The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has charged Islamic societies and organisations to serve as vehicles for strengthening faith, deepening unity, enhancing political relevance and expanding social impact, warning against division and unhealthy rivalry within the Muslim community.
Salako-Oyedele gave the charge on Sunday at the annual Mega Ramadan Lecture organised by the Coalition for Dawah Advancement, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.
Speaking on the theme, “Mandate Abandonment: Repositioning the Islamic Mission,” the deputy governor said disunity weakens impact and fragmentation dilutes influence, stressing that Islamic organisations must avoid parallel efforts that pull them apart.
She said, “Islamic societies should be platforms that strengthen our faith and unity, not arenas for division or unhealthy competition. Healthy rivalry should raise standards, inspire innovation and increase value — not create fragmentation.”
Salako-Oyedele identified education as the starting point for repositioning the Islamic mission, urging Muslim leaders to prioritise both Islamic and contemporary education for children.
“If we are to meaningfully reposition the Islamic mission, we must begin with education. 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 expressed concern over what she described as the low level of elite participation in Dawah activities, noting that Islam is a collective responsibility.
“The challenge of propagating Islam is compounded when elites are not actively involved in Dawah work. Those of us blessed with education, influence or public platforms must understand that these privileges come with responsibility,” she added.
Describing herself as a proud Muslimah, Salako-Oyedele said she remained conscious that her words and actions reflect not only on her as an individual but on Muslims generally, a reality she said guides her conduct in public service and private life.
She commended CODA for providing a platform that encourages reflection and strategic thinking within the Ummah, especially during Ramadan, and urged the group to remain steadfast in fostering coordination and engagement among Islamic bodies.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Mogaji Adinni of Owu Kingdom, Moruf Adenekan, called on Muslims to lead by example, embrace Dawah and empower themselves with knowledge, lamenting that ignorance about Islam remains widespread.
Delivering the lecture, Dr. Daud Amoo Alaga described repositioning as a conscious return to the right path, warning that many Muslims had strayed from foundational principles.
He urged faithful to embrace peace, integrity and good character, appoint diplomatic missioners, shun disunity and prioritise Dawah to ensure the progress of Islam.
According to him, ego, communal conflicts, social media hostility and the absence of high-profile leaders committed to advancing Islamic missions are among the challenges confronting the Ummah.
Earlier in his welcome address, the facilitator of the programme, Alhaji (Dr) Rabiu Kushimo, said Muslims would continue to operate as a minority as long as they remain divided, urging organisations to think, reason and work together for collective advancement.
The event attracted clerics, scholars and Muslim faithful from across the state.
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