Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, the deputy governor of Lagos State, stated Wednesday that Nigeria cannot advance without unity and cohesiveness inside the country.
Rebuilding National Unity and Understanding: The Quest for Equity, Justice, and Fairness in a Multi-religious Society was the theme of the 8th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), which was held at the University of Lagos. Hamzat made this statement as the keynote speaker.
According to him, it is unacceptable for a man to divorce his spouse and give the children over to her. This goes against the Qur'anic teachings and the Prophet Muhammad's legacy.
According to Hamzat, studies have revealed that many women nowadays have become widows because they have given up on taking care of their families to their spouses rather than because their husbands have passed away.
"Religion has markedly become a critical factor in our unity today," he stated. Both churches and mosques have been the target of attacks. Religious disputes have resulted in fatalities. More recently, the candidates' religious beliefs have dominated an entire national election. These inclinations do in fact have dangerous repercussions.
But now, I dare to suggest that, despite our difficulties, there exist amazing opportunities for progress, and that we must turn to our "religiousness" in order to go forward. Our civilization will flourish once again when we follow the guidance of our faith and the knowledge of the divine.
"The precise method is still a mystery. It comes, I believe, from knowing the three ideas and what they imply in Islam. We can undoubtedly create a new country if we comprehend and absorb them.
According to Hamzat, Nigeria has to rethink its political system and prioritize skill and merit over geography and religion.
He cautioned Nigerians from falling for the petty stunts of politicians who use tribal and ethnic divisions for their own personal gain.
The premise of the following quote is that there is a fundamental inequity, injustice, and unfairness. Debates about zoning, or the regulation of resources, and political office eligibility are expressions of basic emotions. They frequently taint the national conversation and obscure polite conversation that could point the path to prosperity.
Experience has demonstrated that since religion is so prevalent among our three main ethnic groupings, inter-tribal disputes sometimes assume religious garb. He went on, "North is basically Muslim, East is Christian, and West is mostly a combination of both."
Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), called for unity among Muslims and added that education is essential for the Ummah as it is the most effective way to combat poverty.
He cautioned the Ummah to base their actions on sincere intentions.
Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the deputy governor of Ogun State, urged Muslims to enter politics, claiming that there aren't nearly enough of them.
"Power is not offered ala carte; we must be where it is served. Engage with and lend support to those occupying that area. We must cooperate and maintain our togetherness," she murmured.
In a separate speech, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, the Secretary to the Government of Ekiti State, promised support for MUSWEN while ensuring that Biodun Oyebanji, the state governor, would uphold Muslim interests.
Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, the president of MUSWEN, prayed for President Bola Tinubu's administration to be successful in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda.