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  • Exemplary Lifestyles and Divine Blessings by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    ProfOf all the creations of Allah, the almighty, only human beings exhibit poor characteristics of disobedience and acts of ungratefulness.

    This is why the Holy Quran 61: 1-4 reports us to ourselves, to effect positive change towards His rules and regulations to be able to stop all acts that make us look like rebellious entities.

    ''Whatever is in the heavens and on the earth declares the praises and glory of Allah: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. O ey who believe! Why say ye that which ye do not? Grievously is it in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not? TrulY Allah loves those who fight in His cause in battle array as if they were solid cemented structure.''

    By the above, the design and the desire of God for us are that we do things through a positive mindset and characteristic accuracy and precision in all our transactions.

    Also, the Holy Bible states in Proverbs 30: 24-28 ''24There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

    25The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

    26The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

    27The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

    28The spider taketh hold with her hands and is in kings' palaces.''

    The question now is who =gave them the wisdom and why were they given the power of the discerning mind to be able to perform wonderfully the feat that is difficult for human beings to accomplish and with relative ease.

    People, therefore need to follow these exemplary lifestyles of living within the divine codes of God's stipulations.

    Proverbs 30: 29-33, shows us the dividend of been scripture compliant.

    ''29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

    31A greyhound; he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

    32If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

    33Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.''

    Exem 1

    Overstepping the bounds of God is a ruinous path that will ever disturb the peace of the environment to probably lead to self-destruction. Doing things according to laid down ethical principles always leads to a successful voyage that would be crowned with the cream of divine grace that would be profitable to the body system, all and sundry.

    Are we not called onto this earth for a purpose? Are we not sent to schools by our parents for a purpose to add value to the system that produced us? Are we not offered employment, appointed into positions of power for the purpose of ensuring that others are rightly empowered and the transformation of the environment through assured justice, peace, and sustainable development?

    Why then are we deviating from the path of scripture compliance, the glory of ethics, discipline, scripture compliance, and doing things according to the dictates of the rule of law? We are not only shortchanging ourselves by depleting the resources, rather than adding value to the system?

    We should resolve to change our ways for the better to receive the grace and blessings of God.

    Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality

     

     

     

  • Fear God, Not People by Prof.Sabitu Olagoke

    ProfThe population of the world is classified into faith distinctions of believers, unbelievers, and hypocrites.
    Unfortunately, the almighty Allah has created mankind to worship Him aright(Holy Quran 51:56).
    The population of believers is in the minority.
    The unbelievers fall into various categories.
    The hypocrites are in significant numbers.
    This is why the Holy Quran declared in 22: 11, at least with respect to Islam: '' There are among men some who serve Allah as it were on the verge: if good befalls them, they are therewith, well content; but if a trial comes to them, they turn on their faces: they lose both this world and the hereafter that is indeed the manifest lose''.
    It is, therefore, to measure the population density through the degree of religiosity with a direct correlation with God and Godliness. Through this, it will become crystal clear that believers in every religion are few, while the hypocrites are in the majority.
    The common characteristics of the hypocrites revolve around anti-social activities, definable by sins and crimes that usually threaten the peace and stability of every society.
    The Holy Bible, Matthew 10: 28-31 throws more light, ''And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
    29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
    30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
    31 Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.''

    Fear 1The assignment before the true believers who walk the talk by been scripture compliant is not only to correct the aberrations in the land but to work on the unbelievers and the hypocrites through exemplary lifestyles.
    Similarly, the Holy Quran 6:93 refers, ''Who can be more wicked than one who invented a lie against Allah, or saith, 'I have received inspiration when he hath received none or again who saith,' I can reveal the like of what Allah hath revealed?
    If thou couldst and see how the wicked do fear in the agonies of death !-The angels stretch for their hands, saying,' yield up your souls-This day shall ye receive your reward-a chastisement of disgrace for that ye used to tell lies against Allah and scornfully to reject of His signs.''

    Believers must be conscious but get strengthened in their faith, while the hypocrites and the unbelievers must receive admonition for positive change.
    Let us fear God, but respect ourselves to be able to create a new world order of peace and development that would be safe and secured for human habitation and wellness.

  • The Dignity of Labor By Prof Sabitu Olagoke

    ProfThe dignity of labor is divine for human sustenance. Every creature has a license to the physiological needs for the upkeep of an individual on earth. For the early part of the individual's life, the individual would be dependent on others, most especially parents.

    For the purpose of sufficiency, material resources ought to be evenly distributed to those who may need them to avoid inequality that may bring about insecurity for the purpose of survival among the people. Common senes dictate that needs must be sourced through legitimate means, not to become a victim of the law that regulates human affairs, since stealing, armed robbery, cheating on others, and other criminal acts are not only anti-divine but deviant also if the societal norms on the scale of justice, sins and crimes. Transfer Money with Wise

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    Putting up god work attitude with the spirit of working harder to meet up with the emerging demands and responsibilities without violating the golden rule of the dignity of labor is, therefore, sacrosanct.

    The Holy Quran 11: 6 refers, '' There is no moving creature on earth, but its sustenance dependent on Allah: They knoweth its resting place and its temporary deposit: all is in a clear record.'' This statement implies that every stage of human creation and life cycle would become a rival material of destiny and destination importance starting from the gestation period, child-rearing, and natural nurturing of the cradle/adolescence stage to the ultimate period of adulthood. Ecclesiastes 5: 18-20 in the Holy Bible states ''Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

    19Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him the power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.

    20For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.''

    For these verses, one must realize that the dignity of labor is divine, and through it only can God give a man the necessary tranquility of the mind.

    Living beyond one's means is an invitation to chaos! We must all realize, according to the Holy Quran 13: 26 that ''Allah doth enlarge or grant by strict measure the Sustenance which He giveth to whom He pleaseth.......''

    Avoid pursuing your goals through blatant impunity.

    Let us enjoy the toil and the fruits of our labor through the due process of the fear of God in our daily activities.

  • Ramadhan Diet - Day 2 to 5 by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 5Ramadhan Diet Day 2

    The essence of the Ramadhan fast is to reflect on how far we have faired in the areas of the necessary realization of the Oneness of God in our daily and routine activities.

     

    That is,in thoughts ,words,deeds and actions. For us to be able to keep up with the sacrosanct concept of the Brotherhood essence and maintain good neighborliness.

     

     Let's use the occasion of this sacred month to make the necessary adjustments.

     

     Ramadhan Mubarak

    Ramadhan Diet - Day 3

    In this season of arousing our conscience on the issue of the sacredness essence of houses of worship and the state of piety needed for the body of worshippers,let us cleanse our mind and heart from evil thoughts and develop permanently a positive mindset towards all our activities and human endeavors.

    This is how our act of Ibadah in this respect can be relevant to nation building.

     Ramadhan Kareem!

    RAMADHAN Diet  - Day 4

    Are you eligible to observe Saomu Ramadhan? Have you made a firm decision to refrain from all forms of iniquities,sins and crimes?

    Be rightly guided in this sacred month by the Sermons, Tefsir Al-Quran and develop to a pious level,the Spiritual consciousness expected of a good Muslim to be able to be an exemplar of good deeds,whose work shall be respected by society and accepted by the Almighty Allah.

    Let us all work for a beneficial reward from our Creator, the Almighty Allah.

     Reflect on this:Q 41 v 32- 36

    Ramadhan Kareem!


    Ramadhan Diet - Day 5

    Let us all reflect on the content of this admonition of God from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W): "Use the period of the 7th Month of the lunar calendar for body preservation from sins and crimes, for acceptable offer of an act of Ibadah." "Use the 8th Month that is Shaaban, for soul purification from devilish thought processes to be able to realize the need to live by the concept of Puritanism for wholesome state of piety."

    Before you enter the sacred Month of Ramadhan,for the dividend of Ramadhan to be realized,reflect on the provision of Q 91 v 7- 10. May God the Almighty Allah accept our observation of the Ramadhan fast as an act of Ibadah.

     Ramadhan Kareem!

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  • RAMADHAN DIET - DAY One by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 5The Ramadhan fasting exercise, is a divine construct given by God to mankind as the fourth pillar of Islam, for the purpose of spiritual rejuvenation to improve the state of piety.
    This is to help the animal called Man to become reformed, decent, modest and disciplined enough to be able to have an easy ride in his pursuit of social desires.

    The signs of Lent for the Christians and the arrival of Saomu Ramadhan must be seen as a blessing to us in Nigeria to seek Divine Intervention for Government Transition and for our next political dispensation to be fruitful and beneficial to all of us in Nigeria as a nation.

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    Prof. S. A. Olagoke JP FNSE, FNATE, FNIM, FAES
    Ajagun Esin of Oyo State
    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam
    Shafaudeen In Islam Worldwide.

  • Oyo Gov should be Prayerful-Prof. Olagoke

    IndexRunning for and winning an office as a governor is an accomplishment to be proud of.

    More importantly, Nigeria’s democratic political sphere, for the first time in history, gave the mandate to the people,  through BVAS and INEC Servers, to perfect our voting exercise to have more credible or so reliable results to produce credible leaders in the government of the next political dispensation.

    However, the hackers' attempt was disturbing, while vote buying was at its worst practice despite the Naira redesign and cash crunch for the Nigerians making the winners, to look like beneficiaries of the highest syndrome.

    However, we need to congratulate the winners for peace to reign and the transition to be smooth for the emerging leaders to be able to perform in a conducive and peaceful environment. After all, those who feel cheated or unsatisfied with the results have the basic alternative to seeking redress in a court of law.

     

    For our Governor in Oyo State, I congratulate Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE.  On behalf of myself as Mogaji Aare Alasa, Arole OgunElu Dynasty and the entire OgunElu Aare Alasa Dynasty, of which Aigbofa Compound among other 35 is your source, we congratulate your Excellency on your  second term bid success. The first Road of Oja'ba - Oranyan axis reconstructed by your Government and the Renovation of the First Central Mosque, Oja'ba, Ibadan endear all of us to  you and your Government. May your name never be soiled.

     

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    Every government is responsible to its people in the areas of food, clothing, and shelter. Unfortunately, this is the core around which everything else revolves. It is still a surprise that no Governor in Nigeria, past or present, has quite got this basic tenet of governance right. Only with improved income could people seek to build personal homes, however, when the government goes into schemes for people, the challenge of food and clothing would without much ado be surmounted.  Thus, my advice is that the governor take a cursory look into a low-cost housing scheme for civil servants and other people in society with regular incomes to procure. Work on the complaints of the people.

     

    In particular, I put forward the following for consideration:

    At the end of these second four years, what would you be noted for? The first has been known to cater to civil servants. What of other areas? Start with this end in mind. Go back in the history of the first four years, what area or sector was left unattended. Give them attention this time around. The focus should be on good government, not politics, which drains energy and time. Practice management by walking around. 

    Set performance goals, with high priority goals for local governments should be established.  Each head should set out how it and its agencies will accomplish the goal. This information should be available in the public domain.

    Employees more often than not have experience that can improve the administrative environment, but are rarely given the opportunity to air their opinions.

    Give greater attention to the current state of State Universities and Polytechnic Campuses; give them a suitable look and review their tuition to be affordable to all; attend to the gloomy state of our water works; provide standard road networks that are not coloured with political undertones.

    Pay attention to the poor state of major towns in Oyo state; rehabilitate our general hospitals and be fair to all the 33 local government areas of the state.

    The issue of a high sense of insecurity bedeviling the state is a call for concern and action.  

     

    As a religious leader who has observed Nigerian politics for some time, the most important advice I am going to give you is to be prayerful. Also, politics is local. I advise you to increase your local presence. 

     

    On a final note, do not perceive other political parties as arch enemies for peace to reign and accelerated development that will be sustainable and bequeathable to mark the era of Omituntun 2.0 as your second term Blessing.

     

     

    Alh. Engr. Prof. S. A. Olagoke JP

    Ajagun Esin of Oyo State

    Mogaji Aare Alasa, Arole OgunElu Dynasty

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam

    Shafaudeen In Islam Worldwide.

  • Insecurity, Economic Hardships and Uncollected PVCs will affect elections-Prof. Olagoke

    IndexThe actual population of displaced Nigerians is still unknown. These bonafide citizens were displaced majorly by violent crimes and economic hardships.

    The suggestion is that the uncollected Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) belong to the displaced Nigerians.

    In this piece, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu OlagokeJP warns that the unending insecurity, economic hardships and the large number of uncollected PVCs will impact negatively on the 202 general elections. Excerpts:

    Nigerians are apathetic to matters relating to the collection of their Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) to be able to be eligible to vote in the 2023 general elections because of the perceived disturbing state of the nation.

    For example, the high prices of consumables and essential commodities coupled with the prohibitive prices of petroleum products has made life unbearable for millions of Nigerians.

    The result is the hunger, poverty and high unemployment rate in the country. Indeed, the organized attacks on the Independent National Electoral Commission's(INEC)offices across the country by the enemies of the state has not helped matters.

    The terrible state of security in the South East is also an issue. Nigerians in this part of the country live daily in fear. However, it is wrong for Nigerians to continue to cry over bad governance and the poor conditions of living without working to rekindle their hopes for a real change which the 2023 general elections may bring about, by producing the right leader who will not only transform the nation, but also carry out major reforms.

    There is therefore, the need for the uncollected PVCs to be claimed to ensure that eligible voters are involved in the electoral process because this is one of the ways we can fix Nigeria.

    The collection of the PVCs will ensure that Nigerians participate in the electoral process because if we fail to choose a credible leader, a random person will lead us.

    Therefore, we must all realize that the power of electing candidates of choice depends on the collection of the PVCs by the electorate.

    The failure to collect the PVCs will negatively affect the coming elections. Efforts should be geared towards encouraging Nigerians to collect their PVCs, by making the collection process easier than the process of registration. The INEC must also improve its communication strategy to ensure that all eligible voters are adequately informed on the need for them to exercise their voting rights.

  • 2023-Igbos are expecting to hear from us-Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie

    AnozieFor some time, now a number of faceless individuals have been parading themselves as the leaders of Igbos in Ibadan and Oyo state for self-centered reasons. In light of the worrisome development of the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie warns Nigerians to be wary of such individuals.

    Excerpt: Any individual or group who allows himself/themselves to be deceived by some people is/ are on their own. Everyone knows the genuine leader of the Igbos in Oyo state. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry knows the authentic leadership of the Igbos in Oyo state, and I Eze(Dr.) Chukwudum Alex Anozie, the Eze Ndigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, and the Ohaneze/Igbo Community Development Association(ICDA) ably led by the President, Chief Emma Nididi Nzeako, we are the true leadership in Ibadan and Oyo state. God has confirmed this, Ndigbo who chose us has confirmed this, and the courts also confirmed this, so anybody or group who allows himself/themselves to be deceived by anybody is on his own because politics has come up again. This is an electioneering dispensation. Mushroom groupings are springing up. After the elections, you will not hear them again. Igbos are expecting to hear from us the leadership on the way forward.

  • Naira Redesign-Government ought to Safeguard Nigerians-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof 3

    Mixed feelings have continued to trail the announcement by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) Mr. Godwin Emefiele that the 200, 500 and 1, 000 Naira notes would be redesigned.

