*As delegates arrive for 3-day gathering
The Guild of Muslim Professionals for Peace and Development (GMP) is holding its 2024 Convention in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.
The four-day event commenced today, Wednesday, 25th December with delegates arriving at the venue, Conference Hotel in Abeokuta, and already doing necessary documentation, Muslim News can report.
GMP is a non-profit making, non-political, non-tribal organisation established with the core objective of exclusively creating a platform for Muslim professionals to network, mentor, bond, share ideas and contribute to development.
The theme of this year’s convention is ‘Balanced Prosperity: Faith, Wealth and Global Resilience’.
Muslim News learnt that it is the 12th Annual Convention of the Guild.
The Annual Convention is the convergence of Muslim professionals and executives from diverse fields to discuss innovative ways of advancing their fields and proffer solutions to global issues affecting every human in general, and Muslims in particular.
Previous editions of the convention have always held in Lagos State, according to the Chairman, Planning Committee, Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo, who added that this is the first time another state, Ogun, will play host to the big gathering of Muslim professionals.
“We are moving to Abeokuta, Ogun State, because professionals across the Southwest felt Lagos has had its own fair share of hosting the event. So, we want to have the convention in other states,” he said.
“In picking Abeokuta, we considered its accessibility for professionals. The venue is comfortable, and the road network is good.”
Alhaji Adebanjo said GMP is returning to its original style, where participants camp around the venue until the last day.
“We took into cognisance the yearnings of people to have days with their family members without losing touch with fellow Muslim professionals, especially for networking and all others.
“The conventions held in the last two years at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, were not a kind of programme where participants could sleep over. They attend and go home. But people said they want a holiday-like convention; once they leave their homes, they won’t return until the final day.
“So, we are returning GMP back to how it began, where once you attend together with your family, you won’t return until about three or four days of the event. Professionals have worked all through the year. So, they need a place to relax and bond more with their family and gain more during the period,” he said.
The 2024 Convention will parade renowned national and international scholars as speakers. The list includes – the immediate former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Ali Isa Pantami; President of The Academy of e-learning, UK, Prof Zaher Kuhail; CEO Lotus Financial Services, Hajia Toyin Kekere-Ekun; National Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad; Prof of Civil Engineering, Texas University, US, Dr. Sahadat Hossain; Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Afis Oladosu; Acting President, Institute of Islamic Finance, Prof Tajudeen Yusuf, among other high-ranking speakers
Side attractions such as visit to Oluomo Rock, Adire Centre, Obasanjo Library, and other monuments, will form highlights of the convention, which will also be attended by the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola; President-General of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, among others.
The Chairman said the number of registration they have received so far shows people are looking forward to the programme.
Muslim News observed that some families arrived the venue two days before the commencement date.
In his own remarks, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of GMP, Dr. Akeem Oyewale, said the theme of the convention is both timely and profound as professionals navigate the complexities of the modern world.
“This year’s convention theme, “Balanced Prosperity: Faith, Wealth, and Global Resilience,” harmonises with the trials and opportunities of our time. In a world shaped by unprecedented technological advancements, shifting economies, and global interdependence, we must ask: How do we balance spiritual fulfilment with economic empowerment while remaining resilient in the face of uncertainty?
“This theme invites us to reflect on how the values of Islam can guide our professional and social contributions towards sustainable development,” he said.
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