Nigerians have been called upon to pray for the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform programmes for the sustainable development of the country.
Minister of Environment, Dr Ishaq Salako made this call at the 69th Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria annual Islamic conference in Ilaro, Ogun state, South West Nigeria.
Speaking on how muslims can play a key role in climate change, advocacy across Nigeria and globally, Dr Salako quoted the Islamic holy book, the holy Quran Chapter 21verse 32, on preservation of the ozone layer, to buttress his appeal.
He said conscious Muslims must protect the environment at all times, quoting the Quran thus: “And We made the sky a protected ceiling, but they, from its signs, are turning away.”
He said part of President Tinubu’s reform programme include sustainability of the environment, especially reducing fossil fuel emission with the introduction of electric vehicles and CNG buses.
The Minister of Environment said the government would keep its promise to protect the environment within its available resources.
Dr Ishaq Salako commended the Ahmadiyya muslim community for sustaining the legacy of moral and spiritual training of young and old through the annual islamic conference for 69 years.
He recalled his younger days while attending the annual Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Islamic conference in Lagos at the firmer Muslim Teacher Training College, Surulere.
In his words: ” Listening to various topical issues in Islam and contemporary challenges in the global space enriched his sense of commitment to islamic values and serving humanity.My parents guided me through this path of Islamic devotion. May Allah bless their souls. Coming to Ilaro for the 69th Jalsa salana- Islamic conference is a good home coming. “
He said the theme of this year’s conference, Taqwa: Pathway to Justice and Peace is symbolic towards addressing the challenges of insecurity and other social vices in the polity.
Peaceful coexistence
Ogun Commissioner of local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, prince Ganiyu Oladunjoye Hamzat who represented the Ogun state Governor appreciate the support of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria for peaceful coexistence among religious groups in the state and the re-election of Prince Dapo Abiodun for a second term during the last General election early in the year.
Prince Dapo Abiodun was at the Ahmadiyya islamic gathering to solicit for support last December 2022.
During the period, he promised to provide an electricity transformer and build a circular road within the conference ground.
Prince Ganiyu Hamzat reiterated the commitment of the Ogun state governor to his promise, explaining that the electricity transformer has been allocated and the circular road would begin soon.
The first palliative measure for the road has been done before the commencement of the Islamic conference.
Similarly,Commissioner of Special Duties kogi state, honourable Ismail Adesayo Yahaya, urged Muslim faithfuls to participate actively in politics to demonstrate exemplary character in governance at all levels in Nigeria.
As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim group and public servant, he has demonstrated good conduct in the governance of Kogi state.
He used the opportunity to appreciate the support of Governor Dapo Abiodun as the leader of the governorship campaigns in the last election in Kogi state, where his party the All Progressives Congress, APC emerged the winner.
He thanked Governor Yaya Bello for giving him the opportunity to serve the people.
He equally advocated peaceful coexistence initiatives by government and religious groups in the country.
Inculcating Fear of God
The Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, Alhaji Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, in his opening remarks at the conference stressed the need for government and the people to inculcate the fear of God in governance.
He read the good will message from the world leader of the Ahmadiyya muslim community, Hazrat Mosroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih,V, from the Uk.
Six lectures were presented by Islamic scholars of the Ahmadiyya community across Nigeria covering various topics such as Path way to Justice and Peace, Khilaffat-e-Ahmadiyya : The hanbiger of Justice and Peace in the latter days, Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed and Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib, Two pious examples of Taqwa and dedication, Hazrat Khadijah and Hazrat Nusrat Jahan Begum Sahiba: Two pious Ladies of great sacrifice.
12 academic awards were given to various members of the jamaat who excelled in academic fields , ranging from attainment of professor, Ph.D and Masters Degrees programmes in Data Science, Micro Biology, Environment among other fields. Over 30,000 delegates and guests attended the conference.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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