      A sizable number of Nigerians believe that the action of the apex bank has a hidden motive, considering the fact that the head was once a presidential aspirant of the ruling party. Others however argue that the action would sanitize the monetary system in the country. In this piece, Prof. Olagoke warns of the consequences. Excerpt :

    To start with, the reasons given by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for the redesigning of the 200, 500, and 1,000 Naira notes must be assessed and evaluated based on present realities. 

    The word redesign becomes an issue because it would involve changes that may not likely go down well with our ethnic, tribal, and religious persuasions.

    Since it had the approval of the presidency various considerations must have been put in place to allay the fears of Nigerians on the suspicion that the symbols might be tampered with. If not let the needful be done, rather than putting the cart before the horse. Indeed, Nigerians had expected these changes in 2015.

     

    Grocery Super Saver

    Sadly, it is coming at a time when the thoughts of Nigerians have been rumpled by several factors. However, it is better late than left undone because presently the focus of all Nigerians is the high rate of unemployment, hunger, poverty, and most important insecurity in the land.

    The major question now is, this change in the design of the Naira shall it be very effective?

    What would be the effects of this change in design on small and medium businesses? This is the time when the politicians are on top of their game with various antics to buy votes to attain juicy positions while taking advantage of the above-mentioned. The government ought to do the right thing for the overall benefit of Nigerians.

  • Naira Redesign-Government ought to Safeguard Nigerians-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof 3To start with, the reasons given by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for the redesigning of the 200, 500, and 1,000 Naira notes must be assessed and evaluated based on present realities. 

    The word redesign becomes an issue because it would involve changes that may not likely go down well with our ethnic, tribal, and religious persuasions.

     

    Grocery Super Saver

    Since it had the approval of the presidency various considerations must have been put in place to allay the fears of Nigerians on the suspicion that the symbols might be tampered with. If not let the needful be done, rather than putting the cart before the horse. Indeed, Nigerians had expected these changes in 2015. Sadly, it is coming at a time when the thoughts of Nigerians have been rumpled by several factors. However, it is better late than left undone because presently the focus of all Nigerians is the high rate of unemployment, hunger, poverty, and most important insecurity in the land. The major question now is, this change in the design of the Naira shall it be very effective? What would be the effects of this change in design on small and medium businesses? This is the time when the politicians are on top of their game with various antics to buy votes to attain juicy positions while taking advantage of the above-mentioned. The government ought to do the right thing for the overall benefit of Nigerians.

  • The President Nigeria Needs by Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie

    Eze 3I want to encourage our people, South Easterners, to continue in their prayers trusting God, because I can see God's hands at work trying to use a personality from the South East to deliver and secure Nigeria.

    To use a personality from the South East as a messiah like God used Moses in the Bible.

    And I can see a lot of good things, positive things beginning to happen when that person gets into the position of President, and I am very happy because that person is a person of integrity, and he respects everyone from the North, everyone from the South.

    I have never heard him using any foul or abusive language on any personality.
    That scores him very high, gives him very high marks in my own assessment. I hail him for that.

    I don't like the way, for whatever reasons, anybody is using abusive language on anybody, it is not good for our politics, it is not good for our country, Nigeria, because that is how war started in many African countries.

    Throw me, I throw you.  We must not fight another war in Nigeria.

    But I am appealing to everyone to stop using abusive words against anybody, just make your point that would be contributing to the peace of the country.

    All the presidential candidates contesting are good materials, but so many things would have to be put into consideration.

    Leadership 13

    One, conscientiously putting our conscience into use, let us ask ourselves the question as people who fear God and worship God among all the contestants, who among them can be chosen, and the question becomes balanced as we are searching for the peace and unity of the country.

    If truly we are searching for not only peace and unity, but also progress. Among them, we know those of them, who come from the zone that has produced the President for several years in the past and present, and also those among them from the side where the presidency has not gotten to them for once.

    That is one of the criteria I am looking at, then the age of each one of them, knowing our country Nigeria as a country that is so large and the challenges of Nigeria are numerous and needs somebody who is younger and agile.

    Then, I want to plead with all Nigerians not only Igbos, to look at the whole issue critically-justice, equity and fairness because when in a family you have 3, 4, 5 or 6 children, all must benefit, others have benefited, or a particular section has benefited, then when it is supposed to be the turn of another section, everybody jumps in, including those who have benefited, it is not the best for the country.

    It is like a situation where we are three in a family and in the plate of soup we are eating from, there are three pieces of meat and one person takes one, another takes the second meat and the third meat is left for the last person, but instead of allowing the third person to take it, the others scramble for it.

    There is no fairness in that, there is no justice in that. But if the three pieces of meat are shared equally among the three persons, this would contribute greatly to the growth, peace and unity of the nation.

    So, the last person should be allowed to take the third meat, that is the essence of been Christians, Muslims and Traditionalists, we all believe in God. Had it been in the particular family in question, one of them is not qualified, that would be a different matter entirely. Thank God, someone has sprung up in the South East, who is over qualified in all ramifications.

    So, I appeal to Nigerians to look at the issue with conscience and the fear of God.

    Finally, I appeal to everyone to cease from using abusive words against each other, it is not the best for the country. Let's apply the live and let's live approach and the country will enjoy, peace, unity and more progress.

    Let everybody remember what I said earlier on that all the candidates are good materials, so this very one coming from the South East is a good material and younger. So to me, the law of justice and equity favors him more.

    Eze( Dr.) Anozie is the Ezeigbo, Ezechukwujiegosioluebube nala,Ibadan and Oyo state and Chairman Non-indigenous Traditional Heads, Oyo state

  • Walk The Talk on PWDs by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 2The government at all levels and people must not waste or bury talents, most especially Persons With Disabilities(PWD).

    Let us enact anti-discrimination and other disability-specific laws. All stakeholders must get organized on this-governments, parents, international donors, the media, the JONAPWD, Human Rights Groups, philanthropists, among others.

    It is only through appropriate policy stands that we can raise the hope of the hopeless, mitigate the cause of disabilities and prevent causative factors from increasing the fold of PWDs.

    Nigeria needs to implement all international instruments to which it is a signatory, on the issue of having due respect for the fundamental human rights of the people.

    For example, women's rights through the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women(CEDAW), Child Rights and Inclusion Rights of the PWDs through appropriate domestication for ease of local adaptation.

    We have to walk the talk of the challenges confronting disability, democracy and the rule of law, to be able to raise the hope of the people for realizable prospects of the positive impact of democracy driven by the rule of law.

    This can only be possible through voting in credible leaders who are visionary and selfless in governance with a high passion for the people they are to govern through the promotion of an inclusive society where no one is marginalized, including women and the PWDs.

    Above all, let us integrate the PWDs for them to naturally manage themselves with happiness and hope for destiny realization because there is ability in disability.

  • Make School Environment Conducive to teaching and Learning-Prof. Olagoke to Govt

    Prof.Primary and Secondary schools have resumed for the third term and stakeholders in the education sector are expressing optimism that there shall be an improvement in the academic performances of pupils and students. In this interview the Founder, Spiritual Head, and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke advises the Government and teachers to be upright. Excerpts :
    What is your advice to the government and teachers as the third term gets underway nationwide?

    The third term is a decisive segment of the session in the lives of the students and teachers in every educational institution across the federation.
    This is the period when students are evaluated through different examination bodies-internal and external.
    The success rate in this term is a measure of the work done by the teachers. Teachers must be up and doing to ensure that the results of the students are satisfactory.
    The Government on its part must ensure that the term runs smoothly without any disruption.

    Education 10
    The Government is also expected to provide the necessary assistance needed by the schools in preparing and getting the students ready for their different external examinations.
    The Government should also ensure the school environment is conducive to learning by providing good structures for the use of the students. The environment should also be enabling for teaching and learning.
    Above all, discipline should be an integral part of any school administration to be able to check the excesses of the students and teachers.
    Furthermore, the teachers need to be encouraged and appreciated as and when due to boost their morale.
    The prompt payment of salaries and other related incentives.
    It is very imperative for the government to adequately fund the education sector even beyond the stipulated benchmark of 26 per  cent of the annual budget as obtains in countries such as Ghana and other progressive nations in the world. These countires have been able to achieve outstanding student performances to the level of the expected quality and standard.
    The third term is underwayalready, students and teachers must be committed to the cause of very high sucess rates in theri various examinations through adequate preparations for it knowing fully well that the focus of all teachers and learners in the world today is on competitiveness in the global market.

     

  • Self-Realization for Religious Adherents by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.The religious aspect of society is in place to sanitize our environment, reform the people for necessary transformation and to also regulate and control happenings.

    In the 21st century, why should we remain so conservative and dogmatic in politicizing religion to the detriment of appreciating democracy to advance the cause of justice and equity for society?

    It is high time, that religious leaders and followers realize the consequences of their actions and inactions by teaching the scripture correctly and also following the tenets of the content to promote peaceful co-existence, good behavior, credible leadership, and good governance. The Holy Bible, Romans 12: 1-2 warns us vehemently to avoid future calamities. ''I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

    2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.''

    The Holy Quran 22: 35 also corroborates the Holy Bible on this. Teaching by this time must be based on facts and respect for the point of view of others to restore the goal of the essence of living by principle to the fundamental Human Rights charter.

    Religious people, therefore, must not be found wanting in knowledge, wisdom, and the power of a discerning mind, if they want to be respected as true adherents of their religion. This is because the Almighty Allah invigorates socially and spiritually true adherents to be right goal-getters in their socio-spiritual pursuit while alive.

    The Holy Quran admonition on this must be taken with all seriousness as our daily meditation.

    The Holy Quran 22: 35 refers, '' To those whose hearts when Allah is mentioned, are filled with fear, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions keep up regular prayer and spend in charity out of what We have bestowed on them.''

    The striking note in the above is as follows: the fear of God, patience, perseverance even in adversity, and living by the concept of philanthropy.

    Always meditate on the number of people you have positively impacted daily. Avoid putting others in difficult situations in life. Offer your creator unconditional just worship through love for Him and humanity.

    This is the only way by which religion can be relevant and beneficial to humanity in this 21st century.

  • Ramadan Fast Daily Guide by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke Thursday, April 14th to Monday, April 18th, 2022

    Prof.Thursday, April 14th
    The Essence of Ramadan Fast

    The essence of the Ramadan fast is to avail us the opportunity to SWOT analyze ourselves, most especially the areas of weaknesses and threats to get fortified socially and spiritually, using our areas of strength, that is, our god health and the Holy Quran to make the necessary adjustment into imbibing the culture of the fear of God through the available opportunities of God and the Holy Quran.
    Rise up today to do the needful because tomorrow may be too late. Ramadan Kareem.
    Friday, April 15th
    Towards being a Goof Islamic Adherent

    A critical study of the content of the Holy Quran 33: 35 Xrays the expected characteristics which are 10 that must be possessed by anyone who claims to be Godly.
    Xray yourself today, to know the areas of your inadequacy in order that one is able to make the right adjustment through the appropriate nature of nurturing.
    The first question is how far have you fared in terms of the total submission to the will of God which is expressed in the Holy Quran 25: 63, ''And the servants of Allah Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth with humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say,' peace'!  
    Strive to achieve this exalted level of piety otherwise, you have not yet found your feet in Islam. Ramadan Kareem.
    Saturday, April 16th
    Membership of Islam

    A Muslim is regarded as one who claims to have totally surrendered to the will of Allah.
    If it is so with you,  how tenaciously dedicated are the levels of application to good human relations, without violating the purity and oneness of God.
    This is because the Holy Quran 22: 32 makes an assertion. '' Being true in faith to Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns partners to Allah he is as if he had fallen from heaven and being snatched up by birds, or the winds had swooped like a bird from its prey and thrown him into a far distant place. Such is his state and whoever holds in honor that Rites of Allah such honor should come truly from piety of hands.'' Be wise. Ramadan Kareem.

    Sunday, April 17th
    Are you a Muslim?

    If truly you are a Muslim, the Holy Quran 33: 35 expects you to be devotional with all sincerity of purpose.
    Against all odds, your body language, words, thoughts, and deeds must always fall in line with the true dictates of the Almighty Allah from the injunctions of Islam, albeit without violence or catalytic reactions use your knowledge to promote peace against all odds. Ramadan Kareem.
    Monday, April 18TH
    Are you a liar?

    If so, this is the greatest disservice to yourself while you claim to be an Islamic adherent. Remember that falsehood is ephemeral and that all liars would ever face the wrath of God. Never indulge in the illegitimate acquisition of wealth or usurpation of power.
    The Holy Quran 2: 42-43 refers, ''And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when you know what it is and be steadfast in prayer: Give zakat and bow down your heads with those who bow down in worship.'' Be a vanguard of truth. Ramadan Kareem.

  • Ramadan Fast Daily Guide by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.Monday 4th April to Friday 8th April 2022

     

    Monday, April 4th 

    Why Ramadan Fast?

    Fasting, generally, aims at giving us the opportunity to be in a state of sobriety, whereby one is able to reflect on his or her past activities, to be able to make necessary adjustments in order that adherents of every faith are able to be scripture compliant.

    The essence of Ramadan fast, therefore, is to strengthen us into becoming true believers. Ramadan Kareem.

    Tuesday, April 5th

    Before the Ramadan fats, the 9th month of the Lunar calendar, the two preceding months were Rajab and Sha'ban as the 7th and 8th months of the Lunar calendar respectively.

    You clean the body during the month of Rajab, clean the heart during the month of Sha'ban, and clean the spirit during the month of Ramadan.

    The Holy Prophet Muhammad teaches us that if you do not clean the body in the month of Rajab and clean the heart in the month of Sha'ban, how can you receive the spirit of inspiration.

    Therefore, the month of Rajab is for the forgiveness of sins, and that of Sha'ban for the purification of the heart while Ramadan is for the revival of the spirit.

    Be rightly guided. Ramadan Kareem.

    Wednesday, April 6th 

    Ramadan Fast Symbolises the Fear of God

    Mankind is always in a state of chaos with unnecessary burdens on their minds, mainly because they do things without due process or the fear of God.

    The Holy Quran 2: 183 emphasizes the purpose of fasting. '' O ye believers! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you. That he may learn self-restraint.

    Remember that the Holy Bible ib Proverbs 25 : 28-31, states, ''Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

    30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

    31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.''

    Let the Ramadan fast have a positive and significant impact on you. Ramadan Kareem.

    Thursday, April 7th

    Observe the Ramadan Fast According to the Rule

    Be mindful of what breaks the rule, the law of exemption, and your state of health.

    Be guided by the following that breaks your fast :

    1) Drinking and eating during the day.

    2)Engaging the sexual intercourse during the day.

    3) Breaking the fats with alcohol.

    4) The use of abusive words and curses.

    5)Backbiting.

    6)Adultery or fornication.

    7) All forms of body contact during the day could be described as immoral.

    8)Slander.

    The law of exemption spreads around aging factors, gestation period, and breastfeeding period.

     The category of believers that would repay the missed ones ranges as follows :

    1)Women under menstruation.

    2) Sickly people.

    3)Travelers who cannot bear the rigors of fasting over a long distance.

     Be equally reminded that people with terminal diseases will not only repay but will be totally exempted.

    Be guided by the Holy Quran: 184-185,''184[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.''

    ''185 The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.''

    Ramadan Kareem.

    Friday, April 8th

    Every program is run through a curriculum for guide. So also every subject for the teacher and the learners not to derail from the behavioral objectives of the course of study.

    The Ramadan fast period is a training session of between 29 to 30 days for all mankind in general and Islamic adherents in particular. 

