Historic Gathering of Muslim Leaders in Osun State
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) marked a significant milestone on Sunday, November 16, 2025, hosting its landmark 10th General Assembly at the Bola Babalakin Hall in Gbongan, Osun State. The event, organized by the Osun State Muslim Community, attracted an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, prominent Islamic scholars, state governors, public officials, and members of the Muslim intelligentsia from across Nigeria.
Addressing Nigeria's Economic Challenges
This year's assembly centered on the critical theme: "Nigeria's Economy: Any Hope for the Masses?" The discussions comprehensively addressed economic recovery strategies, national unity, education system reforms, and strengthening the Muslim community throughout the region.
Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, President of MUSWEN, opened the proceedings by welcoming participants and expressing gratitude to Allah for preserving members' lives to witness this tenth anniversary. He acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, along with other distinguished guests including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar.
President Oladejo voiced serious concerns about the United States' recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under President Donald Trump. He described this decision as unfortunate and based on misinformation, warning that such international interventions could potentially create internal tensions if not properly addressed.
Economic Reforms and Development Initiatives
Reviewing current socio-economic developments, the MUSWEN President noted that the Tinubu administration had implemented difficult but necessary reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification. He stated these measures had already begun attracting investor confidence and boosting Nigeria's GDP.
While acknowledging improvements in healthcare delivery and pension adjustments, Oladejo emphasized the need for deeper infrastructural investments and increased patronage of locally produced goods. He announced MUSWEN's ambitious plans for 2026, which include:
- Economic empowerment initiatives across South West Nigeria
- Technology-based skills acquisition programmes
- Establishment of new health facilities in each of the six states
He highlighted the recent commissioning of the Alhaja Taibat Ali Shopping Mall in Ibadan, a twelve-shop complex donated by Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali and redesigned by MUSWEN. Funds raised during the Assembly will support rebuilding MUSWEN's property in Abuja and developing a new headquarters in Ibadan.
Educational Reform and Moral Leadership
Dr. Abdulrauf Wale Babalakin, SAN, Chairman of the MUSWEN Board of Trustees and principal assembly sponsor, delivered a powerful address focusing on education and integrity. He argued that any society seeking genuine progress must anchor its development on honest leadership and sound moral values.
Babalakin emphasized that true education extends beyond building construction or enrollment numbers, focusing instead on shaping minds, strengthening character, and producing trustworthy leaders. He shared his personal principles of transparency, discipline, and fairness in managing people and institutions, reaffirming his commitment to supporting MUSWEN's long-term vision for infrastructure and capacity building projects.
National Economic Perspective and Islamic Teachings
Engineer Abdullahi Audu Sule, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, delivered the keynote address, analyzing Nigeria's economy through historical and contemporary perspectives. He traced the country's economic trajectory from the Babangida and Abacha eras through the Jonathan administration to the current Tinubu government, noting that Nigeria is undergoing essential restructuring.
Governor Sule argued that while challenging, the removal of fuel subsidy had strengthened federal allocations and enabled states to increase infrastructure investments. He highlighted Nasarawa State's progress in financial management and the training of more than eight thousand teachers through state skills acquisition programmes.
Drawing from Islamic teachings, Governor Sule referenced the hadith narrated by Anas ibn Malik about desiring for others what one desires for oneself, along with Qur'anic verses from Surah Imran on divine authority and Surah Nisaa verse 59, which encourages obedience to leadership and resolving disagreements through reference to Allah and His Messenger.
Moral Responsibility and National Unity
His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, delivered a message centered on moral responsibility, justice, and national unity. He urged leaders to act with sincerity and prioritize citizen welfare while condemning banditry and terrorism. The Sultan emphasized that there is no compulsion in religion and encouraged continuous peaceful engagement to foster national stability.
Goodwill messages followed from the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Umar Muhammad Bago, and the CEO of Matrix Energy, both affirming support for Muslim community growth and well-being. The Osun State Governor highlighted the state's record of peaceful coexistence and announced recent legal recognition of marriages conducted according to Islamic rites.
Scholarships and Leadership Transition
A significant assembly highlight was the presentation of scholarships to twelve female medical students, two from each South West state, under the Sultan Abubakar Female Medical Scholarship Scheme. Each recipient also received a laptop to support academic work.
The gathering concluded with special acknowledgment of Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, the outgoing Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, celebrating his six years of dedicated service. His successor, Professor Wole Abbas, a respected academic from the University of Ibadan and devoted MUSWEN supporter, was unveiled during the general assembly. The event closed with a business session detailing official stewardship over the past year.
