Full Speech of the President of University of Lagos Muslim Alumni UMA at the 2024 Pre Ramadan lecture

By Ajayi Sodiq

WELCOME ADDRESS BY PROFESSOR KHALID OLAJIDE ADEKOYA, PRESIDENT UNILAG MUSLIM ALUMNI (UMA) DELIVERED AT THE 29TH ANNUAL PRE-RAMADAN LECTURE HELD AT THE J.F. ADE-AJAYI AUDITORIUM, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, NIGERIA ON YAWMUL-L-AHAD, 22ND SHAA’BAN 1445AH (SUNDAY, 3RD MARCH, 2024).

PROTOCOLS
It is with my greatest delight and gratitude to Almighty Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful that I welcome you all to the 29th Pre-Ramadan lecture of our association, University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA). The Pre-Ramadan lecture series started in the late 1990s with a focus on providing information and sensitizing the general public, particularly Muslims, on Ramadan, it’s teachings and the gains for participating in this important pillar of Islam.

Back in those early days, we discussed basic topics such as What is Ramadan? Why Ramadan? What vitiates fast? The Dos and Don’ts in Ramadan? After Ramadan, what next?; Etcetera.
At the turn of the decade, the focus of the programme was redirected to contemporary national and global issues of concern, not only to the Muslims, but the world at large . This led to topics and themes along Leadership and Trust; Corruption and Justice; Democracy and Electioneering; Global terrorism and many more.

Following that premise, it is in consideration of the current state of affairs in our country that led us to choose the theme of today’s Ramadan Lecture: “ECONOMIC REFORMS FOR NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE”.

To interrogate this germane topic that is of concern to all Nigerians irrespective of creed, ethnicity, political leaning or social status, we have invited accomplished professionals and erudite scholars. Our lead speaker, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group will give us an informed insight into Government policy drives and how it affects us. Dr. Jubril Salaudeen, Director, Executive Education and Consulting at Nungu Business School will share with us his perspectives of non-governmental and public space as a discussant. We also have my able sister and Professor of Economics, Professor Jameelah Yaqub from Lagos State University to examine the topic from an academic perspective, using time-tested theories and models also as a discussant.

Further, in the spirit of Ramadan, we shall also have the opportunity to listen to the Mudeer, Markaz Daaru Salaam, Sheikh Dawud Alfanla Abdul Majeed Eleha, who will whet our appetite with spiritual perspectives and he shall speak in Yoruba. language.

We shall also have the privilege of having His Excellency, Alhaji Kashim Shettima Mustapha, GCON, the 15th and current Vice President of Nigeria and Chairman, National Economic Council, give us a deep insight into the economic reforms of the Government towards alleviating the current financial situation of the citizenry for a sustainable present and future.

Suffice to say that we as Nigerians have been under severe pressure occasioned by inflation, exceptionally high costs of prices of food stuffs and services, downward trends of our currency value in the global money market and other key indices of the economy. We are however hopeful that the hardships will recede and better times will come when policies being introduced begin to yield good fruits and succour for the people. In my opinion, this will materialise only if all stakeholders (Government and the Governed) play their part in line with global best practices in rejuvenating an ailing economy and, above all, if we imbibe the fear of Allah in the true sense of it.

The Holy Qur’an Chapter 65, verse 7 (Suratul Talaq) says: “Let the Rich man spend according to his means and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. Allah will grant after hardship, ease.” Another verse reiterates the relief after hardship in Qur’an Chapter 94, verses 4 and 5 (Suratul Ash-Sharh) : “Verily, along with every hardship is relief and Verily, along with every hardship is relief.”

Let us take note of Allah’s emphasis of relief over hardship in these verses. The repetition is made deliberately by Allah to reassure us. “For indeed, with hardship (will be) ease”. As Muslims, let us embrace Allah’s promise and we will begin to see the reliefs around us which we might not even have taken notice before. We must not give up even if pain seems to be never-ending and we feel worn-out from bearing it.

Surely, relief is coming and something even greater and better awaits us just around the corner bi ithiniLlah. Let us say “Aameen.”
However, we are obligated to take some practical steps as a nation. We must invest extensively and pragmatically especially in manufacturing and Agro-Allied industries. Manufacturing will promote local production, boost employment and reduce our dependence on imported goods. Agriculture will eliminate hunger and reduce crime and criminality. Government should also make concerted efforts to achieve fiscal and monetary policy consolidation to tackle inflation; strengthen our public services to improve efficiency and reduce corruption; improve the business environment to attract investment; fight insurgency and banditry to improve security nationwide. Truly, our country is facing multifaceted challenges but these can be overcome with sincerity, transparency and accountability in governance. Our guest speaker and discussants will do justice to the topic of the day.

I wish to thank the everyone present here today. I begin with the Chairman, Board of Trustee (BOT) of UMA Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and other distinguished members of the BOT for their constant support, passion, progressive ideas and dedication to the growth of the Association. I also wish to thank the management of our University ably led by Professor Folashade T. Ogunsola (Ameerah), OON, FAS for the support we have enjoyed over the years. We remain hopeful and positive for continued collaboration with regard to the proposed student hostel project, the UMA Scholarship Scheme, the UMA Capacity Building for our students and many more budding schemes that we hope to unveil in the nearest future.

I wish to recognize the Chairman of today (our egbon), Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN for always being there for us and standing firmly for progress of the Ummah. My special greetings also go to the royal father of the day, HRM Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege, Olota of Ota. Kabiyesi oooo.

Permit me to briefly emphasise some of the UMA programmes that we continue to require the generosity of our guests and friends to sustain. Our Annual Scholarship programme has been expanded and we just recently awarded 20 more postgraduate students for the current school session. This brings our PhD scholars to 63 and Masters scholars to 115. I am glad to announce that, in recognition of our efforts, a group of brothers have instituted 2 more PhD scholarships through UMA in honour of Ustadh Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, the immediate past chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The awardees will be unveiled during the UMA Scholars’ Day coming up after Ramadan in sha Allah.

In like manner, a generous couple who prefer to remain anonymous also endowed 2 Masters scholarships in their names; while another sister who also pleads not to be mentioned made a donation to sponsor 1 PhD and 2 Masters scholars. All these additional scholarships shall be awarded after the mandatory screening of candidates and the winners will be unveiled at the UMA Scholars Day event.

These are some of the contributions of UMA to scholarship and capacity building. Many of our former scholars are now academic staff of Universities, members of research institutes and industry leaders in and outside Nigeria. You may also be part of this laudable project (Please refer to relevant pages in the brochure for details).

Also, planning for our Capacity Building programme is in top gear. We are working with the UNILAG Muslim Students Society, the UNILAG Muslim Community (UMC) on one hand and the University Student Affairs’ Office with a view to harmonising areas of interest. Our former intervention in this regard led to the University instituting a course GST 317 for Entrepreneurship and Good Governance for all Year 3 students as a compulsory course. We also run regular webinar series at the National and State chapters of UMA for updating and keeping our members and the general public abreast of issues of national and contemporary concerns.

To conclude this address, I beseech you all to listen with rapt attention to our well appointed speakers so that we might go home more enlightened and educated to play our own roles in rejuvenating our country’s ailing economy for our collective good; and also to have a most rewarding Ramadan.
I use this opportunity of Ramadan to pray to Almighty Allah (SWT) to give us the full benefits of the blessings of the month, grant us forgiveness and reward us individually and collectively.

Welcome and Ramadan Kareem to all.
Assalamun alaikum waramatullah wabarakatuh.

Prof. Khalid O. Adekoya
President, UNILAG MUSLIM ALUMNI (UMA) 2022 – 2024.

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