    Nafl fasts: Nafl means extra, which is not obligatory. But it is voluntary or optional. Nafl is not required by Allah (SWT). Muslims are not sinful for neglecting Nafl, but they are rewarded for doing it.

    'Taraweeh' prayers are performed after Isha (night prayer) during Ramadan, a month when faithful Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The prayers involve reading long portions of the Qur'an, as well as performing many rakahs.

    Iftar, also known as futoor (from فطور, fuṭūr, 'breakfast'), is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. They break their fast at the time of the call to prayer for the evening prayer.

    Suhoor, known as the pre-dawn meal in English is a significant element for Muslims during Ramadan. It is the last meal before the sun rises and the day of fasting begins.

    Tilawaltul-The Quran says: “You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God.” In Medina, the Prophet also found a large monotheistic community that fasted as an act of piety.

    Sadaqa Al-Fitr (also known as Zakatul-Fitr) is a charitable donation that is commonly made by Muslims before the holiday (Eid) prayers at the end of Ramadan. This donation is traditionally a small amount of food, which is separate and additional to the annual payment of Zakat, which is one of the pillars of Islam.

    Zakat al-Fitr, or the Zakat of Breaking the Fast of Ramadan, is the special obligatory alms paid by all Muslims at the end of the Ramadan fasting month.

    It is also called Sadaqat al-Fitr, “the Charity of Breaking the Fast” of Ramadan, and Zakat al-Fitrah, the Alms of Human Nature, or the Human Creation, because it is a mandatory charity due on every Muslim at the end of Ramadan, regardless of age or gender.

    Its obligatory payment is termed fitrah, derived from the Arabic term fitr, a word which signifies the “nature” upon which God created the human being, related also to the Arabic word for “fast-breaking” (iftar), eating after a period of abstention from this “natural” and defining human activity.

    We Muslims on the day of Eid gather in large open spaces in sunlight for special prayers, these pray are specifically for Eid and are called Salat- ul-Eid. Salat in Arabic stands for what we call communication or communication with God, which is prayer.

    Remember to go for TafsirulQuran, which is the in-depth analysis of the Holy Quran(detailed explanation and circumstances surrounding revelations).

    Ramadan Kareem.

  • The Right to Freedom from Discrimination by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.Discrimination, according to researchers is the basis of promoting the slave trade when special consideration is given to differences in language and color.
    The United Nations charter on the fundamental Human Rights charter was equally vehement against acts of discrimination because it is considered as an act of making unjustified distinctions between people based on their beliefs, groups, classes, and other categories as perceived by the oppressors.

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    People may be discriminated against on the basis of a race which is divine, gender which is a social construct, age, and religion.
    Discrimination goes against an individual's rights simply because of who they are or what they believe in.

    Dis 3-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
    It, therefore, promotes inequality. In a number of instances, acts of discrimination may emerge when there are intentions to resolve controversial matters.
    For any nation, therefore, to experience rapid growth, there must be the right to freedom from discrimination-a citizen that belongs to a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or political opinion ought not to be discriminated against.
    Developing nations must work in this direction to liberate their citizens from the clutches of backwardness.

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  • The Right to Freedom of Movement by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.Every man is born with an accompanying right to move around, changing locations for positions to the level of crossing borders or territories. This is strange.

    Government must be sensitive to the running of the affairs to the people under them by ensuring that democracy is entrenched in every community.

    This must be anchored on the maintenance of justice and the concept of equity for the assurance of safe and secured environment for peace and sustainable development.

    In the light of this, the Right to Freedom of Movement must be devoid of harassment for the citizens to be exposed to in any form of discrimination.

    Freedom 1

    Harassment, therefore, is an unwanted behavior which the citizens must avoid in their daily activities.

    Any nation that experiences any of these anomalies is usually regarded as primitive, retrogressive or underdeveloped.

    A state of emergency ought to have been declared on the security situation of any nation that daily experiences harassment, molestation or attack.

    Let all nations be mindful of this and work on the Chemistry of democracy which dwells on the Right to Freedom of Movement in an environment of peace and sustainable development.

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  • The Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.A group of people gathered in one place for a common purpose could be regarded as an assembly for a common purpose which is in tandem with the Fundamental Human Rights of the People as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights document of the United Nations.

    This is why the Government and the communities affected should be wary and take the necessary steps to stem the ugly  tide.

    Israel

    Every individual, therefore, ought to assemble freely and associate with other persons for the protection of his or her own interests, without molestation, but provided it is lawfully channeled and peacefully presented.

    Be an active citizen and perform your civic responsibilities to promote peace, enhance progress and realize development.

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  • The Right to Freedom of Expression by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.Man’s creation in the image of God will only be meaningful not through physical form of morphology, but through the exhibition of characteristics that dwells on the right use of sensory and others part of the parts of other parts of man’s body based on such core values tested and trusted to conform with a positive mindset which can stand the test of divine demands such as good citizenship, corporate and professional ethics, credible leadership and good governance.

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    Free 6

    It is based on the above mentioned that the right to freedom of expression should be safely guaranteed as it must be devoid of hate speech, drums of vengeance etc.

    Any nation that does not heed advice from experts in various fields may be doomed to fail.                         

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    It is imperative to guide mankind through informal education at the home front and formal education curriculum spreading across primary, secondary and tertiary levels, to the freedom of expression which an individual ought to be entitled to with a positive mindset base and objective opinions and ideas as valuable information without interference.

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  • The Right to Private Life by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.Human beings are highly unpredictable. This is why the Yoruba submitted that even though the stomach is covered with light and thins skin, there is no way you can through it fish out a diabolical worm.

    Another saying infers that you may consider the nose with its sense of smell uniqueness, but it usually fails to detect killer friends.

    The Right to Private Life, therefore, becomes an issue on whether to be guaranteed fully or partially , or not to be guaranteed.

    Private life is personal to an individual and is quite different from public or professional life.

    Generall7y, the Right to Private Life is considered to be violated by States when it interferes or penalizes or prohibit actions which essentially only concern the individual.

    Right

    In the civil service or public working places, the Central Administration takes the custody of the files of individual workers with such protection as not to allow other workers to have access because the bio metric will encompass the right of protection of a person’s intimacy, identity, name, gender and other related information that are personal to the person.

    The Right to Private Life is covered by five basic human rights charters.

    Right to Life and Liberty.

    Right to Freedom from Torture.

    Freedom of Opinion and Expression.

    Right to Privacy.

    Right to Equal Treatment.

    The Right to Private and Family life, therefore, protect persons against arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy, family, home, correspondence, telephone conversations and other forms of communication.

    The Right to Private life also guarantees the protection of an individual’s honor and reputation. Any undue interference by public authorities can only occur based on the law.

    It is only in an uncivilized nation that the law enforcement agencies intrude into private lives of citizens in the night or at anytime, to probably rope in their victims with false claims.

    The only panacea to ope rationalize the Right to Private Life, is for it to be domesticated from the international instruments and ensure that functional education is properly funded and guided.It is then everybody, irrespective of their social classes would be able to view himself or herself as equal before the law.

    When Nigeria was about to commence democratic rule, several international organizations warned that the country’s leaders must establish the respect for the Fundamental Human Rights of the people.

    This was considered a prerequisite for the creation of an enabling environment for democracy to thrive.

    The country can still maneuver to to achieve the above mentioned.

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  • The Right to Life by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.Life is sacred.It given by God from the specks of creation not visible to the naked eyes to that of a giant size creature including man. For the purpose of the dynamics of the social,economic and political considerations, the essence of peaceful co-existence.
    In countries across the world, there are several laws to prevent the unpleasant situations of oppression, cheating,injustice, marginalization and attitudinal aberrations such as murder, rape,incest and other forms of abuses that may threaten the right to life of others.
    This is why the justice system goes beyond the instinct of passionate protection that maybe based on tribal links,blood relations ethnic leanings among others.
    Several nations today, give room for disputes that could otherwise have been settled amicably to snowball into crises situations.
    The right to life that is intended to be protected by the state,may equally result into the waste of lives.

    RiiAll must appreciate that in the governance system, the Judiciary has a major role to play in the scheme of things through incorruptible Judges and above average policy makers in the lawmaking arm of government.

    The right to life, therefore, is sacrosanct, since it is stated in clear terms in the constitution and for this reason no citizen must be deprived of life, exceptions,however,abound.
    Therefore,no individual or group or even constituted authority should take the lives of anyone. Hence, there is a need to control ego and anger by been fair to people and in the dispensation of justice.
    Take note any individual or group that escapes the laws of the land on secretly committed offenses or blatant impunity, the law of natural justice or karma is there to take charge.

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  • Loving Other People is the Only Law By Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.Loving other people could be said to be the only law as it translates into loving yourself in the true sense of the word.

    The Holy Bible, Romans 13: 8-10 buttresses this, ''Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

    9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandments, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

    10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.''

    We must all realize that this is the fundamental purpose for which religion is designed by God as an institution where human beings learn how to build their faith and by extension establish a natural synergy of God/man relation.

    It is pertinent for every one of us, therefore, to see love as a sacred entity beyond the erotic state of romance between a man and woman.

    Love 1

    The Holy Quran 41: 33-36 exemplifies the various processes of applying love to suppress all forms of disharmony or discord.

    ''Nor can goodness and evil be equal. Repel evil with what is better(love): Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! And no one will be granted such goodness, except those who exercise patience and self-restraint-none but persons of the greatest good fortune and if at any time an incitement to discord is made to thee Satan, seek refuge in Allah, He is the one who hears and knows all things.''

    Love is the coordinating node for the network of all the laws.

    It is the backbone of every standing body as it holds intact the skeletal frames. Without love, man will be disillusioned into the ocean of sadness, cruelty, savagery, and hatred.

    Love is equally fundamental to keeping, maintaining, and sustaining a happy home for a successful child rearing and natural nurturing of our children.

    Love, don't hate.

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  • Beware of False Teachers by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.The religious sector no longer reforms but dehumanizes the adherents and the society because of the various abuses on the scripture and the houses of God themselves by religious leaders, while the political space has been overwhelmed by products of false teachers.

    The Holy Quran describes them in 10 : 36 thus, ‘’ But most of them follow nothing but conjecture : truly conjecture can be of no avail against Truth, verily Allah is well aware of all that they do.’’

    The bestiality in all spheres of human endeavor is best describe in the Holy Quran 25 : 44, ‘’Thinkest thou that most of them listen or understand ? They are only like cattle,-Nay they are farther astray from the way.’’

    In the same vein the Holy Bible in 2 Peter 2 : 1–3 throws more light, ‘’

    1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

    2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

    3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.’’

    False 3

    A bad attitude usually results in several untold situations. This is aptly expressed in the Holy Quran 4–50–52, ‘’Behold ! How they invent a lie against Allah ! But that, by itself is a manifest sin ! Has thou not turn they thought to those who are given a portion of the Book ? They instead will live in Sorcery and Tagut and say to the Unbelievers that they are better guided in the right way than the believers ! The are men who Allah hath cursed : and those whom Allah hath cursed, thou wilt find have no one to help.’’

    Let us from today learn and determine how to be change agents. Be reformed by your faith for you to be able to transform the already decayed society for good. Don’t be a barrier to development and beware of false teachers.

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  • Man and Tax by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.The prophetic statement of Jesus Christ that we should give onto Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar and onto God what belongs to God. This is a very convincing explanation of the concept of tax.
    In the religious circles, although grossly abused when accrued wealth from tax is not directed towards the development of the entire system of the contributors, but rather into the pockets of the founder.
    The concept of tax could be described as a compulsory contribution levied upon persons, property, or business for the support of the government as an important source for Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) to be able to meet up with the major objectives and focus of the prepared budget to run the vital administrative and management demand of governance.
    It is imperative for all and sundry to ensure they carry out their civic responsibilities to ensure that the government is not short of funds to provide the basic needs of the people.

    Tax 1
    In the same vein, if the government fails to provide for the people, there would be reactionary activities by the people.
    A comparative analysis of the developed world and Africa exposes the lukewarm attitude of the people in the payment of taxes to the government. This is due to the endemic corruption which has characterized governance in Africa.
    The issue of corruption, therefore,  must be tackled by every available means to create space for good governance and development.
    Taxes that are paid in an environment of transparency and accountability will meet up with the trust of the people to willingly get set to pay their dues or taxes without compulsion, threats, or intimidation.

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  • Don't Condemn Other People By Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.Mankind is yet to appreciate that God the almighty is the God of varieties and diversities.

    We, must, therefore, realize that the religious goal is to reform, and strengthen us into unity, while the differences in ethnicity, tribes, and dialects are for the purpose of identification only and never to stigmatize and discriminate among one another.

    The Holy Quran 45: 8-9 refers, '' He hears the Signs of Allah rehashed to him, ye is obstinate and lofty as if he had not heard them: then announce to him a chastisement Grievous! And when he learns something of Our Signs, he takes them in jest: for such there would be a humiliating chastisement.''

    The Holy Bible, Romans 14: 1-4 states, ''

    1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

    2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

    3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

    4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.''

    To keep the peace we must display a high level of tolerance and rich knowledge about the faith of other people, to avoid condemning others blindly.CritThe Holy Quran 16: 125 refers, '' Invite all to the Way of the Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His path and how to receive guidance.''

    Let us tolerate one another and jointly work for enduring peace.

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  • Be careful about making Promises by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.The world will know peace and humanity will no longer be at war when we put into practice our knowledge about respect for the fundamental human rights, of others including women's rights, fulfillment of promises, walking the talk of the oath taken in the transaction as well as the assumption of responsibilities and finally, when we stand by the covenant we made most especially with God the almighty.

    We, therefore need to be careful when making promises.

    The Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 5: 1-5 warns us against the breaking of promises. ''

    1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

    2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

    3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.

    4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

    5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.''

    Promise

    In the same manner, the Holy Quran warns vehemently, most especially on the issue of the covenant which must be made on the basis of goodness only. The Holy Quran 16: 91 refers, ''Fulfill the covenant of Allah when ye have entered into it and break not your oath after ye have confirmed them: Indeed ye have made Allah your surety; for Allah knoweth all the ye do.''

    Our good disposition towards others is what our creator demands.

    The Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 5: 5- 7, '' 5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

    6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

    7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou, God.''

    The Holy Quran, therefore, admonishes us in 16: 90 to be responsible in contributions to the growth and development of the people and the society as well.

    ''Allah commands justice, the doing of good and giving to kith and kin and He forbids all indecent deeds, evil and rebellion: He instructs you that ye may receive admonition.''

    Remember that knowledge without the fear of God is empty, life without wisdom is meaningless and a system is driven without the divine instinct would be stagnant. All these qualities and virtues were expected to be worked on to be able to have exemplary lifestyles. Be wise.

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  • Faith and Wisdom by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof.Three things stand out in the life of every man or woman-knowledge, wisdom, and the power of a discerning mind or the right inspiration from God for any faith to be able to stand the test time.

    However, faith is meaningless without hope, which is a function of just worship.

    For it to be meaningful, they must exist and operate in an environment of love. Faith and wisdom, therefore, have a very high correlation coefficient.

    The Holy Bible, James 1: 2-8 sermonizes on this: ''tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

    2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

    3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

    4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

    5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

    6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

    7For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.

    8A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.''

