….Over 200 benefit from free medical outreach in Ogun
Mujeeb Akindoyin
The Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, and the leadership of The Muslim Congress, Ogun State, have charged public officeholders, traditional and religious leaders, professionals and parents to uphold integrity, justice and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The call was made on Sunday at the TMC Ogun State Quarterly Lecture, free medical outreach and fire-safety enlightenment programme held at the Olowu Palace, Owu, Abeokuta.
The programme, which had the theme, “Trust and Leadership in Islam,” also provided free medical screening, consultations and drugs to more than 200 beneficiaries through a collaboration between TMC, Accurate Medical Diagnosis and Damien Foundation.
Participants also received health education and practical enlightenment on fire prevention and safety.
Speaking at the event, the Olowu commended TMC for combining religious education with humanitarian interventions, stressing that Islamic propagation should go beyond sermons to initiatives capable of improving the quality of life of members of society.
The monarch said the medical outreach and fire-safety awareness demonstrated the importance of addressing both the spiritual and material needs of the people.
He also emphasised the significance of Zakat, describing it as a compulsory pillar of Islam for Muslims who meet the prescribed conditions.
According to the monarch, Muslims should constantly remember that they would be accountable for their actions before Allah, urging those entrusted with leadership positions to discharge their responsibilities with sincerity.
The guest speaker, Dr Afiz Oladimeji Musa, Director of the Insight Institute for Islamic and Technical Studies and Deputy Qadi of the Shariah Arbitration Council, Ogun State, described leadership as an Amanah, or trust, carrying serious responsibilities before Allah.
Musa warned against desperation for leadership positions, saying the higher the authority entrusted to an individual, the greater the responsibility and accountability attached to it.
He said accountability was not limited to presidents, governors, traditional rulers or religious leaders, stressing that everyone entrusted with responsibility was a leader in one capacity or another.
“Whether you are the President, a governor, a traditional ruler or an ordinary individual, Allah will call you to account for the Amanah given to you,” he said.
The Islamic scholar cited the prophetic teaching that everyone is a shepherd and would be questioned about those under their care.
He explained that teachers, civil servants, parents, wealthy individuals, artisans and professionals all exercise leadership in different forms and must therefore recognise their responsibilities to others.
Musa identified truthfulness, sincerity, justice and competence as essential attributes of responsible leadership.
He cautioned that knowledge or truthfulness alone might not be sufficient to qualify an individual for a particular leadership responsibility without the competence required to discharge it effectively.
The scholar further urged leaders to accept constructive criticism and avoid self-denial, arguing that openness and accountability were critical to responsible stewardship.
Drawing lessons from the leadership of Prophet Dawud, he said authority ultimately comes from Allah and must therefore be exercised with justice.
He also urged Muslims to emulate the leadership qualities associated with Prophet Muhammad and his companions, particularly their commitment to justice, sincerity, accountability and service to humanity.
Musa reminded the gathering that leadership positions and titles were temporary, noting that every individual would eventually leave office and account for his or her stewardship before Allah.
He referred to the prophetic teaching concerning seven categories of people who would receive Allah’s shade on the Day of Judgement, including a just ruler, as an indication of the spiritual importance attached to fairness and justice in leadership.
The cleric also described family responsibility as one of the major trusts placed on individuals, urging parents and spouses to discharge their obligations with fairness and care.
He cautioned against taking additional wives without the capacity to fulfil the responsibilities involved, stressing that the welfare of the family should remain a priority.
Musa also called for greater appreciation of artisans and vocational workers, urging practitioners to approach their trades as a form of service to society rather than focusing solely on financial gain.
He lamented the shortage of skilled artisans and encouraged Nigerians, particularly young people, to develop practical skills capable of meeting the needs of society.
Earlier, the Waali of TMC, Ogun State, Dr Jamiu Folarin, said the quarterly lecture was part of the organisation’s efforts to promote Islamic knowledge, moral reorientation, responsible citizenship and service to humanity.
Folarin said the theme was particularly relevant against the backdrop of concerns over trust, credibility and accountability in political, religious and other institutions in Nigeria.
He noted that mutual suspicion had contributed to tensions within and between religious communities, while concerns over the integrity and accountability of political leaders remained part of public discourse.
The TMC leader said the organisation was using the lecture to examine the Islamic model of leadership and its relevance to contemporary challenges.
He also advocated issue-based political campaigns, transparency and accountability as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Folarin urged citizens to scrutinise the policies, records, integrity and commitments of candidates seeking elective offices, including the Senate, House of Representatives, governorship and State Houses of Assembly.
He said political candidates should provide credible assurances that their campaign promises would translate into tangible policies and programmes.
The TMC leader, however, stressed that the organisation’s advocacy was not intended to support or reject any political party or candidate but to promote informed public scrutiny and responsible political participation.
Folarin also commended Accurate Medical Diagnosis, Damien Foundation and the Olowu Palace for partnering with TMC on the programme, describing the collaboration as an example of how religious organisations, traditional institutions and professional bodies could jointly address community needs.
He acknowledged the Olowu’s contributions to the promotion of Islam, Muslim unity and humanitarian development, including his reported efforts towards the transformation of the Ogun State Muslim Council.
Folarin disclosed that the quarterly programme was also a prelude to the TMC Ogun State Annual Lecture, scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Ontec Event Centre, Abiolaway, Abeokuta.
He said the week-long activities would include special Jumat services at selected mosques across Ogun State and humanitarian visits to hospitals, homes for vulnerable and motherless children, correctional centres and other institutions.
Among those who attended the programme were the Olowu and his wife, Olori Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola; the Chief Imam of Owu, Sheikh Sulaimon Akorede Kehinde; Managing Director of HOB Hospital, Elega, Dr Lukman Adefuye; and immediate past Waali of TMC, Ogun State, Dr AbdurRazaq Ogunmoye, alongside other Islamic leaders, professionals, stakeholders and members of the public.
I
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
