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….Over 200 benefit from free medical care 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 officials, traditional and religious leaders, professionals and parents to uphold integrity, justice and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The appeal was made on Sunday during TMC Ogun State Quarterly Conference, a free medical awareness and fire safety information program held at Olowu Palace, Owu, Abeokuta.
The program, which was themed “Trust and Leadership in Islam,” also provided free medical screenings, consultations and medications to more than 200 beneficiaries through a collaboration between TMC, Accurate Medical Diagnosis and Damien Foundation.
Participants also received health education and practical guidance on fire prevention and safety.
Speaking at the event, Olowu commended the TMC for combining religious education with humanitarian interventions, stressing that Islamic propagation should go beyond sermons to initiatives that improve the quality of life of members of society.
The monarch said medical care and fire safety awareness demonstrated the importance of addressing both people’s spiritual and material needs.
He also highlighted the significance of Zakat, describing it as an obligatory pillar of Islam for Muslims who meet the prescribed conditions.
According to the monarch, Muslims should constantly remember that they will be responsible for their actions before Allah, urging those entrusted with leadership positions to fulfill 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, which bears grave responsibilities before Allah.
Musa warned against desperate pursuit of leadership positions, saying the more authority entrusted to an individual, the greater the responsibility attached to it.
He said accountability is not limited to presidents, governors, traditional rulers or religious leaders, stressing that anyone with an accountability is a leader in one way 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 his care.
He explained that teachers, civil servants, parents, wealthy individuals, artisans and professionals all exercise leadership in different forms and must therefore recognize their responsibilities towards others.
Musa identified truthfulness, sincerity, justice and competence as essential attributes of responsible leadership.
He cautioned that knowledge or truthfulness alone may not be sufficient to qualify an individual for a particular leadership responsibility without the expertise required to discharge it effectively.
He also urged leaders to accept constructive criticism and avoid self-denial, arguing that openness and accountability are key to responsible management.
Drawing lessons from the guidance of Prophet Dawud, he said that authority ultimately comes from Allah and must therefore be exercised justly.
He also urged Muslims to emulate the leadership qualities associated with the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, particularly their commitment to justice, sincerity, responsibility and service to humanity.
Musa reminded the gathering that leadership positions and titles are temporary, stressing that each individual will eventually leave office and give an account of their stewardship before Allah.
He referred to the prophetic teaching regarding seven categories of people who would receive the shadow of Allah on the Day of Judgment, including a righteous ruler, as an indication of the spiritual importance placed on fairness and justice in leadership.
The cleric also described family responsibility as one of the greatest responsibilities placed on individuals, urging parents and spouses to fulfill their obligations with fairness and care.
He warned against taking other wives without the capacity to fulfill the responsibilities involved, stressing that the well-being of the family should remain a priority.
Musa also called for greater appreciation of artisans and professional workers, urging professionals to approach their crafts as a form of service to society rather than focusing solely on financial gain.
He lamented the shortage of skilled artisans and encouraged Nigerians, especially the youth, to develop practical skills that meet the needs of society.
Earlier, Dr Jamiu Folarin, Waali of TMC, Ogun State, said the quarterly conference was part of the organisation’s efforts to promote Islamic knowledge, moral reorientation, responsible citizenship and service to humanity.
Folarin said the topic is particularly relevant in the context of concerns about trust, credibility and accountability in political, religious and other institutions in Nigeria.
He noted that mutual suspicion contributed to tensions within and between religious communities, while concerns about the integrity and accountability of political leaders remained part of public discourse.
The TMC leader said the organization is using the conference to examine the Islamic model of leadership and its relevance to contemporary challenges.
He has also championed issue-based political campaigns, transparency and accountability as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Folarin urged citizens to carefully examine 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 guarantees that their campaign promises will translate into tangible policies and programs.
The TMC leader, however, stressed that the organisation’s support is 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 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 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 program was also a prelude to the TMC Ogun State Annual Conference, scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026 at the Ontec Event Centre, Abiolaway, Abeokuta.
He said the week-long activities will include special Jumat services at selected mosques in Ogun State and humanitarian visits to hospitals, homes for vulnerable and motherless children, correctional centers and other institutions.
Among those who attended the program were Olowu and his wife, Olori Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola; the Chief Imam of Owu, Sheikh Sulaimon Akorede Kehinde; The Chief Executive Officer of HOB Hospital, Elega, Dr. Lukman Adefuye; and the immediate past Waali of TMC, Ogun State, Dr. AbdurRazaq Ogunmoye, together with other Islamic leaders, professionals, stakeholders and members of the public.
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