    Faith cannot stand, therefore, without a high sense of comprehension of the words of God to the level of ease of application that would suit the true-life situation. This cannot be sustainable except we decide to live exemplary lifestyles by been scripture compliant. The Holy Quran, therefore, warns us against losing the sense of appreciation through unwarranted waywardness and frivolities in living our lives because this will not show any sign of wisdom in us.

    Wisdom

    The Holy Quran 2: 269 refers, ''He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth ; and he or she to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will receive admonition.''

    Let us, therefore, show gratitude and wisdom by making a revival of integrity into our cultural psyche, restoration of ethical practices in our educational system, and the reawakening of living by the scripture in our religious practice.

    Avoid destructive tendencies and also shun all acts capable of destabilizing the nation. Exhibit wisdom as the pillar for driving faith.

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  • Divine Intervention by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    DownloadThere are three major sources of inspiration which generally we confuse to be the same.
    Religious adherents believe in the supreme being, rather than through intermediaries to the almighty God.
    Adherents, therefore, believe in their creator for divine guidance and direction.
    The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 6: 4-6, Mark 12: 29-30, and the Holy Quran 16: 51-52 declare God as authoritative and unquestionable with whom believers must not associate with any idols god or goddess, so as not to threaten His oneness in our beliefs.
    Divine intervention has a universal concept on the issue of creation, sustenance, death, and resurrection of every human.
    Conditionally, therefore, at micro and macro, finite and infinite dimensions of existence on earth and other members of the galaxies, divine intervention is a necessity to keep the peace regarded as intra, for the tranquility of the mind and inter for an interpersonal relationship of sociological importance.
    Worshipping God fervently is not negotiable if an individual or a nation wants their activities to be divinely controlled and regulated.
    The historical record of the Israelis is a classical example of how we can appreciate the meaning of divine intervention and the consequences associated with deviation from the stipulated righteous path laid down by God.
    The Israelites were fortified against their enemies when they were on the right path of righteousness, but they were sold out to their enemies when they resorted to idol worship.

    Divine 1
    Another example is that of Elijah, who was highly fortified by God against King Ahab and Jezebel his wife as well as the false prophets of Baal. He singlehandedly with all authority declared that there would be no rain for three years and it was so.
    In the same vein, the war of Badru with 313 inexperienced men win the war against 1,000 well-trained horsemen employed by the enemies to crush Islam under the Hooly Prophet Muhammad, although they nearly lost. When they went for the war of Uhud, in confrontation with supposedly poor enemies acts of deceit, apostasy, and disloyalty to the Prophet were prominent.
    When nations, therefore, do things accordingly, they are better off in the achievement of peace and development, even though they may not profess God, God loves those who are orderly and living without cheating on others. This observation brings us to the fact that the degree of religiosity to measure the seriousness of the people on the issue of God and Godliness is never rated through population density or the number of houses of God but by the number of adherents who are scripture compliant.
    Nations that profess religion without their people been scripture compliant will continue to be bereft of divine intervention because we cannot deceive God, Who believes in quality, standard, and merit.
    In conclusion, divine intervention is God's interference or decisive role to correct a bad or worrisome situation. Spiritual security is what we need most to resolve all conflicts.

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  • My Support for Government has gone beyond Politics and Self-Interest -Eze(Dr.)Anozie

    EzeA cross-section of Igbos in Oyo state have picked holes in the comments credited to the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr. Alex Anozie. Eze(Dr.) Anozie had in an interview with a monthly local tabloid described the Oyo state Governor as a progressive-minded Governor and among other views including the appointment of  Igbos into political offices by the present administration in Oyo state among related issues. In this interview with People,  the Igbo leader insists that his support for the government goes beyond politics and self-centered interests.
    Excerpts :

    What is your reaction to the reservation expressed by a cross-section of Igbos in Oyo state on your comments revolving around the present administration in Oyo state?

    My response to their reservations as the leader of my people in Ibadan and Oyo state is that any government that comes to power and was duly sworn in accordance with the law must get our support, particularly when that government is doing well.
    We can also criticize and advise maturely when the government is not doing well. So when the All Progressives Congress(APC) was in government in the state, to be sincere to ourselves, they tried, they did not leave the state the way they met it, they improved on the previous government's performance. The Governor then,  late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, may his soul rest in perfect peace, may have had his own fault as a human being, as it is only God that is perfect in everything He does. But he performed, so it is now the turn of the present government under Governor Seyi Makinde. The present administration came in democratically and was duly sworn in accordance with the law, so we must support them because we are law-abiding people living in the state. 

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    When we identify that there are shortcomings, we will surely give mature advice, all for the benefit of the peace, progress, and development of our pacesetter state, Oyo state.
    Whatever the number of years that God says the administration will spend in the office, we shall support it, the number of years as stipulated and allowed by the constitution, two terms.  And when this administration finishes and another one comes in democratically and duly sworn in, we are going to support them again. You see, one thing with me is that I so much believe in due process. This is the only way that we can make progress for peace and harmony in the state. So anyone saying anything outside this that I have stated is on his own.

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  • Only a Godly life brings Happiness by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke.

    DownloadTo be happy adherents, must follow all the essentials revolving around religion and morality. 

    A Godly life could be equated to doing things according to the moral standard of every society which at a universal level could be translated to been scripture compliant.

    The Holy Bible Ecclesiastes 2: 22-26 explains it all, ''22For what hath man of all his labor, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath labored under the sun?

    23For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

    24There is zip better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God

    25For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?

    26For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.''

    We should shun things that impoverish the body and soul.

    Also read -Legalizing Crime and Criminality God 7

    This is purely the essence of attending religious houses to respect the authority of the almighty Allah for our just worship.

    The Holy Quran 13: 28-29 refers, '' Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without that in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction. For those who believe and walk righteousness, is every blessedness and beautiful place of final return.''

    Let us also ponder on the '' Holy Quran 55: 26-29, ''All that is on earth will perish: but will abide forever that face thy Lord,-full of majesty, bounty, and honor. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny? Of Him seeks its need, every creature in the heavens and on earth: every day a new splendor doth shine !

    Let us pursue the cause of a Godly life for our happiness to know no bounds.

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  • Follow The Footsteps of Wise men Only By Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    ProfIn the teaching and learning cycle of education-formal, informal, and non-formal. A teacher's capacity for capability is sacrosanct to the learner's readiness to be rightly taught.

    Informal and formal settings are usually driven through the authority's wealth of experience only.Transfer Money with Wise

    The danger in this lies in the challenge of attitudinal character which if it is fraught with some elements of arrogance and hidden senes of inferiority that may directly or indirectly affect negatively the service delivery.

    This is why we demand that for good parenting, character regulation and adjustment calling for body preservation from crimes as well as soul purification from devilish thought processes must be imbibed as a culture for the parents to be able to effectively deliver in the cause of child-rearing and natural nurturing of the adolescence for non-formal education, apprenticeship will always need, after graduation, proficiency lessons for all artisans in the ever dynamic trend of the world on education and professionalism for ease of attaining best global practices and global market competitiveness, despite the curriculum available in the form of the Scriptures of religious systems, the challenges of poor parenting and poor professional practices by the artisan, respectively still persists in the leadership problem of most religious leaders.

    For example, analyses in the Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 12: 11-12, ''11The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

    12And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.''

    in the same vein, the Holy Quran shows us the way to teach and the way to learn correctly.

    The Holy Quran 16: 123, refers, '' Invite all to the Way of the Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. For the Lord knowest best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.''

    Our teaching methodology to reform people must, therefore, be all-encompassing through a positive mindset approach.

    There must, therefore, be a teacher/learner synergy with provisions for interactive sessions for both to be equally challenged for the purpose of advancing the cause of improvement.

    The Holy Quran states that our Lord, the almighty Allah taught humans the use of the pen and inspires a man to know that which he knew not before.

    The factor of God, in imparting knowledge must not, therefore, be trivialized with all humanity and less hypocrisy.

    Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14 explains the mysteries behind educational impartation. ''Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

    14For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.''

    Wise

    In the same manner, the Holy Quran warns seriously every mortal to take the Scripture with all seriousness by implementing the provisions and contents, therein, to regulate individual activities and general human affairs.

    The Holy Quran 13: 10-11 refers, ''It is the same to Him whether any of you conceal His speech or declare it openly: Whether he perpetrates evil using the cover of the night or walk forth freely by day for each such person, there are angels in succession before and behind him, they guard him by command of Allah......... just to assess and evaluate him on the compliance level of the Scripture he or she upholds''.

    Much as most of us are living in a highly bastardized and filthy environment, people of God must not get involved to further degenerate the situation but follow the footsteps of the wise only. 

    Take heed to adjust in order to enable knowledge to pride you into a virtuous position of the wise.

  • The Mortal Nature of Man by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    ProfThe design of God on the creation of all living things is that of the gestation period, the period of childhood, the prime age of marriage and career, as well as that of the period of ultimate weakness, when the two legs may become feeble to need another support aided by the hands.

    In the period of discipline, integrity, when neighbors matter to everybody usually manifested through sincere caring and sharing, driving our social interactions, the environment was conducive for man to enjoy the longevity of age assisted by a high index of wellness.

    However, today, the environment is fraught with fraud with an attendant increase in the number of predators that daily threaten human existence due to our sins and rot that dare all senses of regulation and control.  Transfer Money with Wise

    It is, therefore, appropriate, this time around to ponder well on the signs of the evening times.

    The Holy Quran 22:1-3 refers, ''O mankind fear your Lord for the convulsion of the hour of judgment will be a thing terrible.

    The Day ye shall see it, every mother giving suck shall forget her suckling baby, and every pregnant female shall drop her load unformed(miscarriage): Thous shalt see mankind as in a drunken riot yet not drunk. : but dreadful will be the Chastisement of Allah and yet among men, there are such as dispute about Allah, without knowledge, and follow every Satan obstinate in rebellion! (misleading them).''

    Is this not the basis of why we have many people dying at unripe ages?

    Mortal 1

    Suffice it now to say that we serve God to receive His light to be able to have immunity against all forms of predators. For every man's successful voyage in life, obstacles must be overcome through the grace of an ever-enduring divine power otherwise predators may terminate the blossoming life with the deadly blow that goes beyond mere thunderstrike.

    It is, therefore, imperative that we bear in mind that everybody is bound to taste death as its ultimate end on earth.

    Moreso, when nobody knows the second and the hour when the eyes will close without opening again.

    Remember that every eye with the milk of kindness and passion does shed tears when their loved ones die.

    This is why they warn us that where a blossoming tree falls, a dried one may still stand on its feet implying that every one of us must always prepare as mortals for any eventuality.

    Ecclesiastes 12:6-8,'' 6Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel is broken at the cistern.

    7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

    8Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.''

    In the same vein, the Holy Quran 30: 55-57 refers, '' On the day that the hour of reckoning would be established, the transgressors will swear that they tarried not but an hour: thus were they used to be deluded!

    But those endowed with knowledge and faith will say: indeed he did tarry within Allah decree to the day of resurrection, and this is the day of resurrection: but ye -ye did not know!

    So on that Day, no excuse of theirs will avail the transgressors, nor will they be allowed to make amends.''

    All successful Holy Prophets in the Scriptures humble themselves to fear God by been Scripture compliant without been unnecessarily rhetorical.

    They believe in the last day and walk the talk of self-esteem, good work ethics, and interpersonal relationship.

    Above all, they offered just worship devoid of unbelief and hypocrisy. Let us from today, follow their good examples, while alive.

     

  • Self-Esteem by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    ProfSelf-esteem is an intrinsic worth of values usually demanded by society from every individual because it is fundamental to the culture of integrity which can promote such other values like morality, discipline, and the ability to control anger, to prevent bad blood and the possible breakdown of law and order that may undermine growth and development.
    In every sphere of life, where socialization processes are demanded, self-esteem is always found to be Germaine for interpersonal relationships to be productive and symbiotic to aid good team spirit for social services for all agents of socialization to have a breakthrough for a perfect functionality of the system where peace and development are highly essential.
    From the perspective of the home, the primary source of self-esteem has to do with the hereditary factor.    Transfer money with Wise
    This is why every growing youth must undergo appropriate natural nurturing towards having respect for the culture of integrity.
    It is equally of great importance that the process of child-rearing must be very much concerned about the child custody environment.
    This is because even when the parents can role model virtues, the environment under which a child is been reared must be taken into account so as not to have a negative effect on the innocent child, most especially at a stage of keeping peer group.

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    however, a careless parent, who is wayward, may find it difficult even to teach morals, not to talk of instilling self-esteem into the child's ego-building.
    Self-esteem manifestation may have the double edge of a sword, the extrinsic worth easily manifests well on the body languages of the boy/man or girl/woman which easily makes those in the society form an opinion about him or her: arrogant, pompous, sluggish, scary, scornful, sickly, dull, bright, etc.
    The intrinsic worth is usually exhibited for the society to form opinions such as intolerance, thoughtful, spontaneous, patient, perseverance among others. All these components of behavioral characteristics can be classified as negative or positive, as they vary in degrees in the ranking order of disposition measurement that guides people to form opinions about one's personality traits.
    There is no art in which one can know the mind's construction on the face except through the gift of clairvoyance or divine attributes.
    It is, therefore, very easy for people to misconstrue intentions. Therefore, there is a need for every human to imbibe a positive mindset in the way they appear or behave for people not to misconstrue their perceived actions.
    Parents are, therefore, advised not to be bullies in the home and they must have listening ears.
    the culture of self-esteem complimented with a good upbringing enables an individual to succeed where others are failing.
    Self-esteem always ensures that leaders enjoy the cooperation of their followers because where transparency is the order of the day people's loyalty and trust are naturally enjoyed.

  • Ramadan Fast(Daily Guide)By Prof.Sabitu Olagoke

    ProfSaturday, May 8th
    The harvesting season for Muslim adherents is expected to make us realize the need to become instruments of change, whose activities will be accepted as an act of Ibaadah under the following conditions stipulated by the Holy Quran 22: 35, '' Humility par excellence with pure hearts driven by the fear of God, the almighty Allah, we must show patient perseverance over any affliction that may come our way without shifting the blame on any mortal and without derailing from the true path of righteousness: Al Islam.
    We must keep up regular prayer and spend without adulteration or idolatry. We must equally spend on charity out of what God has bestowed us''.
    It is only such people that can receive the grace of God as the dividend of the Ramadan fast. Ramadan Kareem.
    Sunday, May 9th
    Let us be reminded that the period of retreat or Itikaf must move us close to God, the almighty Allah, without being distracted by the mundane things of life. Equally, be reminded that this is a harvesting period where wishes are converted into prayers, as expressed in the Holy Quran 2: 186,''When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close to them. I respond to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me. That they may walk the right way.''
    Let us be Muslim adherents who communicate and consult with God with the preference of a perfect God/man relationship; rather than being a reject in Islam. Ramadan Mubarak.

