… Women, Children Must Continue To Drive Positive Change – Criterion
A clarion call has gone to more conscious and pious Muslims to be actively involved in Nigerian politics.
This call was made in Lagos recently by Hon. Tasir Wale Raji as Guest Speaker at the annual seminar of The Criterion, an Association of Muslim Women in Business and The Professions, Al-Furqan, Lagos District.
Hon. Raji encouraged Muslims to participate in politics and take leadership roles, dispelling notions that such involvement contradicts Islam.
He buttressed his points with quotes from the glorious Qur’an, highlighting exemplary leadership of our noble Prophet Muhammad, PBUH.
According to him, it is indeed huge responsibilities that are entrusted to those in positions of authority.
“And I would have loved to have more people like Barrister Musbaudeen Oyefeso at the House of Representatives and even the Senate.”
“The concept of leadership is not considered a sin in Islam. Taking political positions should not be seen as out of place for Muslims, as evident in Qur’an22:55,” he explained.
“According to Qur’an 43:32, a leader is appointed only by Allah and can be removed only by Allah SWT.”
“The seminar’s theme, “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you; Qur’an 4: 59,” resonated with the call for better leadership.”
Speaking with newsmen, the Ameerah of The Criterion, Lagos District, Hajia Morenike Muse-Saba linked the seminar’s focus to the global political climate, citing the Palestinian genocide as an example of leadership failures.
“We witness acts of genocide [Palestine] occurring everywhere, yet there seems to be a lack of discussion about it. The leaders are failing to fulfil their designated responsibilities, and citizens have in turn, chosen to deviate from the rules that the leaders have put in place.”, she said.
She also called for more job creation and infrastructural development, urging leaders at all levels to fulfil their basic duties towards the citizens.
“To avert chaos, governments at all levels must prioritise job creation, provide essential infrastructures and empower aspiring entrepreneurs to flourish”, she explained.
Speaking further, Hajia Saba emphasised individual accountability even as government officials are expected to discharge their duties with the fear of Allah.
“Criterion believes in the power of women and children to drive positive change. And Criterion
will continue to support and empower them to reach their full potentials.”
Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion and former Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Commissioner, Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, called for job creation and skillful empowerment of our youths.
The barrister also called for the complete overhaul of some ministries, emphasising the need for employment generation and capacity building instead of handouts.
“We lack leadership, not followership,” Oyefeso asserted, pointing to recent scandals involving suspended Minister Betta Edu over misappropriation of social welfare funds.
“You can imagine people breaching the constitution, financial guidelines as they like. They even tamper with the money of the poorest of the poor”, Oyefeso, the Aare Musulumi of Ijebuland, said.
According to Barrister Oyefeso, the ministry’s current focus on handouts is fuelling dependency and ignores the fundamental need for sustainable jobs and skills development.
“What people need is a ministry that will create jobs and build the capacity of youths, discouraging the so-called ‘JAPA’ syndrome [a trend of young Nigerians emigrating] and giving Nigerians a better life,” he stated.
In her lecture, Dr. Monsurat Adeola Agbaje, spoke on the topic, “Emergence of a New Nigeria, Duties and Rights of Followers.”
She urged Nigerians to be good followers by demanding for accountability from their leaders and ensuring that they vote into position of power, people of proven integrity who have the fear of God.
There was free medical checkup for attendees as usually obtained in every events organised by Criterion. Many of those who did free medical checkup commended The Criterion for such great opportunity of getting free medical checks.