A former Kano State governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has declared that only leaders with integrity can rescue Nigeria
He charged Muslims to continue to contribute to the development of the country, despite the challenges
Shekarau asked them to elect leaders with proven integrity, regardless of their political affiliation.
Ibrahim who spoke yesterday at the 27th National Umma Convention organised by the National Islamic Center at the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar Pilgrims Camp in Bauchi, emphasised that the issues confronting the Muslim Umma were surmountable with unity and commitment.
The convention brought together prominent Islamic scholars, government officials, traditional leaders and stakeholders from across the country.
Shekarau said, “I advise that people should vote for good leaders, even if they are from the devil’s party.”
In his welcome address, the national chairman of the Muslim Umma, Prof. Muhammad Babangida Muhammad, said the National Islamic Center was established in 1980 by members of the Muslim Students Society seeking to continue serving their communities after graduation.
He highlighted the Umma’s five-decade journey, marked by efforts to promote unity, good governance and national cohesion.
Expressing concern on Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, Prof. Babangida called on all levels of government to prioritise agriculture and skills acquisition programmes to curb youth involvement in criminal activities.
Representing the Emir of Bauchi, Galadiman Bauchi, Surveyor Sa’idu Ibrahim Jahun, acknowledged the country’s current socio-economic difficulties and emphasised the need for state and local governments to adopt multi-faceted strategies in addressing youth challenges, particularly through vocational training.
Declaring the event open, Bauchi State Governor Bala Muhammad represented by his deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, pledged to incorporate the convention’s outcomes into state policy.
He noted that the rising challenges among youths were often due to lack of guidance and community support.
“The problems facing Nigeria are not exclusive to any one group. All hands must be on deck to tackle these issues,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritise education, youth empowerment, and interfaith dialogue to promote peace and societal progress.
Among the guest speakers at the event were the chairman of Media Trust Limited, Malam Kabir Abdullahi Yusuf and Professor Sa’id Ahmad Dukawa of the Bayero University, Kano.
The convention provided a platform for engaging discussions on the future of Muslims in Nigeria and the role of the Umma in fostering national unity and development.