    Ramadan 2Monday, May 10th
    Be reminded of the need to search for the favor of God in the glorious night of Laelatul Quadri regarded as the night of power that is better than a thousand months, when therein come down the angels and the spirits by Allah's permission on every errand, to bring onto the sincere adherents tranquility of the mind and peace on the environment. The Holy Quran 97 refers. Ramadan Mubarak.
    Tuesday, May 11th
    Be reminded of the command of the almighty Allah on the need to be philanthropic, steeping us up through Jaka or Zakat ul Fitri on the day declared as the end of the Ramadan fast. Let us be prepared for it by taking care of the whole household by contributing to the wellness of the less privileged ones. For the almighty Allah declares in the Holy Quran 92: 5-7, ''So he who gives in charity and fears Allah and in all sincerity testifies to the best, we will indeed make smooth the path to Ease.''
    Avoid being selfish and arrogant in daring God for He gives us another challenge in Quran 92: 8-13, ''But he who is greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient and gives the lie to the Best, you will indeed make smooth the Path to Mystery nor will his wealth profit him when verily We take Upon us to guide and verily onto us belongs the ned and the beginning.'' Ramadan Mubarak.
    Wednesday, May 12th
    Look around to appreciate the favor of God the almighty Allah on you for been alive to begin and witness the end of the Ramadan fast for this year. We have all made wishes for God's positive disposition to make it real. The essence of Eid El Fitri, therefore, is to thank God through His much cherished affirmative on walking the talk of our beliefs and the lesson learned within the 29 or 30 days of our abstinence from sins, crimes, and devilish thought processes, be rightly guided through the provisions of the Holy Quran 61: 2-3, '' Oh ye who believe! Why say ye that which ye do not. Grievously hateful is it in the sight of Allah, that ye say that which  ye do not.''
    Let us all buy into the provision of the Holy Quran 61: 4 as born-again Muslims. ''Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array as if they were a solid cemented structure.''
    Let us all become change agents for Ramadan reformation on us to be able to transform our national treasures into a beneficial inclusive society. Ramadan Mubarak.

  • Honesty

    ProfA nation built on the platform of honesty could be likened to a house built on rocky ground, like the Yoruba proverb will say that we must not build our houses using saliva not to experience immediate or untimely collapse. To the professionals in the construction industry, this may transform into the necessity to build, starting from bidding, selection of materials based on quality and standard, and the use of a due process in transactions as well as material purchase.
    Where there is an element of dishonesty, cases of delivering poor jobs that may not last the test of time may result at the end of the exercise.
    Honesty is emphasized in the scriptures to be realizable when understanding of faith is met with the sincerity of purpose in worship in an environment of love.
    In the absence of honesty, a good character would be defrauded into frivolous acts and waywardness thereby missing the goal of the uprightness of character.
    Unfortunately, the goal of democracy is to produce people who will be able to manage the justice system through incorruptible     Judges and would be able to stand firm against all odds to be able to produce deterrence which will always be a reference point that would effectively checkmate others from going into sins and criminalities.
    The Legislative arm is expected to be populated by people of impeccable character with full passion for the people they want to serve by understanding their areas of need that can be regulated and recommended as a template for the government to act upon through sincere and statistically based policies.
    The Executive on their part is supposed to be constituted by people who are honestly reliable with a good track record.
    The electoral body is equally expected to be constituted by people of integrity with a firmness of purpose without any inkling of compromise in going about the business of electing leaders. The million-dollar question is on how far we have been able to have in place the right people in the right places for us to be able to promote the culture of honesty in realizing the goal of democracy.
    Our inability, to be honest, has led us, as if to legalize illegitimacy, into various attitudinal challenges that are rubbishing the essence and the relevance of our culture been managed by traditional rulers, religious houses, and the education sector. This lack is responsible for the dysfunctional state of our Ministries, Parastatals, Departments, and Agencies, in which corruption has eaten deep to the extent of decay, for our democracy to fail in delivering peace and sustainable development, hence the chaotic situation of insecurity, destroying people and their property.
    For every office that is sensitive and that has a direct bearing on the lives of the people, elected or appointed leaders are always made to swear on oath, but this has not brought about the desired results.
    Teaching and learning dominate the entire lives of the people for them to be able to do things right without cheating on others or defrauding the state because they are honest.
    The promotion of honesty is, therefore, sacrosanct to realizing the behavioral objectives of democracy into prosperity, a safe and secured environment with the air of love devoid of any form of discrimination for peace to reign supreme and sustainable development to be realized through the concept of justice and equity.
    Honesty is equally #a bedrock of gaining salvation through the correct spiritual life of every man.

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • 38th Annual Shafaudeen Ishrat Begins on Saturday

    ShafProfA lecture titled NIGERIA DEMOCRACY ON FUNCTIONALITY is one of the programs lined up to mark the 38th annual Ishrat of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, WakajaIye, Ibadan, Nigeria.

    According to its Founder, Spiritual Head, and Grand Imam, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke who made this disclosure on Thursday at a news briefing, the lecture and Grand Finale of the annual Ishrat which is slated for 10.00 am on Saturday, 23 January 2021 shall also feature a book launch, the investiture of the nation builders, project commissioning and the 23rd Walimot Quran by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Ganiyy Abubakri Agbotomokekere The event holds at the Shafuadeen International headquarters, Wakajaiye, Ibadan.

    Prof. Olagoke also disclosed that the opening ceremony of the Ishrat comes up on Saturday, 16 January with the Kiddies Sport, Inter-Schools Competition, and Novelty race at the Christ Church school field, Wakajaiye. The event which begins at 10.00 am, shall also feature a lecture titled ''YOUTH EMPOWERMENT MUST BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING FOR A GREATER TOMORROW.

    Other events slated for the Ishrat include the 23rd Walimatul- Quran Validation test which comes up by 10.00 am on Sunday, 17 January, while an Interfaith Symposium is slated for Tuesday, 19 January at the CRCT Hall, Shafuadeen International headquarters, Wakajaiye, Ibadan at 10.00 am.

    The Rasool Cup Under 18 Football tournament Final comes up Wednesday, 20 January, at the Loyola College field at 2.00 pm in the afternoon, while the annual Ishrat Tajud shall take place the next day, 21 January at the Shafuadeen International headquarters, Wakajaiye, Ibadan from 9.00 pm in the evening to 5.00 am the next morning.

    A youth empowerment seminar with the theme Nigeria Youth Agenda for Government Benefits in Actualizing the Feasible Ones is slated for Friday, 22 January at the Shafuadeen International headquarters, Wakajaiye, Ibadan. Other events are also slated for the same day. Farwell and thanksgiving come up at 10.00 are on Sunday, 24 January.

    Prof. Olagoke assured that all COVID 19 protocols shall be strictly observed all through the Ishrat.

  • Religion and People's Hopes

    Prof sabitu olagoke 6The special arrangement of God is that people must be well cultured into the ethos of integrity even at the raw stage of their lives and that they must be well educated through affective, cognitive, and psychomotor domains into the culture of organizational and professional ethics and to the glorious level of understanding the word of God through the Scriptures to the application realm of exemplary lifestyles for them to be able to get to the credence level of leadership credibility that will make them key easily into good management and effective administrative network for good governance in any capacity they may be called upon to serve.

    This is why the Almighty God admonished us to embrace the culture and environment of love for other organs of life to be effectively functional.

    1Cor. 13: 13, refers, ''So these three things continue: Faith, Hope, and Love. And the greatest of these is love.''

    And all these things work for the people as reported by the Holy Quran and the Holy Bible to the outstanding level of realizable objectives for the Holy Prophets in the Holy Quran and the Holy Bible.

    It used to work, even in the old times, in Nigeria, when the number of Churches and Mosques, as well as the number of schools, could easily be counted without any mental task.

    In those glorious days, except that God did not approve of idolizing such objects into gods and goddesses. Miracles were truly wrought and solutions to human problems were easily solved by these three sectors of spiritual importance.

    This was because people loved themselves and kept good neighborliness. There was scanty money in the hands, but the food was in abundance to satisfy the physiological needs of the people.

    Stories of hired killings, armed robberies, insurgency, and other violent crimes were alien to the people, while everyone cared for his neighbor with passion. The absence of care today has resulted in human intolerance, institutional indiscipline, economic sabotage, ritual killings for quick money, the craze for wealth to the level of what is not needed, greed and avarice, self-centeredness, and business as usual in positions of authority are all anti-scriptural and anti-thetical to the society, with this kind of environment, just worship is difficult to be realized even with the population target theory of the Churches and the power-grabbing focus of the Muslims as well as the countless number of Churches, Mosques and other faith-based organizations. Religious leaders and their adherents are now swimming in the viscose of political theater, confused as they are and neither been accepted by the society or trusted as the messengers or people.

    We all need to retrace our steps back into the ordinances of God as scripted in the curricula of religion. It is a matter of regret that today, no religious leaders can with the certainty of authority

    repeat the statement of Jesus Christ without been booed.

    Matthew 11: 28-30, refers, ''Come to me all you people that are tired and have heavy burdens. I will give you rest, accept my work, and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, the work that I ask you to accept is easy, the burden I give you to carry is not heavy.''

    People without exemplary lifestyles and with records of rot in the past cannot be trusted with the above statement, this is because followers may be hoodwinked, but not all of them can be cajoled.

    In the same way, the area of character attestation is emphasized by the Holy Quran, with the reward of relief from heavy burdens from any form of yokes.

    With the submissions of God, the almighty Allah, in the Holy Quran 7: 157 critical surveys on Muslim leaders and in-depth research on their conduct reveal that the beautiful ones are not yet born, most especially in Nigeria.

    This is why we cannot credit reasonable input into the nation-building to these two dominant religions in Nigeria, including the other faith-based organizations because of the lack of been Scripture compliance.

    Quran 7: 157 refers, ''Those who follow the messenger, the unlettered prophet, who they find mentioned in their own Scriptures,-in Taurat and the Gospel;-For he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good and pure, and prohibits them from what is bad and impure: he releases them from their burdens and from the yokes that are upon them: So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is they who will prosper.''

    The analysis of the above quote shows the characteristic feature of the attitudinal building and character attestation], the benefit of been Scripture compliant as a reward of freedom from the devil and divine healing for the adherents to realize their nutrition, health, and wellness needs.

    For such a person to maintain and sustain the lofty

     the reward that cannot be bought with money and that cannot be given by people, they must strictly follow the ideals of the prophets of their chosen religion like Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad.

    For us as living souls, let us follow the contents of Quran 4: 59 to meet up.

    Quran 4: 59,''O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. Should you disagree on anything, then refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you ˹truly˺ believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is the best and fairest resolution.''

    Let us be Scripture compliant for just worship in our chosen religion to be able to have sufficient spiritual endowment to drive our socio-economic and political desires to the point of maximum realization without hitch.

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Moral Decadence, Indiscipline and the Marriage Institution

    ProfThe marriage institution is a blessing to mankind to raise man up to a higher plane of operation above the animals which go about reproductive processes without nay guide, once they are moved into the romantic ecstasy of love affairs, they mate at all costs with their weaker female counterparts even their mothers, except in the known species of the horse which has never been into the practice of incest and the weaver bird which obeys a perfect arrangement of divine importance to go through clean courtship period before they finally go into wedlock. A male weaver bird at the ripe age of puberty stage woos a female counterpart for days and months, during this period they will have nothing to do with mating and illegal sexual experience. The male is charged by the female to build a nest to prepare for the housing need after going into wedlock.

    The female, upon the male's claim of completing the nest, would be invited to examine for acceptability the newly built nest, if it is not acceptable by the female counterpart, the male has two options to rebuild to the female's taste or lose the female to another more serious male elsewhere. When eventually, there is a consensus, they move in immediately to commence their honeymoon as a newly wedded couple.

    The reminiscence of this can be likened to the marriage institution process for mankind, our culture and religion agree on fidelity concept for nay marriage solemnization to take place by the Alfas or Pastors.

    Luckily, for the institutions of culture and religion, the backup Scriptures are there for the perfect guide. For example, the culture of fidelity on the part of the male and female must be upheld, most especially on the premise of virginity of the girl-child and abstinence from promiscuous acts. On these, the following factors of conditions must be ascertained before any marriage solemnization take place-1)mutual consent between the two intending couples to ensure maturity on both sides, absence of forced marriage, and a case of minor marriage to respect the fundamental human rights of the intending couples to feel and realize love in the proposed contract. Secondly, research-based consent of the parents of the male and the female for the marriage to take place with due regards for their children's state for the mind and wellness factor as well as ascertaining the suitability of the intending in-laws to be integrated into both families for a better future of the marriage.

    The third is the factor of weaknesses to the journey of the intending couples to avoid future allegations by people from outside the marriage which is usually revolving around charges of infidelity and cheating which may ultimately lead to disaffection in the newly formed family and possible separation or divorce.

    The fourth is the intending husband's appreciation of winning the hearts of the sweetheart, this is always appreciated through a substantial amount of money for the male winning the love of his heartthrob(Quran 4: 4.'' And give your wives their share of the dowry and then if they willingly participate in it with you, it is not objectionable and is legal for you.'')

     With all these perfect arrangements from God, why is it that many marriages suffer from separation or divorce? Knowing fully well that Jesus Christ condemned the practice outrightly because of its socio-spiritual implications. For example Mathew 5: 31-32 is sufficient to guide to go about marriage and keep it. 

    Mathew 5: 31-32

    31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’

     32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.''

    From the perspective of Islam, the Holy Quran 24 : 3 refers to ''A male fornicator would only marry a female fornicator or idolatress. And a female fornicator would only be married to a fornicator or idolater. This is ˹all˺ forbidden to the believers.''

    The fallout of broken homes is separation or divorce which usually make the children or product of the marriage to be vulnerable to various hazards of life.

     The Holy Quran 17: 32 refers to ''And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.'' What a great act of socio-spiritual implication. The counseling factors in the marriage institution is very essential to maintain and sustain it. For example, Ephesians 4: 21-25, ''21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

    25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.'' This is a counsel for husbands and wives on mutual relationships.''

    In the same way, Quran 4: 34, emphasizes the process of convening, maintaining, and sustaining marriage which usually among human being always goes through the rigor of declining stages in relationships. The courtship period with glowing love region or cosmetic values usually blindfolds the intending couples about the reality of themselves. The wedding night is known to be a honeymoon period, before a year of the marriage, there is a reality check, then after a year, couples expect the following declining stages which must be managed effectively, he nagging period, suspicious management period, threat region and possibly third party intervention, the purple riot decision region metamorphosing into coping dope or separation threat.

    The Holy Quran 4: 34 states that ''Men are the caretakers of women, as men have been provisioned by Allah over women and tasked with supporting them financially. And righteous women are devoutly obedient and, when alone, protective of what Allah has entrusted them with.1And if you sense ill-conduct from your women, advise them ˹first˺, ˹if they persist,˺ do not share their beds, ˹but if they still persist,˺ then discipline them ˹gently˺. But if they change their ways, do not be unjust to them. Surely Allah is Most High, All-Great.'' For the women, their responsibilities in the home must be based '' therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in the husband's absence what Allah would have them, guard.''

    In the same verse, the almighty Allah says men must be tolerable and super counselors who teach patience through a clear understanding, until there is a change in the character of the woman for good, who the men must not cheat, but rule over them through the fear of God. The marriage institution is sacred and must be revered as such to be able to generate good and reliable homes that would produce good future leaders for the nation to move forward.

