP and Chief Executive Officer of Marble Limited, Dr Akeem Oyewale, urged Muslim professionals to see resilience as a moral and spiritual obligation. 

    He said professionals must act as pillars of integrity within weak systems, guided by Islamic values of accountability, justice and excellence.

    According to him, resilience rooted in faith requires ethical restraint, diligence and stewardship, even when institutions fail. 

    He urged Muslim professionals to strengthen, rather than undermine, the organisations they serve, noting that national stability depends largely on individual conduct.

    The keynote speaker, Sheikh Muhammad Mahmoud, in his lecture “Ihsan in Islam” stressed that constant awareness of Allah’s presence fosters ethical behaviour, calmness and excellence (Ihsan). 

    He said when professionals internalise divine accountability, integrity becomes natural in both public and private life.

    The scholar urged participants to embed spiritual mindfulness into daily routines using simple habits, such as brief moments of reflection supported by technology, while stressing the importance of proper mentorship and adherence to established Islamic teachings.

    The Director of Executive Education and Consultancy, Nungu Business School by Dr. Jubril Salaudeen, Dr. Jubril Salaudeen, said Muslim professionals must take deliberate responsibility for Nigeria’s economic and social development.and warned that silence and poor coordination have weakened their influence in national affairs.

    Read Also: Adeboye, wife extend Christmas blessings to Nigerians

    He noted that despite their presence across key sectors, Muslim professionals face identity, of representation and contribution gaps, worsened by the absence of reliable data on their population, sectoral spread and leadership positions. 

    According to him, this data gap makes effective planning, impact assessment and succession difficult.

    Dr Salaudeen said Muslim professionals remain largely in middle management, with limited representation at top levels in sectors such as banking and law, a trend he described as a threat to long-term influence.

    He called for intentional mentorship and advocacy to move qualified professionals into leadership rather than waiting for chance.

    He decried discrimination against Muslim women in the workplace, recounting cases where qualified candidates were excluded due to wearing the hijab. 

    He said empowering Muslim women professionally would strengthen household incomes and boost national economic outcomes.

    Dr. Salaudeen urged the GMP to adopt sustained mentorship and leadership development plans spanning five to 10 years, strengthen collaboration between Muslim professionals in public and private sectors, and promote responsible public engagement to improve community image and national relevance.