•Babatunde Raji Fashola
Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has described Nigeria’s constitution as the most maligned document despite its profound and useful objectives.
He also called on Muslims to practise a type of faith that inspires good deeds, justice, and a positive impact on society. Fashola also expressed concern about the rise of religious bigotry and gatherings that do not promote spiritual growth, saying: “Let us not use faith as a decoration. It must guide our actions and push us to serve others selflessly.”
The former Lagos State governor spoke, at the weekend, during the 30th anniversary lecture of Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih (NASFAT) held at the main auditorium of the Nigerian Institute Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, reports The Guardian.
Fashola, while speaking on the theme, “Faith, Social Justice and Economic Empowerment: Pathways to a Better World,” submitted that the country’s constitution is enabling as it has provision for social justice and speaks to the kind of Nigeria every Nigerian yearns for.
The former minister, who described the theme of the event as potentially transformative, especially at a time when faith is being used to disintegrate families, expel people into slavery and perpetrate crimes, added: “Faith is being used to break families. It is being used to expel people into slavery and perpetrate crimes. Perhaps, it is the most auspicious time to reset the agenda of faith. In the hands of people with powerful malevolent dispositions, faith is a powerful and dangerous weapon that they must not be entrusted with. Faith is not static and it should be a constant source of inspiration for seeking and advancing healthy knowledge.
“But at a time when bigotry now distorts religion and materialism dilutes spirituality, we see that it’s important that faith continues to guide what we do. But what type of faith? We must promote the faith of our deeds, thoughts and actions.”
Earlier in his welcome address, President of NASFAT, AbdulRauf AbdulWahid Ayodeji, said the organisation had remained committed to the values of Islam through its efforts in faith-building, justice, and economic empowerment.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN), urged Muslims to take leadership roles and represent Islam with honour and integrity.
He also pledged his support for NASFAT’s ongoing project.
In his goodwill message, former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, reflected on his journey back to Islam and also praised NASFAT’s impact, saying: “I chose not to be a Muslim at a point in my life, but by God’s grace and my wife’s influence, I returned.
“We are the ones that began NASFAT, but we need new energy. I am appealing to everyone to support the NASFAT headquarters’ project and make it a centre for Islamic excellence.”