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

      

     

  • Religious Inspiration for Social Drive

    Prof 1Despite the countless number of  Churches and Mosques in Nigeria and other faith-based organizations from which our leaders emerge as products of our spiritual space, Nigeria is yet to tackle the issue of institutional indiscipline, injustice, and marginalization.
    The Holy Quran unmistakably charges every human being and the nation at large, to fight fraud and enthrone sanity for development. 5: 62-63 refers, '' Many of them thous dost see raising each other in sin and transgression and their eating of things forbidden, evil indeed are the things they do, why do not the Rabbis and the Doctors of law forbid them from their habit of uttering sinful words and eating things forbidden? Evil indeed is their works.'' The Holy Bible also admonished against oppressing the poor, it is therefore highly embarrassing for the government to talk of the poorest of the poor in Nigeria's democracy, while what we battled against under the military regime was unabating poverty. Proverbs 22: 22-23 refers,'' It is easy to steal from the poor people, but don't do it and don't take advantage of those poor people in court. The Lord is on their side, He supports them and He will take things away from any person that takes from them.'' Presently, we can see that religion is been underutilized to achieve in the areas of safety and security protocols for the environment, spiritual inspiration needs to articulate the social drive of the people for sustainable development and to advance the cause of credible leadership and good governance. The implication on the faith-based organizations is that of underperformance and low success rate, considering the coverage level of the curricula upholding them. We must not give in to people who are yet to believe in religious sanity and effectiveness for nation-building to insinuate that the Scriptures are dead. Let us change the face of religious practices in our various religious centers to be more focused on our needs as a nation. Nigeria can still be inspired into meeting up the demands of democracy for functional operations, justice, equity, peace, security, and sustainable development since all these values are dependent on the people.

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Good Parenting an Antidote to Social Upheaval

    Prof 1Why should we allow things to fall apart ? and Why should we keep mute in the face of bad governance? Why should leadership failure characterize governance and home parenting?
    The Holy Quran 47: 35 -36 charges all of us to avoid ''siddon look'' attitude, ''Be not weary and faint-hearted, crying for peace when ye are the Uppermost. For Allah is with you, and will never put you in lose for your good deeds. The life of this world is but play and amusement: And if ye believe and guard at this evil, He will grant you your recompense, and will not ask you to give up your possessions.''
    For Nigeria and other nations to be restored into a state of sanity, prosperity, and welfare, peace, and development, the voice of God, our creator must be regarded as the giver of life, that must be cherished beyond the mere mortal voice of wisdom, hence there is a need to operationalize the scriptures in running human affairs.
    The submission of the Holy Bible for the purpose of genuine restoration needs to be heeded. Prov.10: 15-17,'' Wealth protects the rich person. And poverty destroys a poor person (good governance, hard work, and dignity of labor are desired here). If a person does good, then he is rewarded. Heis has given life. Evil brings only punishment(freedom, liberty, and correctional centers/prison, choose one).
    A person who learns from his punishment can help other people to live too. But a person who refuses to learn only leads people the wrong way(true mentorship is desired rather than godfatherism).

    To promote good citizenry, for the society, the elders must role model virtue because only a development that is sustainable is bequeathable. What are we putting forward for Nigeria tomorrow?
    The Holy Quran 59: 18 admonished, ''O ye who believe! Fear Allah and let every soul look to what provision he has sent forth for the morrow. Ye: Fear Allah: for Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do ''. Doing things accordingly and in an orderly manner is a function of due process
     which a pathway to one's understanding of the fear of Allah.''

    Since the product of the home needs to be nature nurtured for the society to enjoy peace and the nation to have credible leaders, heeding the admonition of God must start from the home for the nation to have a strong foundation upon which it has to build for the nation to have good governance and sustainable development.
     Psalm 127 with all affirmation declared that without divine intervention those who labor to build a house will ever labor in vain.
    However, divine intervention is beyond the ability to read, write, and sing the provisions of the scripture, it extends strictly to the vitamins of good attitude which is expected to produce good citizens for any nation.
    The foundation of God, good parenting, disciplined, responsible, and loyal subordination most especially to parents and one's leader, with good interpersonal relationships to keep good neighborliness, are the essential subject content to keep the home, society, and the nation.
    This is the message of the Holy Quran 6: 151-152,'' Say come, I will rehearse what Allah hath really prohibited you from Join not anything with Him: Be good to your parents; Kill not your children on a plea of want;-will provide sustenance for you and for them; come not nigh to indecent deeds whether open or secret; take not life which Allah hath made sacred except by way of justice and law: Thusdothhe command you that ye may learn wisdom. And come not nigh to the orphan's property, except to improve it until he attains the age of full strength; give measure and weight with full justice;-no burden do we place on any soul, but that which it can bear;-whenever ye speak, speak justly even if a near relative is concerned covenant of Allah-thus doth He commands you, that ye may remember. Verily, this is My Way leading straight: follow it: follow not other parts: They will scatter you about from His Path, thus doth He command you that ye may be righteous.
    This is a complete guide for a fulfilled life, if we can follow all these steps of admonitions based on justice ethics and the need to be responsive and responsible to the needs of others, the family and neighbors inclusive.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Are the Scriptures Dead ?

     Prof 1Are the scriptures dead?

    This statement becomes a matter of debate even among religious people. This inscription attracts motorists when they are on motion along the Ibadan/Lagos expressway just after the toll gate. LOne should expect reactions from religious people most especially as popular in Nigeria-the Christians and the Muslims-but none of them have so far raised eyebrows. One would first of all think that the silence which may connote agreement must have been as a result of the constitution f the members of the group that disowned God and all religions are constituted by the conglomerate of the Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists, most especially those who are tired of the way Christianity and Islam are been practiced, look for another messiah on earth.
    However, a critical study of the Holy Bible of the Christians and the Holy Quran of the Muslims condemn the consent implied by their silence.
    If one should go by the provisions of the Holy Quran 2: 62, ''Those who believe in the Quran(that is the true Muslims), and those who follow the Jewish scriptures(that is Judaism) and the Christians and the Serbians(that is true followers of Jesus Chris and the true followers of John the Baptist),-any who believe in Allah(that is God almighty) and the Lats Day, and work with their Lord: on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.''
    From the biblical point of view, Rev. 22: 18-19,'' I warn every person that hears the word of the prophecy of the book: if a person  adds anything to these words, then God will give that person the troubles written in this book and if any person takes away from the words of this book of prophecy then God will take away that person's share of the tree of life and of the holy city which are written about this book.''
    Al these authentic statements of fact are expected to be worked on y operationalizing that provisions of the scriptures even when they seem difficult to follow. This is why the Holy Quran  61:2-4 states that,'' Oh ye who believe! Why say ye that which ye do not? Grievously hateful is it in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not. Truly Allah loves those the cause in battle array(that is consistency in goodness-thoughts, acts, deeds, and words) as if they were a solid cemented structure(concrete reinforcement through fabricated iron or steel)''.
    Suffice it now to say that the Muslims and Christians if truly they follow their scriptures would have received the grace of the provisions of 2 Tim. 3: 16-17(that is ''all scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing the things that are wrong in their lives. I t is useful for correcting faults and teaching how to live right. Using the  Scriptures the person who serves God would be ready and would have everything he or she needs to do every good work(management, administration, governance, credible leadership, sustainable development, etc.)
    Church and Mosque goers are expected to be good citizens of their nations with the following moral disciplines characterized by a positive mindset (that is positive self-image). All the glory of being relevant in all facets of global best practices because we are all operating at the global market phase that deserves competition among the people of all races, self-confidence, self-esteem, and all-encompassing core values of integrity as well as a positive mental attitude that are necessary to always be at peace with neighbors with the glorious advantage of taking firm, accurate and precise decisions always. Muslims and Christians are expected to be prime movers with a high level of reliability and dependability factors in those areas of transparency and accountability in the face of probity.
    However, all these global qualities are lacking in Nigerian Christians and Muslims, implying that they have failed God and humanity to allow such a derogatory statement to the Scriptures. When observers are 'blind', it does not mean that there is no light during the day, when religious leaders fail all divine tests, it does not mean that the Scriptures are dead. 
    Suffice it now to say that the Scriptures must be alive in every adherent because the Bible and the Holy Quran attests with all certainty from the Bible Rev. 22: 20-21,'' Jesus is the one that says that these things are true, Now He says yes I am coming soon.'' Amen come, Lord Jesus,(the grace and kindness) of the Lord Jesus be with all people.
    And from the Holy Quran 43: 61, ''  And Jesus shall the sign of the coming of the hour(of judgment): therefore have no doubt about the hour,  but follow ye Me: this is a straightway.''
     For the Scriptures not to die, the Muslims and the Christians must be scripture compliant as good citizens of their nations, with characteristic feasible, viable, and equitable sustainable development that should manifest. On a final note, the Scriptures are not dead.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Shortcomings in the Civil Service a Threat to Development-Prof. Olagoke

    ProfThe present composition of the public service of the federation and states is, perhaps, partly responsible for the myriad of challenges confronting the country today. The insinuation is that the public service at all levels is overloaded and a burden to the government. There is also the suggestion that a number of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are not relevant to the present economic realities. Corruption, the awkward bureaucratic process, and political partisanship are obvious features of the public service. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head, and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the shortcomings in the civil service serve as stumbling blocks for development. Excerpts :

    How can the public service at the Federal, State, and Local Government levels be made very effective and efficient to meet up with the present economic realities in Nigeria?

    The engine room of governance is the civil service which by extension serves both the public service and parastatals in addition to the government machinery of operation. Unfortunately, funding has to come from the government for the public and civil service to be productive enough to effect positively on the environment, impact on the society and the people, and to boost the economy for the survival of the people through the provision of basic amenities and functional infrastructure to ease and support government activities. In a sane society, civil servants are expected to be incorruptible because they operate through the rule of the law. They are equally supposed to be highly motivated so that they don't get corrupted for the necessary qualities and standards to be set and maintained to a sustainable level. The civil service code of conduct presently suffers a lot under the bottleneck of bureaucracy, characterized by an unwarranted delay in processing, hide and seek game in the areas of treating files while the oath of confidentiality has equally become a political tool to victimize unfriendly clients.

    In the past, civil servants were rigid and religious in adhering to the code of conduct and the civil service rules.  That was an era when technocrats were highly revered, feared, and respected because of their no-compromise attitude.

    However, today, they easily collude in perpetrating fraud, and when been used for fraud by corrupt politicians they easily give way and help themselves too, to perfect diabolical plans or sabotage in becoming a conduit pipe to siphon public funds or our commonwealth. Thye easily leaks official secrets even to public servants. Productivity equally suffers due to the lackadaisical attitude of workers to work. Most of the workers have their personal business outfits which they attend to with all devotion than their officially assigned duties for which they are paid. It is not uncommon to witness orgies of idle hours in various places of work, civil servants, public servants, and government officials.

    \The work ethic through the mechanics of auditing to support the much-needed concept of transparency and accountability is equally rendered ineffective even in the presence of the introduced   Service Compact with All Nigerians(SERVICOM) AND  The Anti- Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU)which are expected to be fillers and pillars of support for the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission(ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) respectively.  Is it not embarrassingly surprising that none of our Ministries, Departments, and Agencies can pass the tets of corporate governance that demands routine checks for auditing, accountability, and transparency. This is why Nigeria continues to promote strong individuals and weak institutions. Cases of Rectors, Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, and Bursars, who live above their means abound. They help themselves with funds meant for the facility update of our institutions of learning which usually fail accreditation exercises. The major problem takes its root in the civil service leading to leading to unwarranted lapses in both material and administrative network for realizable objectives.  The shortcomings that revolve on bureaucratic bottlenecks, leakages in running the system, wrong attitude to work political partisanship at all levels of governance must be squarely addressed to make governance, management, and administration effective. The respect for the civil service rules would in no small measure make all activities effective to meet up with the present economic realities.

     

     

     

     

  • Respect for Time is a Godly Act

    ProfIn every human interaction, the time element is consequential. There is a moral issue surrounding the idea of time and its management. If any system is to survive to a sustainable level, the time element has to be highly respected. For example, in creation, the almighty Allah set a time frame for himself to complete the challenging task of creation.

    From the perspective of the Holy Quaran 57 : 4 ‘’ He it is who created the heaven and the earth in six days. Then after he established himself on the throne…..'' The above implies, the job was highly satisfactory for the almighty Allah to set a parable of quality and standard, tested and trusted before assuming and adopting for use.

    In our own reality of life the time element is trivialized in our attitude towards work and in fulfilling the covenant of timely delivery of the rendered service to the disappointment of whoever must have given us the opportunity of winning such contract, forgetting that successful productivity process is a function of the time element involved to avoid lose of goodwill for the industry or the establishment. In the same vein when we make promises or get into an oath of commitment we must not lose the sight of respecting the contracted time element otherwise associated disappointment may lead into unwarranted feud that may snowball into avenging through killing because the time element associated with the contract was not respected not to talk of been fulfilled. This is why there is the saying, respect for time is the soul of business. The nation is losing a lot of goodwill in the Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Parastatals because of our poor attitude to work, whereby six out of the eight working hours are wasted on gossiping at the expense of work output and the accompanying salaries which in most cases are fixed without any regard for the volume of work done, not to talk of the expected standard and quality. The politicians forming government do not even care about institutionalizing respect for the culture of having regard and respect for the time element as a function of good production index. Is it not a challenge for humans to submit that the lesser animals respect time in everything they do, just like the almighty Allah respect the time frame in His benevolent mystery of creation. For example in Quaran 13 : 8 ‘’ Allah doth know what every female womb doth bear, by how much the womb fall short of their time or number or do exceed. Every single thing is with him in due proportion.’’

    For humans the gestation period is for 9 months, for the hen, the incubation period is 21 days. The respect for time frame is a manifestation of the fact that the person is highly disciplined when he makes a promise or take to an oath he would never disappoint and when such people are given an opportunity to serve they would go about it through arousing conscience which is sacrosanct to service delivery to the satisfactory end without default.

    The Holy Bible makes us to realize that there is a right time for everything and everything on earth would happen at the right time. Eccl. 3 :1–8 proffers that we manage our lives through minimax theory of managing time of events. When they are good we maximize to sustain and when they are bad we regulate and control to minimize or eradicate through timely intervention because of the elements of bearing, planting , healing, building, laughing, dancing out of joy, peace, achievements and love are good elements of life that would ever nurture the nature of man into buoyant and glorious success of development.

    However, the elements of death, destruction , crime, sadness, war and hate are equally elements of life associated with disappointment which may brew darkness into the life of any mortal for untimely death. When time is therefore respected in going about activities by the Muslims ‘ respect for the observance of solat or prayer or our general ability to participate in rescuing other people’s life from ruin through timely intervention based upon the concept of philanthropy, caring and sharing, one is easily thrown into an ecstasy of getting fulfilled with the attendant joy and happiness radiating love on our faces. Let us be timely in doing our jobs for us to be Godly in our religious exercises as disciplined and morally conscious persons.

  • The Essence of Body Preservation and Soul Purification in Religious Worship

    Prof sabitu olagoke 6Two things are very germane in the functionality of the religious sector for it to serve the expected responsibility of promoting the culture of institutional discipline, moral uprightness and consistence arousal in ensuring that due process of the fear of God is followed in discharging individual or collective duties of whatever capacity of operation we may find ourselves . They are the adherents of every religion and their places of worship. For the adherents, a high level of piety based on the factors of reliability and dependability which equally are functions of the individual’s integrity which equally anchors on the soul purification essence from all evil thoughts and body preservation from sins and crimes for them to be eligible to enter their houses of God.

    The Holy Quaran 4 : 17–18 refers ‘’ Allah accept the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent, soon afterwards will Allah turn in mercy : for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. 

