* Oyefeso wants ministry of humanitarian affairs scrapped
The Former Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Commissioner, Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, has ignited a debate on the efficacy of Nigeria’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
During the annual seminar of The Criterion, an association of Muslim women in business and other professionals, Oyefeso, who was the chairman of the occasion, called for the ministry’s complete overhaul, 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.
The ongoing investigation of the minister that accused her of approving payment of N585.2 million intervention funds and diverting it into a private account of a civil servant, further fuelled his argument.
Muslim News gathered that Edu’s predecessor, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, was enmeshed in allegations of corruption in the handling of N37.1 billion social intervention funds during her tenure.
“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.
He argued that the ministry’s current focus on handouts fuels 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.
The seminar’s theme, “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you Quran 4: 59,” resonated with the call for better leadership.
Guest speaker, Hon. Tasir Wale Raji, drew parallels from the Qur’an, highlighting exemplary leaders like Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and emphasising the responsibilities entrusted to those in positions of authority.
Raji encouraged Muslims to participate in politics and take leadership roles, dispelling notions that such involvement contradicts Islam.
“The concept of leadership is not considered a sin in Islam. Taking political offices is not seen as out of place for Muslims, as evident in Q12:55,” he explained. “According to Q 43:32, a leader is appointed only by Allah and can be removed only by Allah SWT.”
Dr. Monsurat Adeola Agbaja, who also spoke on the topic, “Emergence of a new Nigeria, duties and rights of followers” also made copious reference to contemporary happenings in the society to buttress her point. She charged Nigerians to be good followers.
Speaking with Muslim News, Hajia Morenike Muse Saba, Ameerah of The Criterion, Lagos State unit, 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 echoed Oyefeso’s call for job creation and infrastructural development, urging the government to fulfil its basic duties towards its citizens.
“To avert chaos, governments must prioritise job creation, provide essential infrastructure, and empower aspiring entrepreneurs to flourish”, she stressed.
While acknowledging the president’s responsibility, Saba emphasised individual accountability: “Criterion believes in the power of women and children to drive positive change. We will continue to support and empower them to reach their full potential.”
The seminar culminated in a free medical checkup for attendees, underscoring The Criterion’s commitment to holistic community development.
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