• Provide food for hungry masses, develop agric sector, improve security now — Amir tells FG
Veteran journalist and retired Director at the Voice of Nigeria, Alhaji AbdurRazaq AbdusSalam has urged Muslim youths to chase big dreams and aspire for political power in order to contribute meaningfuly to building a better society.
AbdusSalam made this call while giving a keynote address at the 1445 AH Conference of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit tagged: “The Next Big Thing,” which was held on Sunday, 30th June 2024 at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos.
He noted that ‘the next big thing’ for the MSSN and Muslim youths should be chasing big dreams and aspiring to fill the socio-political and economic power gap in the country.
The elder statesman said, “Muslim youths need to begin to think critically. The major things that are missing for the youths are political power, military power, economic power, spiritual power and social power.
“Thinking of tomorrow, that is a missing link. Looking at tomorrow, you must be planning. Dream big. We have neglected our own dreams, while chasing the dreams of others.
“Should a governor emerge in Lagos without your consent? This was evident at the last election. That is the reality. If you are thinking forward about the future, you have to begin concrete work now,” he said.
Giving an assessment of the administration of MSSN Lagos in the last one year, AbdusSalam noted that the Amir (President) Kamoldeen Abiona cabinet has done a very nice job.
He said, “They’ve done their best and I think the areas where we need to sit down and look at, are what I’ve mentioned in my address; to plan for tomorrow. They need to have a retreat or sit-down to look at how we can plan for tomorrow. What are the things we must do, what are the things we must put in place, and then they must focus with determination.
“This is the time to look for hallmarks. Things that would make this regime relevant in history, in the future. Something you started, something you met halfway, and the ones you completed. You must do things like that.
“Then generally, you must be concerned about the welfare of your members, wherever they may be in Lagos State. You must be sure they are not suffering. You must be sure they are lacking nothing,” he said.
The former director at VON, however, said the most important thing that all Muslim youths need to pay attention to is their faith, which he described as the bedrock of everything.
“People shouldn’t play with their faith, and MSSN should continue to work on building people’s faith. Once the faith is very strong, they will surmount all obstacles in shaa Allah,” he said.
Speaking at the event, The Amir (President) of MSSN Lagos, Kamoldeen Abiona called on the Federal Government to address the issues hindering the development of the agricultural sector in order to enhance food availability to the masses.
Abiona noted that it is imperative for the President Bola Tinubu-led government to improve on country-wide road networks, transportation, and security to enhance food security.
He said, “As we review our achievements and plan for the future today, it is critical to reflect on the current realities of our dear nation. Nigeria faces profound economic challenges, with more than a 100% hike in the cost of goods.
“Our workforce calls for salary increment to cope with this economic strain. We beseech the government to critically examine and address the root causes of this crisis, for the well-being of all Nigerians hinges on economic stability.
“Beyond salary increments, we urge the government to enhance staff welfare which can ensure that workers spend less of their take-home pay on essential expenses.
“The agricultural sector needs to be developed, and all factors to ensure that food gets to the masses without hitches – such as quality transportation, and security – must be improved to enhance food availability and security,” he said.
Abiona said the MSSN Lagos conference, its 70th anniversary and the theme reflect the society’s commitment to legacy and forward-thinking.
He said the vision and selfless contributions of the founding fathers of MSSN laid a strong foundation for the organisation.
“We remember Alhaji Tajudeen Aromashodun, Dr Abdullateef Adegbite, Justice A.R.A. Sahid, and many others – some still with us, some who have returned to Allah. May Allah’s mercy be upon them all,” he said.
Abiona, however, said it is imperative for the present generation of members and leaders of MSSN to have a big picture for the future and dedicate legacy projects to achieve the vision of the founding fathers and the objectives of MSSN.
“I also urge our past leaders to continue to look back at the Society that trained them academically, spiritually, and morally. They should continue to give back to the Society to help develop the upcoming generations. Their continued support and mentorship are invaluable to our progress.
“As we celebrate MSSN at 70, let us remain steadfast in our mission – to serve, to uplift, and to advocate justice. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead and strive towards a brighter future,” he added.
Meanwhile, Abiona noted that the hearts of the Muslim students ache with the plight of the people of Palestine over the oppression of the Zionist Israeli regime in Gaza.
He said, “The continued aggression and massacre by Israel demand our collective outrage and action. We implore the global community to unite against these atrocities and enforce a ceasefire. It is incumbent upon us all to stand against oppression and advocate peace and justice.”
