The Founder and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen-In-Islam Worldwide , Wakajaye, Ibadan, Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP, has felicitated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of this year’s Eid-Maulud, the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW).
In a statement issued through his Media Aide, Bode Akinbode, Professor Olagoke, extended warm greetings and best wishes to all Muslims, urging them to use the occasion not merely as a period of celebration, but as an opportunity to reflect on the exemplary life, teachings and virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW), particularly his commitment to peace, justice, compassion, honesty, tolerance and service to humanity.
Professor Olagoke said the significance of Maulud should go beyond religious ceremonies, stressing that Muslims must demonstrate the virtues exemplified by the Prophet through good character, peaceful coexistence, love for fellow human beings, compassion for the vulnerable and responsible citizenship.
He noted that Nigeria was passing through a challenging period, with many families struggling under the weight of rising costs of food, transportation, housing, healthcare and other essential needs, urging governments at all levels to intensify efforts to lessen the economic burden on citizens.
The Islamic cleric called on the Federal Government to pursue policies and programmes that would directly improve the living conditions of Nigerians, particularly through greater investment in food security, employment generation, affordable healthcare, education, social protection, infrastructure and support for small and medium-sized businesses.
He said government policies should ultimately be judged by their impact on ordinary Nigerians, particularly workers, pensioners, unemployed youths, farmers, traders, artisans and other vulnerable members of society.
“Government must continue to listen to the cries and concerns of Nigerians. The people should not only hear about economic reforms; they must also feel the positive impact of those reforms in their homes, markets, workplaces and communities.“
“The government must therefore intensify its efforts to reduce the cost of living, create opportunities for productive engagement and ensure that the benefits of national development are not concentrated in the hands of a few,” he said.
Professor Olagoke also appealed to Nigerians to remain peaceful and hopeful despite the prevailing economic difficulties, warning against resorting to violence, criminality, hatred and other forms of destructive behaviour.
He urged religious, traditional and community leaders to continue to promote dialogue, tolerance, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Professor Olagoke urged politicians and political parties to place the interest of Nigeria above personal ambitions and partisan considerations.
He called on political actors to shun inflammatory rhetoric, religious manipulation, ethnic mobilisation, vote buying, intimidation, electoral violence, misinformation and other practices capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process and threatening national peace.
“Politics must be about service and not a desperate struggle for power. Politicians seeking elective positions in 2027 should tell Nigerians what they intend to do differently and how they will achieve it.“
“Those seeking power must remember that political office is a trust and not a licence to oppress, deceive or exploit the people. Nigerians deserve leadership that is accountable, competent, compassionate and committed to the common good,” he said.
Professor Olagoke particularly cautioned politicians against dragging religion and sacred institutions into partisan political battles, urging them to refrain from sacrilege and from actions capable of offending the religious sensibilities of Nigerians.
He stressed that religious beliefs, sacred places and institutions must be treated with respect and should never be desecrated or exploited as instruments for political mobilisation, blackmail or character assassination.
The Spiritual Head also urged religious leaders to remain independent, courageous and committed to speaking truth to power, warning them against allowing themselves to be used as instruments for political interests.
Professor Olagoke encouraged Muslims to use the Eid-Maulud celebration to pray for Nigeria, its leaders and its people, while emphasising that prayers must be accompanied by responsible citizenship, hard work, patriotism, honesty and obedience to the law.
He equally advised Nigerian youths to reject criminality, drug abuse, internet fraud, political thuggery and other destructive activities, urging them instead to acquire relevant skills, embrace legitimate opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He, however, prayed for peace, stability, prosperity and divine guidance for Nigeria, while urging Muslims to allow the virtues and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW) to shape their relationships, conduct and contributions to society.
