Taoreed Abdullahi
Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola, believes that Nigeria has the potential to be great if citizens voluntarily adhere strictly to the rule of law, as well as to the principles of justice, fairness, and equity.
Mr. Fashola made the remarks in Lagos during a public lecture organized by the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society, NASFAT to mark the organization’s thirtieth anniversary.
Speaking on the topic “Faith, Social Justice, and Economic Empowerment: Pathways to a Better World,” Mr. Fashola emphasized that social justice is not optional but a divine commandment, asserting that justice should be a national ethic aimed at bridging the gap between the wealthy and the poor.
The immediate past Minister of Works, Power and Housing praised NASFAT for its various programmes aimed at improving the lives of women, highlighting that individuals can focus on their faith more easily if their basic needs are met.
Mr Fashola criticized short-term empowerment models that do not have a lasting impact on society, expressing dissatisfaction with the practice of providing tricycles and motorcycles as forms of empowerment, arguing that effective empowerment should create sustainable job opportunities.
He emphasized the need for the government to generate employment in fields such as artisan work and professional skills, sharing inspiring stories of government intervention programmes that have significantly improved people’s lifestyles.
He advised the government to prioritize creating job opportunities over providing equipment like motorcycles and tricycles, advocating the training of skilled professionals and suggesting that the government should maintain and award contracts to facilitate job creation.
He reiterated that effective government intervention can transform the lives of people.
Mr. Fashola also criticized the concept of constituency projects, which he believes detracts from the primary responsibilities of elected lawmakers, suggesting that such projects should be concentrated in priority areas to have a more significant impact.
He encouraged NASFAT to build more partnerships and engage in interfaith dialogue and recommended collaboration with universities, technology hubs, and development partners to extend their influence beyond Africa.
Looking to the future, Mr Fashola proposed that NASFAT establish a leadership academy for young African Muslim professionals that would focus on faith, ethics, and civic intelligence over the next two centuries.
Mr. Fashola urged NASFAT to strengthen the Zakat and Waqf models to promote community development and to invest in sectors such as agriculture and transportation.
He also suggested that NASFAT champion digital literacy and green energy initiatives to facilitate legitimate online business practices, asserting that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth and sustainable solutions.
In his welcome address, the President of NASFAT, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulRauf, highlighted the incredible journey of NASFAT over the past three decades—from a small prayer group to a globally recognized Islamic organization with over 360 locations across Nigeria and in the diaspora. He proudly cited NASFAT’s achievements, including 28 primary schools, 8 secondary schools, 5 healthcare centers, and the establishment of Fountain University, Osogbo.
The President also emphasized the organization’s core values of peace, discipline, and service to humanity. He reiterated NASFAT’s commitment to non-violence, peaceful coexistence, and character-driven leadership. “Our mission is not just about expansion but about moral elevation. Our growth reflects divine favor and disciplined stewardship,” he said.
NASFAT’s Chief Missioner, Imam Maroofdeen Onike, affirmed that NASFAT’s inclusive spiritual activities, thriving across over three hundred and sixty locations worldwide, embrace all individuals, regardless of their background, creating a truly global Islamic movement.
The public lecture was attended by representatives of the Vice President, Senator Kasim Shettima; the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Naimot Salako; and the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Abul-Nola.
Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Nolla, praised NASFAT for its transformative work within the Asalatu group, describing it as a wake-up call for all Muslim organizations to step up in promoting Islam.
He emphasized that Prophet Muhammad left behind two essential guides, the Quran and Hadith, and noted that those who follow these teachings will never go astray.
Reflecting on history, Sheikh Abou-Nolla mentioned that Islam has been present since 1774, stressing the importance of Muslim organizations working together to identify and address major challenges.
He called for collaboration among Muslim groups in developing human capital and urged them to focus on key issues in education, healthcare, empowerment, and industrial advancement.
President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Worldwide, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, congratulated NASFAT on its thirty years of dedication, passion, and service to Islam.
Mr Kazeem highlighted that this 30th anniversary is a significant milestone, recognizing the impactful strides made by NASFAT, which have outpaced others, noting that the society’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance has been vital for its growth and development.
He advised NASFAT to collaborate with other Islamic faith groups for the betterment and upliftment of the Muslim ummah.
He emphasized the need for unity in efforts to provide a positive impact, inspire hope, and contribute to the welfare of the Muslim community.
Mr. Kazeem also commended the leadership of NASFAT for their tireless efforts in promoting faith, social justice, and economic empowerment.
