Muslims faithful have been charged on the need to be obedient to the laws of Allah and be just in their dealings with fellow humans, as this remains the only solution to curb corruption and ensure peace in the country.
The Chief Imam, Al-Wajuud Islamic Mission of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdulateef Oderinde, stated this at the fifth Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Information Chapel, with the theme; ‘’Corruption Challenges in Nigeria: The Islamic Point of View’’, held at the Governor’s Office Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Oderinde in his lecture explained that, people’s adherence to the dictates of Allah and their commitment to follow due process in all sphere of life, be it in politics, education, work place, judicial system, health care among others, would ensure sanity in the system.
Reading from the Quran, Q 13:4, the Cleric emphasized the need for everyone to be a positive change agent, saying, ‘’It is only in doing the right thing according to the dictates of Allah that our lives can be cleansed of the evil of corrupt practices. Corruption in the form of embezzlement, money laundering, smuggling, bribery’, extortion can be drastically curbed from the society, if we are truly sincere to bring about the positive change.’’
The State Head of Service, Engr. ‘Lanre Bisiriyu, represented by Alhaji Shamsudeen Olatunbosun Mosuro, expressed gratitude to Allah for the Month of Ramadan, calling on Muslims to make the best use of the period to receive His blessings.
In his words, ‘’the holy month of Ramadan is a special month, different from all other months in the Islamic calendar. The presence of Ramadan is felt in the atmosphere and Muslims generally move closer to Allah. We cannot but appreciate this blessing and make the best use of this precious opportunity Allah has availed us’’.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Abiodun Awere, admonished Journalists, as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm and agents of change, to stay clear of corrupt practices that might tarnish the image of their profession.
‘’I am confident that all the members here present, irrespective of religious belief, would have a thing or two to benefit from this event’’, Awere said.
In his remark, Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Wole Dosunmu, said the success of this year’s lecture was a replica of previous events, expressing optimism that it would go a long way in reawakening the religious consciousness of members and spur them to enviable heights.
