Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako Oyedele, has cautioned Islamic organisations against turning their platforms into arenas of division and unhealthy rivalry, urging them instead to serve as vehicles for strengthening faith, deepening unity and expanding social impact.
She gave the admonition in her goodwill message at the annual Mega Ramadan lecture organised by Coalition for Dawah Advancement at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.
The lecture, themed “Mandate Abandonment: Repositioning the Islamic Mission,” drew Islamic scholars, leaders and faithful from across the state.
According to her, disunity weakens impact and fragmentation dilutes influence. She stressed that while healthy rivalry among organisations could raise standards and inspire innovation, it must not create parallel efforts that pull the Ummah apart.
“If we are to meaningfully reposition the Islamic mission, we must begin with education. We must strive to educate our children in both Islamic knowledge and contemporary education.”
“This is the first and most important step towards strengthening our human capacity development. Our children must be spiritually grounded, morally guided, and intellectually equipped to thrive and contribute positively in today’s world,” she said.
The Deputy Governor also observed that the challenge of propagating Islam becomes more complex when elites fail to actively participate in Dawah activities.
She described Islam as a collective trust, noting that those blessed with education, influence and public platforms must recognise the responsibility attached to such privileges.
“I am very proud to be a Muslimah, and I take my responsibility as a role model for Muslims and for Muslim women in particular very seriously. I remain conscious that all I say and do reflects not only on me as an individual, but on Muslims in general. That awareness shapes my conduct in public service and in private life,” she added.
She commended CODA for consistently providing a platform for reflection and renewal within the Ummah, especially during Ramadan, and encouraged the body to remain steadfast in its mission of coordination and collective advancement.
Chairman of the occasion and Mogaji Adinni of Owu Kingdom, Prof. Moruf Adenekan, urged Muslims to lead by example, embrace Dawah and deepen their knowledge of Islam.
Delivering the lecture, Dr. Daud Amoo Alaga described repositioning as a conscious effort to return to the right path.
He lamented that many Muslims had abandoned core values, urging them to embrace peace, integrity and good character while shunning disunity and ego.
Earlier, the facilitator of the programme, Alhaji Rabiu Kushimo, called on Muslim organisations to think, reason and work together, warning that as long as Muslims remain divided, they would continue to operate as minorities despite their numbers.
