By Rasheed Abubakar
* As Sultan, Oyetola, Olowu, top scholars join Muslim leaders at 10th MUSWEN General Assembly in Osun
The Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold leadership and strategic economic recovery efforts amid Nigeria’s current challenges.
Governor Sule gave the commendation on Sunday, November 15, while delivering the keynote address at the 10th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), held at the Bola Babalakin Auditorium in Gbongan, Osun State.
Describing Tinubu as a courageous reformer, the governor lauded him for “formulating sound economic policies, implementing bold reforms, demonstrating fiscal ingenuity, and fostering private sector partnerships through strategic long-term planning.”
He noted that the Assembly’s theme, “Nigeria’s Economy: Any Hope for the Masses?”, aligns with both federal and sub-national visions to build a more inclusive and sustainable economic future for all Nigerians.
Governor Sule also shared highlights of Nasarawa State’s economic progress under his watch, particularly the strategic development of its mining sector. He encouraged other governors to harness their states’ comparative advantages to spur development and improve citizens’ welfare.
His vision reflects courage of great Leader
Engineer Sule said that President Tinubu came into office with a robust economic blueprint aimed at delivering good governance and purposeful leadership to Nigerians.
“It’s a known fact that President Tinubu came in with a quality economic plan designed to reposition the country. He has shown the courage and resilience needed to implement reforms that benefit Nigerians,” he stated.
Governor Sule drew a comparison between President Tinubu and the legendary Islamic figure, Sayyidina Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (RA), known for his bravery, transformation, and steadfast leadership.
“Sayyidina Umar (RA) was a multifaceted leader whose life journey, from being a fierce opponent of Islam to becoming one of its greatest defenders, exemplifies courage rooted in faith. He was the first to bear the title ‘Amirul Mumineen’ (Commander of the Faithful). The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) even said that if Umar walked a path, Shaytan would take another.”
“Drawing from such examples, President Tinubu has demonstrated similar bravery in leadership. It takes such courage to achieve real, positive change,” Gov. Sule added, during the address monitored by Muslim News Nigeria.
Backs removal of subsidy, says tough but necessary
Governor Sule also addressed the removal of subsidy by President Tinubu during his address, described it as a courageous and necessary step, despite the temporary hardships it imposed on Nigerians.
Speaking at the 10th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) in Gbongan, Osun State, the governor acknowledged that the policy, which was President Tinubu’s first major economic reform, was bold and essential to stabilise the country’s economy.
“President Tinubu’s courage necessitated the immediate removal of fuel subsidy. Without mincing words, the decision was tough, but it was absolutely necessary given the turbulent situation of our country,” he said.
Governor Sule admitted that the policy brought about some hardships, but added that the results are beginning to show.
“When we used to have over 30% inflation, today we are now closer to 20%, and by the grace of God, we are looking forward to single-digit inflation. There is light at the end of the tunnel, he said, while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to work together, care for each other and do everything possible to support this government,” Gov Sule said.
Tinubu pledges support for youth, education and innovation
The President, who was represented at the assembly by Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, highlighted measures introduced by his administration, which include consumer credit schemes, vocational training programs, and greater institutional support for youth-driven enterprises.
He further emphasized the need for economic diversification, particularly through accessible, technology‑driven education aligned with the demands of a modern global economy.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to rise above current economic frustrations and embrace the “vast oasis of opportunities” available in the country, urging citizens to become active agents of transformation rather than succumb to despair. READ FULL STORY HERE
Sultan of Sokoto urges unity, firm action against criminals
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, led a delegation of traditional rulers and Islamic scholars to the high-profile event, which brought together key stakeholders in the Muslim community.
Alhaji Abubakar III called on Nigerians to remain united and resist attempts by external forces to divide them along religious or ethnic lines.
Osun State Gov encourages Nigerians to promote peace
Governor of Osun State and host of the programme, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Kolapo Alimi, encouraged Nigerians to promote peace and religious harmony.
He appealed to religious leaders to avoid preaching violence or extremism and instead pray for political leaders to succeed.
Chairman of the MUSWEN Board of Trustees, Dr. Wale Babalakin, urged Muslims to uphold integrity and invest in education. According to Babalakin, the government would need to invest about 50 per cent of its annual budget in education over the next 20 years for it to raise youth who are able to meet 21st-century job market needs.
The President of MUSWEN, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, said President Tinubu’s administration should be commended for its efforts at poverty reduction and improvement in primary healthcare delivery.
He, however, urged the federal government to spend more on roads, railways and housing.
Highlights of the General Assembly included a business session, the announcement of a new Executive Secretary, Prof. Wole Abdullateef Abbas; distribution of scholarships to female medical students; and support for MUSWEN’s N2bn fundraising initiative targeted at economic empowerment, scholarships, healthcare facilities, the MUSWEN Secretariat, infrastructural development, and more.
Some of the top dignitaries at the event included the Olowu of Owu, Prof. Saka Matemilola; Oba Adesola Munirudeen Lawal, Laminisa I, the Timi of Ede Land; Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment; and Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, recipient of the Nigerian Muslim Legal Person of the Year award.
Others were Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad, National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria; former NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan; and Alhaji Kunle Sanni, who was recently honoured with the Lifetime Service to Islam Award by this medium. Also in attendance were representatives of various Muslim organizations, professional bodies, and Imams of major central mosques.
Finalists for Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year (#MNAwards20242025)
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