By Bukola Hameed
Nigerians have been urged to vote into power, candidates with balanced knowledge, intelligence, courage and clear disposition come 2023 general election as they are the only ones who can deliver the much-desired dividends of good governance.
The immediate past Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Oyo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke gave the advice on Sunday, October 2nd, 2022 while delivering a lecture titled “Attaining Our Dream Nationhood: Nurturing the Youth for Decent Leadership” on the occasion of the Annual State Lecture of The Muslim Congress, TMC Oyo State in commemoratiom of Nigeria’s 62nd independence anniversary.
Dr Agboke, who stressed the need for Nigerians to know the true character of future leaders before attaining leadership positions, maintained that Nigerian youth, especially Muslims must possess good leadership qualities to take their rightful positions in governance.
The former INEC REC in Oyo State described Nigeria as a multi-religious state with over 200 ethnic groups, and thereby called for peaceful co-existence devoid of ethnic segregation and religious discrimination with a view to achieving a better nation.
He tasked the youths and all organized bodies to provide leadership in voter education, as the tendency for void votes will be high in the upcoming general election due to the technological development in the electioneering and voting processes. Dr Agboke however, maintained that there would be no room for result manipulation or rigging during the general elections.
Dr Agboke also called on well-meaning Nigerians and politicians in particular to work towards reducing the gap between them and the suffering masses they claim to represent.
In another lecture on the topic “Engendering Morality and the Sanctity of Life: The Islamic Model, the Grand Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisations, OIC, Lagos state, Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shaafi’ maintained that nepotism is anti-Islam and called for unity of purpose among Muslims and other Nigerians to foster national development.
Sheikh Shaafi’ advised youths against cybercrime amidst other criminal activities, noting that adherence to Islamic tenets is a panacea to value regeneration and challenges facing Nigeria.
The renowned Islamic scholar, who enjoined parents to instil values in their children, advocated a review of the education curriculum for value reorientation and improved welfare packages for teachers.
Shaykh Shaafi’ also called on Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the lingering insecurity and economic hardship.
Earlier, the chairman on the occasion, Dr Munir Durojaye said the event was a good step to addressing challenges facing Nigeria and in fulfilment of Muslims’ responsibility for societal reformation.
In the address of TMC National Ameer, Alhaji Abdulwasi’ Bangbala read by Oyo State Wali, Alhaji Daud Oladosu, he said that the Annual State Lecture was to inculcate good values in youth and purge Nigerians of primordial sentiments and brainstorm for policy direction.
In their goodwill messages, the All Progressive Congress, APC senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr Yunus Akintunde, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Abdurahman Abduraheem represented by the Permanent Secretary (Inspector General of Education, Oyo state), Mrs Faoziyah Oluokun, and the Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Kayode Odedokun represented by Deputy Director and Head, Planning Research and Strategy, Mrs Ajolayo Akande commended TMC for organizing the programme in view of its significance to national development.
The event which had the theme “Restoring Our Pristine National Values” was attended by Oyo state Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal represented by Mr Zakariyyah Kunle-Sanni, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakr Agbotomokekere represented by Imam Hassan Onibiyan, religious and traditional rulers as well as Islamic organizations across the state.