In this piece, ABDULLAHI OLESIN reports that all the speakers at the 1444 Hijrah celebration in Ilorin, Kwara State devoted the better parts of their submissions to the issue of insecurity in the country and how to halt it.

The celebration of 1444 Hijrah in Ilorin, Kwara State was devoted to discussions on security challenges bedevilling Nigeria.

All the speakers that spoke at the religious event dedicated the large chunks of their speeches to issues bordering on security of lives and property as the 2023 general election draws nearer.

The speakers, including the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the grand Kadi of the State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen, chairman of Hijrah Organisation of Nigeria, Professor Badmas Yusuf, the grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheik Faruq Onikijipa and national missioner of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, Sheik Hanafi Ayara; all dwell extensively on the security problems in the country and how to bring them to an end.

Chairman, Hijrah Organisation of Nigeria, Prof Yusuf threw the first salvo as he challenged Muslims politicians seeking elective office across the country to tell Nigerians the strategies they will employ to solve the nation’s hydraheaded security challenges.

Yusuf, an Islamic teacher at the University of Ilorin and Chief Imam, Hilal Central Mosque, GRA, Ilorin counseled the Muslim politicians, especially the candidates that,” the expectation of the electorate from you is more noble than fake promises, character assassination and the use of money to buy votes.
“ It is our expectation that you should tell us your strategies to find lasting solutions to insecurity, immorality and alleviation of poverty which is ravaging the greatest number of our people”.

The ceremony featured lectures, colourful parades by various students, and a launch of the 1444 Hijrah Calendar produced by the Hijrah Organisations of Nigeria — a copy of which the Governor purchased with the sums of N5m in his own name and his family.

Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs,Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari enjoined the Muslim community to always toe the path of love, peace and unity.
He acknowledged Governor AbdulRazaq’s constant regard and respect for the course of Islam and for Ilorin Emirate.

The ceremony featured lectures, colourful parades by various students, and a launch of the 1444 Hijrah calendar produced by the Hijrah Organisations of Nigeria — a copy of which the governor purchased with the sum of N5m in his own name and his family.