society

Security is a Collective Spiritual Duty, says Obasa

Published

3 months ago

February 15, 2026

Security is a Collective Spiritual Duty, says Obasa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa has described security as a collective spiritual duty while drawing a parallel between the pursuit of national and state security and the broader spiritual journey toward Jannah (Paradise).

In his keynote address at the 31st Pre-Ramadan Lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni held inside the cavernous J.F Ade Ajayi Main Auditorium of the institution on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Speaker Obasa described security as not just physical safety but the alleviation of poverty, which he fingered as the major cause of insecurity; upholding transparency, fairness, compassion for the vulnerable, and improved healthcare for all and sundry among other humanitarian acts.

For every desire, Speaker Obasa said, “There must be an input. What we have to do to get to heaven is no different from what we have to do for the security of our society. Insecurity is a function of poverty. Security is not about the police alone; it is about all of us. It is a collective spiritual duty. Every time you see people gathered on your street, don’t just drive past; make enquiries as to who they are.”

He further portrayed security as an act of worship and nurturing faith through selfless deeds that protect communities, prevent oppression, and build unity, adding, “By integrating spiritual light with responsible leadership, believers contribute to a Nigeria where peace prevails, guiding souls collectively toward Paradise while securing the present world as a foundation for the eternal one.”

Describing Lagos as a vibrant melting pot of cultures and faiths, Speaker Obasa said that the government has been able to foster a safe and secure environment by ensuring sustained interfaith dialogues, support for religious institutions (mosques and churches), and legislative efforts to promote harmony without division.

Continuing, Obasa said, “As Muslims, our faith calls us to be custodians of justice, peace, and good governance, and we cannot separate our spiritual obligations from our civic responsibilities.

“In governance, we must uphold transparency, fairness, and service to humanity. In the community and in the family, we must be agents of compassion, supporting the weak, feeding the hungry, and uplifting the oppressed. If we uphold these admonitions, there will be peace, prosperity, and progress in our society, aligning with Quranic calls to stand firm in justice (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:8) and the Prophetic ideal of benefiting others.”

In his welcome address, Dr Abdulmumini Alao, National President, University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA), said, “Our theme for this year’s lecture – The Light Beyond: Guiding Our Souls to Paradise – challenges us to reflect and aspire. In several verses of the Qur’an, Allah gives us a description of Jannah (Paradise) that will be the permanent abode of the righteous after our temporary stay on earth.”

He added that as is the practice of the UMA, there were two guest speakers; “One teaching us on a spiritual subject, while the other would speak on a contemporary national issue. Therefore, while Dr Ridwan Jamiu’s (Chief Imam, Lekki Central Mosque) topic deals with our spirituality, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) as the lead speaker to address us on national security, which is an issue grabbing the headlines in Nigeria today.”

The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, was the chairman of the occasion.

The University of Lagos Muslim Alumni is a faith-based alumni body of the association, founded in 1995 by 44 members, with a vision to be a frontline group of conscious and dynamic Muslims with a positive and effective impact on their alma mater and society at large. Its mission is to promote brotherhood, scholarship, entrepreneurship, and the best Islamic practices.

society

FOPCHEN Seeks Wider Engagement As Court Defers Hearing

Published

10 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Sahara Weekly

COURT ADJOURNS AGAIN AS FOPCHEN REITERATES CALL FOR MORAL REBIRTH IN SOCIETY

FOPCHEN Seeks Wider Engagement As Court Defers Hearing

OTA, OGUN STATE — The High Court of Ogun State, Ota Division, on Thursday resumed hearing in the ongoing matter involving cultural and societal concerns, before adjourning proceedings till Thursday, July 2, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

At the resumed sitting on May 28, 2026, counsel representing the various parties revisited key issues in the case and made further submissions before the court.

The matter, which has continued to generate public interest across different sectors, again drew attention from legal observers and stakeholders who described the case as one with significant implications for societal values, cultural identity and constitutional interpretation.

Speaking after the proceedings, the Foundation for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria, popularly known as FOPCHEN, renewed its appeal for dialogue and constructive engagement among Nigerians, stressing that sensitive cultural and moral issues should not be left entirely within the confines of the courtroom.

According to the group, broader conversations involving traditional institutions, civil society organisations, religious leaders and policy stakeholders remain necessary in addressing issues relating to national values and social responsibility.

Legal analysts at the court premises noted that arguments being canvassed by parties in the suit could shape future legal interpretations surrounding cultural and moral questions in the country.

Following submissions by counsel, the presiding judge adjourned the matter till Thursday, July 2, 2026, to enable parties further prepare and respond to issues raised during the hearing.

The development has continued to spark reactions among observers, with many Nigerians closely monitoring the proceedings ahead of the next hearing date.

society

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

United States based fahionista of class, Chief (Mrs) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has extended a warm greetings to Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Fehintola-Brat who is the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin Akile Ijebu, and the Yeye Asofin of Idenaland in her message to Journalists urged Muslim to continually uphold the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion, which are central to the significance of Eid-El-Kabir festival.

A quiet philantropist whose humanitarian services has won her several laurels urged Muslims to use the spiritual occasion to pray for the peace co-existence of Nigerians regardless of religious, social and political leanings stressing that the oneness of the country should not be underplay.

In a related development, she expressed her felicitations to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the forthcoming Ojude Oba 2026 celebration, tasking age-groups otherwise known as Regbregbe to be more proactive in giving back to their immediate communities.

According to her, the beauty of the age-groups in Ijebuland is the need to contribute immensely to the development of the land in no small means. “This we will continue to achieve with God on our side”, she concluded.

society

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

Published

3 days ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the festival as a season of sacrifice, reflection, and gratitude, urging the faithful to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, and love that strengthen the nation.

He noted that the celebration of Eid al-Adha is not only a spiritual milestone but also a reminder of the importance of togetherness and collective responsibility in building a stronger society.

He, likewise, emphasized that the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to national progress and to support leadership that prioritizes development and prosperity.

Obasa, however, commended Nigerians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for their massive turnout during the recently concluded party primaries. He described the participation as a clear demonstration of the people’s confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their belief in the administration’s vision for a greater Nigeria.

“The APC primaries have shown the resilience of our democracy and the confidence Nigerians have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a strong message that our people are ready to continue supporting policies that will drive growth and prosperity,” Obasa stated.

The Speaker further encouraged Muslims to celebrate responsibly, stressing that the joy of Eid should be accompanied by prayers for the continued peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“As you celebrate with family and loved ones, may this season bring joy, peace, and prosperity to your homes. Let us remain united in our resolve to build a stronger nation,” he added.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa wished all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Eid al-Adha celebration.