By Sheriffdeen Oladimeji Hammed
The October edition of Ash-Shumuliyyah Forum’s monthly lecture held on Sunday, 18th October at Asalaye Central Mosque, Owode, Oyo, came as a form of redirection to the youth populace of Nigeria.
The forum with the theme ‘Nigeria @ 60: Memories and Fortunes’ was honoured by teeming Nigerians and the attendance was dominated by the youths.
Speaking at the event, Ustadh Ibraheem Adejare, a public affairs analyst and researcher, charged the youth populace to take up the responsibility of changing the society by reforming their mindsets. The essence and roles of the youths in the development and progress of Islam can not be overemphasised. Ultimately, youths need to embrace the urge to seek knowledge and good orientation in order to achieve this.
According to him, many companions of Prophet Muhammad, through their knowledge, contributed immensely to the cause of Islam. Abdullah ‘Ibn Abass was known for his proficiency in interpretation of the Quran even at his tender age. Similar trends can be realized in the lives of Abdullah Ibn Umar, Abdullah Ibn Aamir, Aisha bint Abi Bakr who was just 18 when the Prophet died. They were all youths with remarkable impacts.
“It is saddening when retrospecting into the impacts of the youths of the past in the development of the nation which has been found wanting in the youths of today. Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro at the age of 21, in 1953, became the first to move the motion for Nigeria’s independence after several political setbacks”, he enlightened.
The youths were also advised to desist from taking bad people as role models. Adejare added that, “Deployment of youths to enhance evil perpetrations by the political leaders needs to be reprobated and the youths should be more decisive on this.”
While speaking on the recent trend of #EndSARS protest, Ustadh Ibraheem Adejare divulged his thoughts, pointing out the degree of SARS brutality. There is a slight or no difference between the SARS and the thugs. It’s unimaginable to kill someone just because he commits an atrocity, giving no consideration to his ‘right to life’.
“The mass protest to end SARS has been imbued by the youths with conflicting motives. The struggle in the cause has been compromised and discredited with individual’s atrocities. Yet, there is elements of SARS in every Nigeria citizen”, he reiterated.
There should be adequate reformation of ‘SARS’ in every youth’s mind. Even as humans, there is need to overpower the satanic spirit embedded in us as natural tendencies. “Subjection of our subconscious minds to the prevailing immoral social trends should be avoided”, he added.
Also speaking at the event was Dr Abdullateef Adeniran, a chief lecturer in the department of History, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education. He blessed the event with his inspiring lecture, saddled the youths – who constituted majority of his audience – with the responsibility of using their energy, fresh blood, fertile brain and adventurousness to aid the quest for Nigeria’s rebirth.
While buttressing this, he mentioned some of the great icons in the nation who strived towards the development and liberation of the nation. Philip Asiodu became a permanent secretary at the age of 31. Likewise, it was remembered that Prof. Nurudeen Alao, Dr. Lateef Adegbite and others, at ages below thirty, formed the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria.
“Some youths have misdirected their resources, prioritizing money instead of ideas. Youths should make proper allocation of their time and resources for personal development”, Dr. Adeniran emphasised.
In accordance to this, the youths were enjoined to strengthen their faith and position themselves in the realm of God’s grace by fervently praying unto him. “The potential of the nation development lies in the youths”, he concluded.
Definitely, there’s the need for a rebirth of the Republic and the youths should definitely work on this cause with sincere and sane mind.