NASFAT: Shun division, embrace unity for national building— Cleric Tells Nigerians

Malam Yusuf Adepoju, a renowned Islamic scholar and Chief Lecturer, Academy of Islamic Propagation (ACADIP),has urged Nigerians to shun all forms of division and embrace unity for the development of the country.

Adepoju gave the admonition on Sunday at the 25th Anniversary celebration of Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Akure Branch, held in Akure, Ondo State capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme was ‘From Humble Beginnings To Divine Establishment: 25 Years of Faith, Growth and Community Impact’.

Adepoju, the guest lecturer, explained that tthe growing insecurity bedeviling the country was a direct consequence of disunity, injustice and failure of leadership.

The lecturer, who described true unity as a state where diverse background and tribal differences did not lead to separation, said disunity remained a major factor fuelling crisis in the country.

“No nation can achieve meaningful development in an atmosphere of rancour and mutual suspicion.

“Unity should not mean uniformity, rather, differences in tribal identity such as being Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo should not be a cause for separation.

“We are created differently. But our differences should not separate us because even the Quran analyses that we are created in diverse ways.

“So, we enjoin Nigerians to be more united. Our division, our differences must not separate us. And if we treat every life with reverence, it will lead to national peace and stability,” he said.

He, therefore, called on responsible and faith-driven Muslims to participate actively in politics, saying a leader with the fear of Allah could provide exemplary conduct and help make Nigeria a better nation.

Adepoju, while speaking on the theme of the event, lauded NASFAT for developing a remarkable ecosystem of Islamic propagation, education, healthcare, welfare, empowerment, and institution building in the country.

The chief lecturer called for more unity and cooperation among NASFAT members, saying integrity and fear of Allah should reflect in their daily activities for the mercy of God.

“Be more truthful, humble, generous, patience, forgiven,disciplined, useful, and conscious of Allah, because if the organisation grows but the individual does not grow, then something great is missing,” he said.

Also, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, represented by Mr Gani Muhammed, Special Adviser to the governor on Mines and Minerals Resources, commended NASFAT to improving education and human development.

Aiyedatiwa , who said that NASFAT’s educational initiatives aligned with his administration’s commitment to education and youth empowerment, promised continued support for initiatives which promote education and human development.

“We are impressed by NASFAT’s contribution to education and youth development because investment in education is an investment in human capital and the future of society,” he said.

Similarly, Alhaji Mikhail Sarumoh, NASFAT Former National President, attributed the rapid growth of the organisation in Akure to humble beginnings, faith, unity, perseverance, service and divine establishment.

He said the organisation’s activities had touched many lives and contributed to the propagation of Islam and community development in the area.

Earlier, Mr Sodiq Obanoyen, Chairman, NASFAT Akure Branch, thanked Almighty Allah for his guidance over the past 25 years and those who had contributed to the society’s growth in Akure.

“NASFAT has demonstrated that Islam is beyond worship in the mosque alone but also serve humanity, seek knowledge, strengthen families, empower youths, care for women, support the vulnerable and contribute positively to society,” he said.

Highlights of the event include presentation of an Award of Pillar of Spiritual Support to Malam Yusuf Adepoju, commissioning of NASFAT school laboratory and foundation laying of multi-purpose hall.