    However, of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil, until death faces one of them and he says ‘’now have I repent indeed’’, nor of those who die rejecting faith : for them have we prepared a chastisement most grievous.’’

    On the statues of every house of God, the state of sacredness is equally germane, if we need to go by the demand of God on this, through Quaran 9 : 17–18 ‘’It is not for such as join gods and goddesses or associating partners with Allah, to maintain the mosques(house of God)of Allah while they witness against their own souls to infidelity.

    The works of such bear no fruit : in fire shall they dwell.

    Therefore, the mosque of Allah or the house of God, shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.

    A general view in the situation of many houses of God and the adherents show a negative compliance with affronts, effrontery and defiant impunity, making a good God/man relation to be elusive in the land and making the inhabitants or humanity generally, to be vulnerable or susceptible to various unwarranted attacks-visible and invisible.

    The Holy Bible, 1 Cor. 13–13 makes this particular submission that there is faith in the name of religion and hope through just worship only in realizing the dividends of religious practice.

    However, the only condition under which this design of God can be sustainably beneficial is an environment of love, unfortunately, humanity is daily faced with challenges of hostilities making us to be people of blurred visions with ignorant politics of deceit that is usually consuming people, making all efforts to be thrown into the dustbin of waste.

    There is a dire need therefore, for all clerics to go back to the drawing board to revisit their curricula of the scriptures and restrategize to teach the adherents and the society objectively without bias of any sort in order that we are able to reawaken all agents of socialization to be alive to their God given responsibilities. No religion teaches evil, no scripture does mislead.

     For sanity to reign let us all fear God to be able to put up exemplary lifestyles.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Exemplary Lifestyles : An Antidote to Indiscipline

    Prof sabitu olagoke 6The issue of education cuts across the home and the school, while the products still remain as raw materials for the houses of God to process into refined elements thoroughly reformed and guided by knowledge, wisdom and the power of discerning mind, if and only if due process is taken into an environment of love, morality and discipline.

    Graduates of these institutions are expected to feed the society through services in their various specializations, guided by ethics of practices for the right value orientation to be employed in achieving the much desired value, quality and standard expected to be in line with global best practices.

    Almost all the nations of the world, Nigeria in particular, have failed in this respect because of the breakdown of the agents of socialization in the hostile environment of poverty, Timocracy and kleptocracy.

    The underling factors for the restoration of values is to work on the attitudinal challenges emanating from the breakdown of the core values in all spheres of life, as there are no longer role models for the youths to emulate in the present ugly environment of rhetoric.

    What is correct is obvious, but who to correct it, is now the question on every lip. However, for humanity not to go into extinction through ravaging pandemic diseases such as the coronavirus, borne out of human frivolities and waywardness, there is a need to restrategize on the way we impact on the society, the teaching and learning value in the schools and the home through the curriculum that must be practically touched with role modelling illustrations and demonstrations for correct learning that will perfect the ways of the people and the change into fortune the destiny of the society.

    In this respect, everybody is a stakeholder just as religion is all encompassing with universal applications to regulate and control moderately the affairs of the people with overall advantages of the spiritual energy to articulate human social activities into full realization and actualization, there is a need to return to God through the chosen faith based houses of God for unseasoned divine intervention to nurture to fruition human efforts for development.

    References to the scriptures that must be implemented without seizing the advantages of the people’s areas of weaknesses and needs will ever solve our attitudinal challenges on institutional discipline, moral decadence and frictions for corruption against peace and development. 

    Prov. 25 : 28 ‘’ A person that can’t control himself(discipline) is like a city without walls to protect it.’’

    From the sayings of Prophet Mohammed this submission is confirmed to be true, ‘’ the best of Jihad is that of self-discipline.’’

    Suffice now to say that parents, teachers and school heads who are leaders in other areas of functions that are direct to the people and the society, must see themselves as primary stakeholders who must not only teach the creed, but role model the ideals for people to be able to follow without restrictions or any reservations.

    However, the following values must be used as weapons of instructions by the parents and the society and various places of work to benefit because after all, the products of the home are the working class as well as leaders for governance.

    The Holy Quaran 31 : 17 refers, :

    1. The establishment of regular prayers as must be demonstrated by parents who must teach and monitor their children on its importance to be close to their creator and to develop the culture of the fear of God and due process in doing things.
    2. Parents must demonstrate the exemplary lifestyle to be able to admonish their children on the essence of been just with all sincerity of purpose in any place they may find themselves.
    3. Much as we realize that we live in a filthy environment fraught with corruption, transgressions, sins and crimes, parents must not be found wanting or be soaked in the mess, but rather live exemplary lifestyles worthy of emulation by children and others to be able to effect a paradigm shift.
    4. Patience and forbearance in goal getting is highly important for elderly ones to demonstrate and live by, for the younger ones to have a positive mindset of correcting bad situations.

    The society must be able to see this as a culture of child rearing through a counseling strategy that will nurture the nature of the children right from the impressionable age through the adolescent stage to the period of adulthood with all consistency. This will in every way restore us into a state of discipline and value laden exemplary lifestyles free of fraud, but justice based. 

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Value Restoration A Must

    Prof sabitu olagoke 6The failure of laying emphasis of the affective domain of education regarding the attitudinal values for the pupils and students in our schools has led to the deterioration of the system of disciplines of our various graduates with the fatal consequence of moral decadence in the society.

    For example, during our own days tales from the folklore, where the animal kingdom are animated into the human society, with emphasis on the moral values for the children’s consciousness plays a significant role in synergising the informal education from the home and the formal education, obtained in various schools by the children.

    As we grow to become adults, we perpetually put it at the back of our minds, the children of whom we are and the essence of been good ambassadors of our homes as well as been viable and constructive alumnus of the schools from where are graduated.

    We were always reminded even within our sub-conscious level of existence on the need to keep the dignity of labor through hard work as we equally continue to cut our clothes according to our sizes.

    This makes us to be very fit, as diligent and productive workers in our various places of work later in life, taking the virtues of the role models in the society with aggressive thinking on how to give back to the society.

    Besides this, the family values on love, togetherness spirit of give and take, care and share which are fundamental to the concept of philanthropy and Philosophy of altruism which by polarization bind the then expanded family units together, shun the evil spirit of ego centeredness, but put release into very well reared children, the spirit of charity that kept the family together for their products to benefit the society.

    The solution to this for us to restore the lost values is to revive the act of god parenting as well as the teaching of the scriptures in our teaching of the scriptures in our various schools objectively and without sentiments. All scriptures agree on the essence of counseling in teaching to manage well, our wards for the society to be in peace and to have prosperity.

    Prov. 11-’’A nation with weak leaders will fall, but many good advisers will make that nation safe.’’

    Quaran 31 : 13–14-’’behold Lukman said to his son admonishing him ‘Oh! my son join not in worship others with Allah, for false worship is indeed the highest wrongdoing. 14-’’And we have enjoined on man to be good to his parents.’’

    Let us be responsible parents, with role model virtues and teach same. Let us equally be responsible officials of government who will usually feel the pulse of the nation and take to the guides of advice from the people most especially on moral codes for us to have a well ordered society that will develop in an environment of justice for peace and equity for sustainable development. All these can only be achieved in an environment of institutional discipline and sensitivity to moral codes of life.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Weekly Guide on Acceptable Moral and Religious Behavior for Humanity

    Life-Existence on a Meaningful Scale of Treatment

    Prof sabitu olagoke 6The vision of God for mankind is best appreciated in the context of the Holy Quaran 2 : 201-’’ Our Lord ! Give us good in this world and good in the year after and save us from the torment of the fire !’’

    All religions believe in the following segments of the cycle of existence-life in the womb of our mothers, medically known as gestation period for a woman, demanding for antenatal protective measures for safe delivery, the birthday, when the child enter the mother earth just as parents and their well wishers rejoice on this occasion.

    The life span of a man of a woman from the cradle to the grave yard point, demands for the physiological needs as the basis for Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for even growth and development, in the regime of sustenance. This one demands for education, career-ship and divine intervention for spiritual endowment, for him or her to live a fully fulfilled life.

    What follows is the grave yard final home, when all living ones will depart and desert the dead after, the burial rites, while families and friends help themselves in sharing acquired wealth !(Quaran 2 : 46/Eccle 5 : 15). All religions equally believe in resurrection starting from the repose of the soul waiting for the judgment day.

    In all these the relevance of education or institutions of knowledge, career-ship and professionalism to keep soul and body alive and to satisfy the dependents’ needs, as well as the religious systems through the houses of God cannot be over emphasized.

    If one is weak or deficient, the life of an individual would become thwarted, socially and spiritually to the extent that the person may not be able to be comfortable in life despite his or her wealth and the individual may eventually lose the grace of God. Janat of paradise.

    Governments of nations must therefore do the needful not to sentence their people into hell right here on earth, as well as bedeviling them into hell after resurrection. All stakeholders, in molding, the lives of every person must therefore see their challenges and roles as God given assignments for humanity to avoid hell on earth and lose of heaven because death is inevitable for all : Quaran 20 : 74–75 ‘’ Verily he who come to his Lord as a sinner(at judgment),-for him is Hell : therein shall he neither die nor live, 75 But such as come to him as believers who have worked righteous deeds, for them are ranks exulted .’’

     Let us all be wholesome for the awesome God(Allah).

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

     

  • Use the Ramadan Fast to Promote the Culture of the Fear of God-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 6As Muslim faithful all over the world make last minute preparations for the commencement of the 30 day Ramadan fast, in this interview with People, the founder, Spiritual Head and Grand  Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Ilsam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke says the period should be used in promoting and achieving the culture of the fear of God. Excerpts :

    What is your message to the Muslim faithful as they make  last minute preparations for the  Ramadan fast ?

    Over the years since mankind has been observing Ramadan fast it has always been the ritual of ceremonial features, despite the structure  divinely packaged into, for example Tarawih, a voluntary Nawafin during the night of Ramadan, Qiyamulayl voluntary Nawalfin on the midnight during the month of Ramadan. 3) Tilawatul Quran study of the Holy Quran  beyond mere recitation, but deep down into meditation al  realm for self reformation. 4) Tafsirul Quran that is in depth analysis on the Quran including the contextual content implications.

    Sermon over the media as e-learning or distance learning, unfortunately, all these and others are unconsciously taken, making the exercise to be trivialized into a ritual object without impact, both on the lives of the adherents and the  environment in which they reside. When the set goal of Ramadan is neither addressed nor met, the whole exercise go below divine expectation, making mankind to continue to swim in the debris of the brick bats of their misdemeanor .

    Preparations for the Ramadan fast by the design of Allah needs to start in the seventh month of the Lunar calendar, Rajab, when adherents and non-believers are expected to go for body preservation from sins and crimes, with all the determination of purpose. In the eight month of the Lunar calendar the Shaaban, mankind most especially the adherents are expected  to go for soul purification from all evil thoughts. 

    The essence of this  is best captured in the Hadith of the Holy  Prophet Muhammed on the need to respect this as the entry requirements for adherents to be able to learn correctly, without distractions, the lessons brought forth by Ramadan. For him or her to be able to receive full dividends of been reformed, into a transformer, most especially in the scheme of building the home, the community and the nation at large into a virile and strong institution.

    The main thrust of observing Ramadan fast is to be able to meet up in achieving for oneself and his or her environment, the culture of institutional discipline  and fear of God, that translates into having high respect for the fundamental human right of others and going through due process in doing things. For example, in politics, classical management and astute administration are expected to be upheld to realize good governance, where the issue of justice and equity do not attract challenges of agitations, molestation and marginalization. Leaders with the fear of God will promote well informed citizenry  and an environment of safe and secure society, peace and sustainable development. If truly we appreciate the provisions of the almighty Allah on how to make  effective Ramadan fast, our focus would have been on its original purpose of promoting and achieving the culture of the fear of God. For example, some people are relieved from observing it, but may pay it back in the other month, if they are under these conditions- women in their menstrual period, sickly people and travelers  who may suffer from severe fatigue. Exempted totally,  are the senior citizens within their gerontology period, women under gestation, women in their breast feeding period, sickly adherents with terminal diseases. Those who are to observe the 29 or 30 days of fasting must realize that they must not go to 31 or observe 28 days, irrespective of the period that the Ramadan began fast.

    The fasting exercise must be holistically emphasized without observers resorting to any of the following-1)Drinking and eating during the day. 2) Having sexual affairs during the day. 3) Bed wetting during the day. 4) Breaking the fats with alcoholic drinks or drug abuse. 5) Cursing, abusing, slandering and backbiting. 6)Any form of romance outside an individual's marriage, such as adultery, fornication etc. The design of God on Ramadan fast is to achieve for Him, a disciplined mind, which will take God first before  taking any decision for implementation. For example, in counseling intervention, business transactions, routine work activities, management of home affairs and governance. Man should realize that the dividends inherent in achieving    this culture of the fear of God as stated in the Holy books-1) Quran 8 : 29 Divine immunity from all abuses of life. 2) Protection against all evil attacks and the ultimate is forgiveness of sins, for an individual to be wholesome with all authority to command respect from people and the jinx, this is in tandem with the divine submission. Proverbs 1 : 7 and Proverbs14 26-27 states that ''the fear of God is the beginning  of knowledge''. '' But fools despise wisdom and run away from admonition. If you fear God , you will have a secure fortress and a protection for your children, you will have a fountain for life, that would turn you from the snares of death''. Above all, we must realize that  God is ever monitoring our level of scripture compliance if the content of the Holy Quran 13 : 11 and Quran 10 : 61-62 are anything to go by. Society on the other hand want to see the people of Nigeria and the rest of the world through  the following observable characteristics  that will justify the Ramadan  fast period as a right training session for our socio-spiritual enhancement. We must therefore come out of the exercise as graduates with class of distribution in thoughts, words , deeds and acts and as a reliable instrument of power to turn around into better social organ, the fortunes of the community and the nation.

    The observable characteristics are : 1) Positive self image, whereby relevance is your watchword.

    2) Building up self confidence whereby you should be able to express yourself based on wisdom and without fear. 3) Enhanced self esteem that would promote your culture of integrity that will make you command respect from people, rather than forcing people to respect you. 5) Live a life of positive mental attitude for ease of relocation in issues concerning firmness of purpose in taking right decisions for the purpose of been exact, fair, precise in judgments, to live a flawless and faultless exemplary lifestyle, whereby you do not cast penalty of mistakes made by you on other people. Ramadan season and session must be able to culture our system and its environment  for us to be able to have a well ordered society free of pollution and plagues.

  • Coronavirus has exposed the Emptiness of Humanity-Prof. Olagoke

    As the corona virus pandemic continues to ravage the Federal republic of Nigeria, Nigerians have expressed worry over the fact that the the President’s speech did not touch on financial palliatives and social welfare packages for the citizenry, even though restriction of movement has commenced in several states, although the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is yet to declare a State of Emergency, it could put paid to the criminality of Political Office Holders. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the leadership has a lot to do for impoverished Nigerians. Excerpts : 

    As a result of the coronavirus pandemic the Federal Government has restricted movement in Lagos state, Federal Capital Territory and Ogun state, while a number of states have done same earlier one, without Financial Palliatives and Social Welfare for the citizenry. What are the implications ?

    COVID 19 has exposed the emptiness of humanity and the susceptibility to any environmental hazards ,most especially for when severity clause is attached. Leadership is much tested during the period of human travails and capabilities is best measured in the way conflicts are been resolved for Nigeria, it has always been pathetic records of complaints from the governed against the way the affairs of the country has been handled since the period of independence in 1960.

