NSCIA Assembly: Muslims Urged To Unite, Emulate Oloyede’s Excellence

Muslims have been urged to unite and demonstrate excellence, integrity and responsibility in their various positions to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Salisu Shehu, made the call on Thursday while speaking with journalists on the sideline of the council’s General Assembly at the Conference Room of the National Mosque, Abuja.

Shehu said the call reflected the message delivered by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who urged Muslims to remain united and committed to their responsibilities as citizens.

According to him, national development could only be achieved when citizens, particularly Muslims, work together rather than operate on divided fronts.

“He called on all Muslims to be firmly united so that with their unity they will contribute to the building of the nation,” Shehu said.

He stressed that nation building was a collective responsibility, adding that Muslims could make a greater contribution when they remained united and fulfilled their duties responsibly.

The NSCIA deputy secretary-general also cited the former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, as an example of the standard of excellence Muslims should strive to demonstrate in public service.

He said Oloyede’s 10-year tenure at JAMB showed that a Nigerian could combine professionalism, prudence, commitment and responsibility in public office while making both Muslims and the wider country proud.

“He did excellently well. He made Muslims proud with the way he handled their affairs in JAMB. But he also made Nigerians proud that there can be Nigerians that can be so excellent, so responsible, so prudent, so dutiful and so committed,” Shehu said.

He urged Muslims occupying positions of authority to see their responsibilities as opportunities to demonstrate the values taught by Islam, rather than merely as positions of influence.

Shehu said the conduct of individuals in public office could shape perceptions about their faith and community, stressing that Muslims should strive for excellence in whatever responsibility they were entrusted with.

“Muslims should emulate whoever is in a position of responsibility, should emulate to try to demonstrate the excellence of Islam,” he said.

According to him, excellence, diligence and responsibility should not be limited to religious activities but should extend to every sphere of national life.

He said the message was particularly relevant as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to take their responsibilities seriously irrespective of their positions.

“If every one of us would do what he or she is supposed to do responsibly and responsively in all positions that we hold, this nation would be better for all of us,” he said.

Shehu maintained that the NSCIA’s emphasis on unity and responsible citizenship was part of its broader responsibility to encourage Muslims to contribute positively to the development and stability of Nigeria.

He called on Muslims to translate their religious values into practical conduct in their workplaces, communities and public institutions, saying such individual contributions would collectively strengthen the nation.