Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Calls for Radical Governance Shift at 103rd Anniversary
During an Extraordinary General Meeting held at the LCCI Conference Hall in Ikeja, the leadership of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS) marked the organization's 103rd anniversary with a strong appeal to the federal government. They emphasized the need for strategic humanitarian programs to mitigate the effects of global economic shocks and advocated for a significant internal constitutional overhaul to improve governance.
Global Economic Vulnerabilities Highlighted
Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad, the National Missioner, addressed the gathering, warning that Nigeria's interconnectedness with the global economy has left it exposed to external volatility. He specifically pointed to the escalating conflict in the Middle East as a key factor driving domestic hardship, noting that it has led to sharp increases in gas and petroleum product prices, eroding previous economic gains.
"The modest gains achieved by this government prior to the war are being eroded by sharp increases in gas and petroleum products," Sheikh Ahmad stated. While acknowledging the worldwide nature of the inflation crisis, he insisted that the government must adopt more innovative measures to protect its citizens from further economic strain.
Recommendations for Government Action
The cleric outlined a twofold approach for state intervention:
- Decentralization of Policing: A firm endorsement to enhance security and local governance.
- Economic Policies: Focused on job creation and aggressive inflation reduction to prevent the further erosion of the middle class.
These recommendations come amid growing concerns over Nigeria's socio-economic climate, with the Society urging immediate action to address cost-of-living pressures.
Institutional Pride and Expansion Efforts
Despite the grim economic outlook, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, the National President, expressed institutional pride in the Society's long-standing contributions. At 103 years old, ADS remains one of Nigeria's most prolific providers of social infrastructure outside the state.
"The world has changed and we must operate with dynamic processes rather than static ones," Prince Kazeem remarked. He highlighted several key pillars of the Society's current expansion, including:
- A university in Offa specializing in AI, Robotics, and Mechatronics.
- The launch of AnsarCare, a health service initiative designed to bridge gaps in rural medical delivery.
- New plans to venture into large-scale farming to combat rising food costs.
Focus on Meritocracy Over Religious Identity
Addressing debates on the religious identity of future political leaders, particularly in the context of Lagos State's succession, Prince Kazeem, a former Attorney General, steered the conversation toward meritocracy. He emphasized that while the Society participates in interfaith harmony, its primary interest lies in the dividends of democracy.
"Whether Muslim or Christian, what matters is fairness, equity and visible dividends," he stated, underscoring the need for inclusive governance based on competence rather than religious affiliation.
Unified Call for Human-Faced Policies
The EGM concluded with a unified call for the government to ensure its policies carry a human face. Feedback from the Society's grassroots branches indicates that current cost-of-living pressures are reaching a critical tipping point, necessitating urgent and compassionate governmental responses to safeguard citizens' welfare.
