MSSN Lagos inaugurates new leadership, demands tougher action on insecurity
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSNLagos), has called for tougher measures to tackle insecurity, greater investment in education, and stricter enforcement of the rights of Muslim female students, as a new administration formally assumed office.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, the newly inaugurated Amir (President) of MSSNLagos, Dr. Ajibola Yusuf Salami, said the organisation was taking over leadership at a critical period marked by economic hardship, insecurity, rising educational costs, unemployment and increasing social challenges confronting young Nigerians. Dr. Salami said the new leadership would focus on educational advancement, youth empowerment, moral development, leadership training, mentorship and the protection of the rights and welfare of Muslim students across Lagos State.
Speaking on the commencement of the Islamic New Year, he described it as symbolic of renewal, sacrifice, resilience and purposeful leadership. “The commencement of a new Hijrah year coincides with the emergence of a new administration in MSSNLagos. We therefore view this transition as more than a routine change in leadership; it represents a renewed commitment to service, a fresh sense of purpose and a new dawn for our society,” he said.
The new administration is led by Dr. Salami, a consultant surgeon, alongside Bro. Ridwan Aderolu, Bro. Hamzah Alagbe, Bro. Abdulkabeer Taiwo Kuye and Bro. Muhammad Mustapha, while the Sisters’ Circle is headed by Hajia Rofiat Tijani.The student body also expressed concern over the economic realities facing students and youths, noting that many young Nigerians were struggling to access quality education and meaningful economic opportunities.
While commending the Federal Government for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), MSSNLagos urged authorities to increase investment in educational infrastructure, research, innovation, scholarships and bursaries.On insecurity, MSSNLagos acknowledged efforts by security agencies but warned that kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and violent crimes continue to pose serious threats to national development and the safety of students. The organisation condemned criminal activities carried out in the name of religion, stressing that Islam has no place for terrorism, kidnapping or violence against innocent citizens.
“Kidnapping for ransom, attacks on communities, destruction of livelihoods and the terrorisation of innocent citizens are not only crimes against the state but also crimes against humanity and violations of divine injunctions,” Dr. Salami said.
To address the security crisis, the society advocated the establishment of special anti-kidnapping, terrorism and banditry courts, accelerated prosecution of suspects, increased deployment of technology-driven security systems, stronger collaboration among security agencies and enhanced protection for schools and student communities.MSSNLagos also called for the maximum penalties permitted by law, including capital punishment where applicable, for convicted kidnappers, terrorists and bandits responsible for loss of lives.
