Clerics call for embrace of good morals, honesty at 15th annual Hijrah lecture

… As Speaker urges religious leaders to deliver impactful messages

At the 15th Annual Hijrah Lecture of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Nigerians were urged to embrace good morals and practice honesty, regardless of religious affiliations.

The call was made by guest lecturers Sheikh Sulaiman Onikijipa Al-Miskinubilahi, General Overseer of Al-Amani Islamic Organisation, and Sheikh Ridwanullah Jamiu, Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Lekki Phase 1.

The event, held on Friday at the Assembly complex, was themed “The Increasing Wave of Moral Decadence in Society.” The lecturers condemned the current state of moral decay and emphasized the need for integrity and ethical behavior to build a decent society.

Sheikh Jamiu highlighted the necessity of enforcing laws against anti-decent practices such as homosexuality, gambling, adultery, and corruption. “Allah blesses those who are kind, just, and morally upright,” he stated. He urged people to avoid indecency, aggression, and wickedness, stressing that justice and kindness are paramount for societal progress.

In his address, Sheikh Onikijipa lamented the pervasive corruption in society, urging leaders to demonstrate transparency. “At this stage of our existence, we all know that almost everyone is corrupt,” he remarked.

He called for decisive action against moral decadence, similar to the government’s crackdown on the abuse of the naira. “There is no religion if we don’t have morals,” he added, emphasizing the futility of religious practices without ethical conduct.

Sheikh Onikijipa also appealed for patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and proposed that religious leaders and citizens dedicate a day to fasting and prayer instead of protesting, to avoid potential violence and property destruction.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, also addressed the gathering, urging religious leaders to deliver messages that have a positive impact on citizens. He emphasized that everyone has a role to play in creating an upright society.

“You would be proud of the group you belong to when people feel your impact. We should ensure that we change our immediate environment and make things better in our time,” Obasa said.

He called for collective efforts to foster a morally upright society, stating, “It is not enough to make laws; people must exhibit good qualities.”

The lecture concluded with a call for unity and collective responsibility in addressing the moral challenges facing Nigeria.