Building a Just Society: Zulum, Obasa, and Oloyede Call for Unity and Security at UNILAG UMA 31st Pre-Ramadan Lecture
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has called for a society founded on equity, justice, and mutual respect as a pathway to peaceful coexistence and national unity.
Expressing concern over the ongoing degeneration of societal values in Nigeria, Governor Zulum emphasized that everyone must contribute to reversing these troubling trends.
He made these remarks in a message delivered to the 31st Pre-Ramadan Lecture, organized by the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka. Represented by his Deputy, Umar Usman Kadafur, Governor Zulum highlighted that Ramadan is a period of life transformation, not only for Muslims but for society at large, as people observe rules and live in relative peace during the holy month.
He also urged the organizers to hold such lectures regularly, beyond Ramadan, to continue addressing societal ills.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, reminded the audience that security is the responsibility of all citizens, not just the government and security agencies. Obasa urged Muslims to shun all forms of criminality and emphasized the need for parents to train their children to become responsible citizens.
In his lecture, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-Haq Oloyede, lamented that insecurity has become a cancer affecting everyone, including Muslims. Speaking on the topic “Muslims: The Challenge of National Security”, he noted that fear of violence has disrupted farming and trade, reducing produce output. Prof. Oloyede also highlighted that Nigerian Muslims are often victims of insecurity, contrary to the false perception that they are not targets. Additionally, he condemned the stereotyping of Muslims as responsible for societal problems.
Represented by Prof. Olufemi Shuaib, UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, described the lecture as more than a yearly ritual. She said it offers Muslims from all walks of life an opportunity to come together and chart a way forward for both the Muslim community and the nation. She reminded fasting Muslims that Ramadan is a time when “the doors of hell are shut while those of heaven are opened” and encouraged them to take full advantage of this divine opportunity. Prof. Ogunsola also commended Prof. Oloyede for his standard of excellence and prompt interventions concerning the University.
In his welcome address, Dr. Abdulmumin Alao, President of UMA, condemned any actions by groups that could undermine democracy, reaffirming UMA’s support for the current democratic dispensation. He challenged INEC to continue improving the electoral process to ensure free and fair elections. Dr. Alao also highlighted UMA’s Scholarship Scheme, which has supported 199 Muslims pursuing postgraduate programs at Masters and Doctorate levels.
The theme of the 31st Pre-Ramadan Lecture was: “THE LIGHT BEYOND: GUIDING OUR SOULS TO PARADISE.”
