By Muftau Ogunyemi
The Muslim Congress (TMC) has advocated for change of attitude and collective efforts by governments, religious leaders and individuals in a bid to build a better Nigeria.
Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’l , Grand Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisation(CIO), Lagos State, made the call at the Annual State Lecture organised by the TMC in commemoration of Nigeria’s 63 Independence Anniversary held on Monday in Akure.
Shafi’l, who was the guest lecturer at the occasion, said it had became imperative for everybody to have a rethink and change of mind in moving the country forward.
He said that if the country must be great again, as it was laid down by its forefathers, all hand must be on the deck, and the citizens must shun any form of criminality.
He, therefore, called on individuals to support the governments at all levels to reform the health, education, security and other sectors for the betterment of the country.
“We need collective efforts to make our country great again, and we need to change our behaviours towards each other while we must also do away with ethnicity bigotry
“Our government can not do it alone, let everybody rise up to his or her responsibility because if we fail to do the needful, surely, we will all be affected.
“Governments, Alfas, security agents, Journalists , men, women, old or young, even market women and drivers, must play their roles accordingly
“So, it behove on us as alfas, imam, missiossioners and pastors to preach peace always so that there will be unity among us, and rather than fighting ourselves, we should aollow God’s intervention in whatever we are doing,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Alhaji Abdulwasi’l Bangbala, National Amir of TMC, said that the event was designed to reflect on the journey of nationhood and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the organisation.
Bangbala, who was represented by the Ondo state coordinator of the TMC, Alhaji Abdulwasiu Aliu, said time had come for every Nigerians to continue working hard with a view to building a formidable nation by not minding numerous fault lines and socio-political differences.
Bangbala said that since Nigeria joined the league of independent countries in 1960 and became the largest sovereign black power on earth, “the country has had its own share of socio-economic and political struggles”.
“Indeed, the world awaits the greatness of our Nigeria and it is only by our collective efforts that we can rise above all odds and take our rightful place in history,” he said
The Amir, therefore, reiterated the association’s commitment to shaping lives across the nation through its unwavering dedication to the principle of Islam
“TMC has been actively involved in various social and welfare programs, primarily aimed at uplifting the less privileged and has consistently strived to uplift our community
“We have also been instrumental to promotion of social justice, interfaith dialogue and community development, thereby contributing to the greater good of our society as a whole,” he said.
He promised that TMC would continue to amplify its efforts, maximize its outreach, and collectively contribute towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.(NAN)
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