Muslim group, varsity don seek ethical leadership to tackle Nigeria’s challenges
By Boye Oyeyemi
A university don, Dr. Sirojudeen Bakrin, and The Muslim Congress (TMC), Ondo State chapter, have called for ethical leadership and responsible citizenship to address Nigeria’s development challenges.
They made the call at the 2026 annual state lecture organised by TMC in Akure on Sunday as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence anniversary.
The lecture, themed “Nation Building Through Ethical Leadership: Thinking Ownership of Our Roles,” focused on the need for responsible leadership and active citizenship in addressing the country’s socio-economic and security challenges.
Bakrin, the Chief Imam of Fountain University, Osogbo, who spoke on “Enhancing National Cohesion, Sustainable Security and Civic Trust: From Policy to Performance,” said Nigeria’s major challenge was not a lack of resources but a shortage of leaders committed to integrity and accountability.
He said corruption, selfishness and disregard for citizens’ concerns had continued to undermine national development, urging leaders at all levels to prioritise justice, service, inclusiveness and the welfare of the people.
“Achieving sustainable development requires leadership anchored on ethics, justice, service, respect and inclusivity. This task is not easy to achieve when ethical leadership is absent,” Bakrin said.
He also urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and other forms of electoral inducement, advising them to choose leaders based on character, competence and commitment to public service.
Earlier, TMC National President Alhaji Abdulwaasii Bangbala called for measures to cushion the effects of rising petrol prices and the attendant increase in the cost of living, while the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, commended the organisation for promoting religious values and community development. The programme also featured a media excellence award to News Agency of Nigeria correspondent Muftau Akanni Ogunyemi, among others, as well as the distribution of school bags, books and other back-to-school materials to indigent Muslim pupils and students in Akure, Owena, Odigbo and Okitipupa local government areas.
