Islamic group urges action against get-rich-quick syndrome

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

An Islamic organization, The Companions, has called on Muslim clerics and traditional rulers to intensify efforts in enlightening the public about the dangers of the get-rich-quick syndrome, particularly among youths.

The Amir of the Ilorin district, Mallam Ismail Okunlola, made this appeal in a statement on Friday in Ilorin.

He condemned the recent brutal killing of a final-year student of the College of Education, Ilorin, Hafsoh Lawal, by a self-proclaimed Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Bello.

The organization emphasized the importance of family values and unity, stressing the need to revive the culture of neighborliness, where community members could discipline errant children when necessary.

According to the statement, all Nigerians should reject the get-rich-quick mentality through illegal means. It also urged parents to take full responsibility for the proper upbringing of their children.

The statement further called on all levels of government to ensure the full implementation of court rulings, particularly those related to murder cases, and urged governors to promptly sign such judgments into law.

It also recommended that the curriculum of traditional Arabic and Islamic schools be overhauled, with periodic seminars organized for teachers and clerics to help monitor students’ progress, especially with parental involvement.

The Amir advised youths to avoid actions that could jeopardize their future or tarnish their family’s reputation.