Taoreed Abdullahi
Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola, believes that Nigeria has the potential to be great if citizens voluntarily adhere strictly to the rule of law, as well as to the principles of justice, fairness, and equity.
Mr. Fashola made the remarks in Lagos during a public lecture organized by the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society, NASFAT to mark the organization’s thirtieth anniversary.
Speaking on the topic “Faith, Social Justice, and Economic Empowerment: Pathways to a Better World,” Mr. Fashola emphasized that social justice is not optional but a divine commandment, asserting that justice should be a national ethic aimed at bridging the gap between the wealthy and the poor.
The immediate past Minister of Works, Power and Housing praised NASFAT for its various programmes aimed at improving the lives of women, highlighting that individuals can focus on their faith more easily if their basic needs are met.
Mr Fashola criticized short-term empowerment models that do not have a lasting impact on society, expressing dissatisfaction with the practice of providing tricycles and motorcycles as forms of empowerment, arguing that effective empowerment should create sustainable job opportunities.
He emphasized the need for the government to generate employment in fields such as artisan work and professional skills, sharing inspiring stories of government intervention programmes that have significantly improved people’s lifestyles.
He advised the government to prioritize creating job opportunities over providing equipment like motorcycles and tricycles, advocating the training of skilled professionals and suggesting that the government should maintain and award contracts to facilitate job creation.
He reiterated that effective government intervention can transform the lives of people.
Mr. Fashola also criticized the concept of constituency projects, which he believes detracts from the primary responsibilities of elected lawmakers, suggesting that such projects should be concentrated in priority areas to have a more significant impact.
He encouraged NASFAT to build more partnerships and engage in interfaith dialogue and recommended collaboration with universities, technology hubs, and development partners to extend their influence beyond Africa.
Looking to the future, Mr Fashola proposed that NASFAT establish a leadership academy for young African Muslim professionals that would focus on faith, ethics, and civic intelligence over the next two centuries.
Mr. Fashola urged NASFAT to strengthen the Zakat and Waqf models to promote community development and to invest in sectors such as agriculture and transportation.
He also suggested that NASFAT champion digital literacy and green energy initiatives to facilitate legitimate online business practices, asserting that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth and sustainable solutions.
In his welcome address, the President of NASFAT, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulRauf, highlighted the incredible journey of NASFAT over the past three decades—from a small prayer group to a globally recognized Islamic organization with over 360 locations across Nigeria and in the diaspora. He proudly cited NASFAT’s achievements, including 28 primary schools, 8 secondary schools, 5 healthcare centers, and the establishment of Fountain University, Osogbo.
The President also emphasized the organization’s core values of peace, discipline, and service to humanity. He reiterated NASFAT’s commitment to non-violence, peaceful coexistence, and character-driven leadership. “Our mission is not just about expansion but about moral elevation. Our growth reflects divine favor and disciplined stewardship,” he said.
NASFAT’s Chief Missioner, Imam Maroofdeen Onike, affirmed that NASFAT’s inclusive spiritual activities, thriving across over three hundred and sixty locations worldwide, embrace all individuals, regardless of their background, creating a truly global Islamic movement.
The public lecture was attended by representatives of the Vice President, Senator Kasim Shettima; the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Naimot Salako; and the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Abul-Nola.
Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Nolla, praised NASFAT for its transformative work within the Asalatu group, describing it as a wake-up call for all Muslim organizations to step up in promoting Islam.
He emphasized that Prophet Muhammad left behind two essential guides, the Quran and Hadith, and noted that those who follow these teachings will never go astray.
Reflecting on history, Sheikh Abou-Nolla mentioned that Islam has been present since 1774, stressing the importance of Muslim organizations working together to identify and address major challenges.
He called for collaboration among Muslim groups in developing human capital and urged them to focus on key issues in education, healthcare, empowerment, and industrial advancement.
President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Worldwide, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, congratulated NASFAT on its thirty years of dedication, passion, and service to Islam.
Mr Kazeem highlighted that this 30th anniversary is a significant milestone, recognizing the impactful strides made by NASFAT, which have outpaced others, noting that the society’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance has been vital for its growth and development.
He advised NASFAT to collaborate with other Islamic faith groups for the betterment and upliftment of the Muslim ummah.
He emphasized the need for unity in efforts to provide a positive impact, inspire hope, and contribute to the welfare of the Muslim community.
Mr. Kazeem also commended the leadership of NASFAT for their tireless efforts in promoting faith, social justice, and economic empowerment.