    The efforts of Government at all levels is always a case of no proactive measures and fire brigade games of afterthought. The major problem is that ab initio,we lack the desk of the Think Thanks and we respect less the might of our professionals, whose views, directives and instructions would have come earlier to help government proffer appropriate solutions. 

  • 10.33 Trillion Naira 2020 Budget-48 Billion Naira is a token for Nigeria’s Education sector-Prof Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 6A meager N48billion has been allocated to the Education sector out of the over N10 Trillion 2020 National budget of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This allocation is without consideration to the falling standard of education, bad state of infrastructure and the shortage of manpower.

    It is however surprising that the National Assembly will recieve N37 Billion for renovation of its entire complex.

    In this interview with People, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke insists that the allocation to the education is insignificant considering the 10.33 Trillion budget esitmate. Excerpts :

    Do you think that N48 Billion shall be able cater for the myriad of challenges confronting the education sector in Nigeria ?

    It is highly embarrassing to discover that Nigerians are not dreaming, but are faced with the stark reality of the times, when the paltry allocation to the education sector out of N10.33 Trillion budgeted for the nation is only N48 Billion and the Legislators in the National Assembly in their wisdom recommended a huge sum of N37 Billion for the renovation of the National Assembly complex, as if to say that there is so much money in the country and that education is inconsequential to the development of the children and youth and the development of the nation at large. The question that would follow is what is the rational behind the decision of the Legislature and the Executive on the allocation to this all important sector? This is at variance with the United Nations affirmation of 26 per cent benchmark allocation of any country’s budget to education.

    The N37 Billion allocated for the renovation of the National Assembly complex at this critcal period of the country’s economy, when one quarter of the budget has been set aside for debt management, does not seem to be reasonable and it has portrayed both arms of government as irrational in their decision.

    N37 Billion with good economic action plan could have generated more job opportunities or standardization and establishment of more medical centers across the nation for better health care delivery, but this may not give room for self enrichment or direct filling of our leaders’ purses through the network of Serve Self First, Before I finally serve you concept which all Nigerians hypocritically condemn.

    Presently, the general atmosphere is not conducive for learning, cases of pupils and students sitting on the bare floor is rampant.

    Secondly, most schools do not have toilet facilities. What is the Federal, State and Local governments doing about this ?

    Thirdly, there is the issue of out of school children that is yet to be resolved. Most schools lack infrastructure, furniture and strucutures, this is in additon to the shortage of qualified Teachers.

    Furthermore laboratories, workshops and accompanying materials are inadequate in most of the schools.

    There is also the factor of capacity building through training and retraining.

    With due consideration to the above mentioned would the N48 Billion be able to cater for all these needs in all the educational institutions owned by the Federal Government ? What about those in the 36 states ?

    A general assessment of the breakdown of the budget shows that most of the contents reflect areas where the politicians would be able to make gains, at the detriment of the peoples’ welfare.

    The budget is supposd to be people friendly to the extent that it would result in self fulfillment by the citizens.

    The nation itself is now an object of ridicule among the comity of nations. Who will rescue Nigeria from its ‘’captors” ?

  • Supreme Court Judgment- Governors must ensure Good Governance, Probity and Accountability-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 6The Supreme court has eventually affirmed the victories of the Governors of eight states in the federation. The states include Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna, Katsina, Nasarawa, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom. Nigerians in these states are full of hopes that their helmsmen shall consider this an opportunity to ensure good governance, probity and accountability. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke advice the Governors to justify the confidence reposed in them by their people by ensuring good governance, probity and accountability. Excerpts :

    The Supreme court has affirmed the victories of Governors in eight states of the federation. What is your advice to these Governors with specific reference to good governance, probity and accountability ?

    Nigerians need to congratulate the eight Governors recently adjudged to be credible by the Supreme court, to continue to enjoy the mandate given to them by their people based on the results of the general elections.

    However, this is not to say that the elections were free, fair and credible, but rather the array of contested issues were not strong enough to oust the Governors.

    If it had been otherwise some states would have been in a state of grave yard silence, while others would have witnessed orgies of violence.

    That an environment of peace has been able to be maintained is commendable. The Judiciary in another breadth is gradually redeeming its battered image.

    For declared winners, the suggestion is that their people is ready to support them, despite the repeated threats by the opposition in a number of these states.

    However, the next step for the winner Governors is to justify the confidence reposed in them by their people. To whom much is given, in this instance, the Governors must realize that very very much is expected from them.

    In the light of this, the Governors must reassess the chemistry of democracy in relation to the peaceful co-existence of people with diverse backgrounds as well as in the area of achieving sustainable development which is anchored on environmental feasibility, economic viability and the social equability.

    A need to re-strategize to achieve in the provision of basic amenities and functional infrastructure should be major priorities and constitute the focus and direction of governance. For example, most of the Governors are operating in an environment of sentiments and emotion revolving on religion and ethnicity as well as political party collaboration in which the osmotic pressure could drive them through the murky waters of personal affinity towards the the constituency that produced them. There is the need to advice Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state to be above board, by objectively respecting the rule of law in governance. He should not stain his armor of credibility, that prompted eligible voters in Oyo state to shun party consideration, religious inclination and other reasons to vote enmasse for him.

    In the same vein, all Governors including Mr. President are challenged, there is a need for them, most especially the triumphant eight Governors to carefully live above board to be able to offer good governance which must rest on the following criteria :

    Governance should be for the promotion of a strong state rather than strong individuals. In this regard, the anti-graft commission currently in the works in Oyo state, is a step towards the right direction.

    Governance must also be based on the principles of feasibility, viability and equity, for sustainable development to be realized.

    Each of the Governors must realize that no matter how good they may be, they must be weary of those working with them and for them not to become frictional forces in their ways of making progress and ensuring development.

    Good governance can best be achieved through effective application of corporate governance principles based on transparency and accountability. This has been the basis of profit making in the private sector without recourse to fraudulent practices.

    For the right understanding of democracy, the Governors must ensure fair play and work positively with other arms of government to ensure that the rights of citizens are not trampled upon.

    Finally, the Governors must ensure that probity and accountability are their watch words in the serious business of governance. They must always remember that their present positions should be seen as opportunities for them to write their names in gold on the sands of time. A good name is better than a corrupt mind and ill gotten wealth.

  • Poor Governance and Poverty Responsible for Human Trafficking-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 6Child and Human trafficking have become means to an end for several Nigerians who have lost hope in the system under the present administration.

    Reports of these ugly trend are recorded on a daily basis, with the law enforcement agencies struggling to stem the tide.

    Baby factories are on the increase while mothers, mostly the young ones, sell their new born babies to cushion the effects of the present economic realities.

    Teenagers and adults are deceived into traveling abroad, but end up as prostitutes or slaves. This trend in not abating.

    In this interview , the Founder, Spiritual Head and Gran Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that poor governance which has brought about poverty is the major cause of child and human trafficking

    Child and Human trafficking is what a sizable number of Nigerians engage in these days. Why is this so ?

    Nigeria was first a country where discipline, control the fabric of all social spiritual sub systems . It was characterized by very low import index and very high export index. Religious laws were in tandem with the societal norms to create a path of sanity for our interpersonal relationship and our general attitude towards values.

    Unfortunately, the Nigerian youth in the mufti of the military killed the geese that laid the golden eggs. Since then, value erosion crept in to destroy all agents of socialization for the nation, to stand with very weak legs.

  • Drug Abuse and Trafficking : Interest of the Powers That Be A Set Back-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 6Drug addiction, abuse and trafficking are among the several social problems confronting Nigeria presently.

    Indeed, addiction and abuse are rampant among the youth, while trafficking has for long become a major source of livelihood for a number of Nigerians.

    Of note, is that hard drug use and violent crimes are complimentary, although the Federal Government have, over the years, paid lip service to this fact.

    A source of worry lies in the role of the political class, in the use of drugs by their foot-soldiers to gain political mileage.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Pro. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the interest of the Powers That Be makes it difficult for to curb hard drug menace.

    Drug addiction, abuse and trafficking have to a great extent contributed to the worrisome state of insecurity in Nigeria. Are you comfortable with this fact ?

    The history of the rise in criminality could be traced to the era of the military incursion in governance. If we are to connect it with the mysterious disappearance of Gloria Okon and the ultimate unrepentant investigative journalism that resulted in the demise of the late Dele Giwa, then it leaves much to be desired.

    That was the period when we could actually conclude that the cookie crumbled and the secrecy of illicit affairs and undercover criminality were found to be glorifying the creme de la creme of the society, which the Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, described as the expected Very Important Personalities(VIP) into the actual reality of government and the elite class been constituted by vagabonds in power. Things Fall Apart, according to the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, was why the Falcons could no longer hear the Falconers, while the center became elusive to hold.

    Suffice it to now say that if the ‘’Powers that Be’’ are clearly uninterested in drug abuse or trafficking the criminals behind it wouldn’t have been so difficult to tame.

    This is an era when sadism has replaced parental need in governance, for those in power to be daring in their involvement in the evils that they are supposed to control.

    Let’s first use the exchange of prisoners for innocent citizens who were kidnapped by the government of a state to settle the bandits, what of the case of Wadume, who was released from captivity by some Soldiers ?

    When criminals are been aided and abetted in a nation, justice is already murdered and the issue of security is at stake. Most often, like fables, tales from Arabian stories, innocent, but poor citizens are often exchanged for the real criminals, who have Barons as godfathers.

    Unfortunately, Nigeria has lost all virtues revolving on the dignity of labor to core values of integrity, which has been replaced by the craze for material wealth and quick money making schemes.

    Unfortunately, the ugly phenomena has crept into the houses of God,changing the divine code of sacredness into the satanic code of profanity.

    We can easily infer that Nigerians are naked now, losing the glorious wares of spirituality to lack divine intervention in their political, social and economic affairs, while most of us are dehumanized, chasing the shadows of life in accumulating wealth illegally.

    To exhibit our height of shame, Nigerians hero worship and even confer honors and chieftaincy titles on most of the people with questionable character.

    Drug abuse cuts across all classes of Nigerians, with respect to age, position and other measures.

    Children start with burnt cigarette remnants through their peer group and when they are in adolescence, they engage in the use of marijuana or cannabis, either for mere pleasure or to be active in fornication or at social gatherings.

    The originality of developing potentials through technical trainings, is hereby absent in their bid to make an head way in life.

    This extends to the deterioration in our reading culture, to the extent that they resort to the misuse of the social media, while Nigerian institutions end up turning out graduates, who are unable to express themselves.

    This poor background, cuts across our social, environment and economic lives, which results in the production of quacks, while at the same time depending on artisans, in place of technical experts and skill based leaders.

    In this kind of environment, it is therefore, normal to have drug addicts in government, who might not be able to fully control the activities of drug traffickers.

    Nigeria has become a mere talk shop, where evil doers lead in the praise and worship of God.

    Leaders who have corruptly enriched themselves, now lead in counseling prison inmates and also blaze the trail in the presentation of papers on ways of preventing crime.

    Any lofty idea for development, is gloriously orchestrated to be abandoned at the implementation level.

    Nigeria failed in Vision 2010, we somersaulted in Vision 20-20-20, which has made our becoming one of the 20 economically viable nations in the world a mirage.

    What of how we insulted the United Nations, on its charges to all nations of the world, to fund education adequately and the health sector to a functional state. This is just as government has failed to utilize the benefits of various grants, including the Millennium Development goals(MDGs) and the ongoing Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), instead, we excel in using tribal sentiments and nepotism to run each other down, while the country’s image abroad is always at stake.

    For example, 77 out of 80 caught for cyber crime in the United States of America, happen to be Nigerians.

    Nigeria is the major recipient of xenophobic attacks, while the kind of character Nigeria breeds, makes the whole world justify the country’s decapitation challenges in Saudi Arabia and China.

    Nigerians top in the number of criminals in various jails across the world.

    Apart from the international embarrassment, the home front is equally suffering from threats of insecurity, if the activities of a cult group who engaged in ritual killings in Ikorodu in Lagos some time ago and most recently in Oyo state, are anything to go by.

    Only under the influence of drugs, can anybody carry out such dastardly acts.

    What about the Boko-Haram onslaught in the North East of the country ? and the banditry in Zamfara state, don’t also forget the Fulani herdsmen activities, the South South militancy and the continued kidnappings across Nigeria, which began from the South East.

    Nobody will carry out this onslaught of mass killings and property destruction without been under the influence of hard drugs.

     Prosecution of court offenders which seems unclear, is a reflection of the lack of seriousness of government and the Judiciary because the impact has been so infinitesimal to bring about deterrence.

    It is fundamental to note that drug abuse, drug trafficking are devilish as child trafficking for hard labor or ritual killings, human trafficking and the girl child ordeal in this modern day slavery, have always been influenced through drug abuse.

    Prostitution and other crimes considered to be social problems, have their root in the effects of bad governance and the weakeness of the the apparatus of the system for effective control.

    The hope of eradicating these evils, to have a sanitized society, is therefore in realizing that every Nigerian is a stakeholder, who has specific roles to play, starting from the agencies of government and the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as the religious houses, through reviving into a functional state all agents of socialization to be coordinated through continuous sensitization programs by the National Orientation Agency through the media.

    No single individual can do it and without government provision of basic amenities and functional infrastructure and employment as visible signs of good government insight. Let us all de emphasize quick money making syndrome, but uphold dignity of labor to prevent drug abuse and addiction, child trafficking, girl child abuse and women marginalization in the scheme of things.

    With this on ground, the network of evil will easily be broken, for us to have a reliable and admirable nation expected of Africa and the rest of the world.

     

  • Nigerians must be convinced that the hands of some Monarchs and Elite are clean before any dialogue-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof olagoke 2Nigerians in the six geo-political zones are not happy about the kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes been perpetrated by criminals all over the country.

    They are at a lose over the seemingly helplessness of the government to ensure the safety of lives and property of its citizens.

    They readily make reference to several communities such as Molusi, Olorunsogo, Molete,Felele among others in Ibadan, Oyo state, where some community leaders and Landlords and Tenants Association aid and abet criminals with the backing of law enforcement agents, as good examples of how crime has taken a very dangerous dimension.

    Indeed, a lot of Nigerians are of the opinion that dialogue is the way to go, while others believe that community leaders who sponsor criminals should be identified and brought to justice as a step towards addressing the country’s security challenges.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that Nigerians must first be convinced that some traditional rulers and elite are above board in the present situation before the issue of dialogue can be propagated. Excerpts :

    A cross section of Nigerians are of the opinion that a national dialogue will address the county’s various problems. Do you agree ?

    The issue of national dialogue is not supposed to be limited to the time when the elite are been affected by the hostilities of the times, which today has manifested in insecurity.

    A profile of institutional indiscipline and corruption dates back to the 60s when Alhaji Tafawa Balewa observed that civil servants were no longer contented with what obtained then as natural life that was commensurate with the individual wages based on their cadre.

    He observed that they preferred to forcibly have bicycles, which they would ride with pleasure to their different villages.

    In the 70s, a foreign economic expert described the Nigerian system of government as that of kleptocracy.

    Furthermore, Nigeria was observed to have governments that condoned evil and corruption based on the fact that those unfortunate elite caught in the game would never be brought to justice or convicted.

    Many of those who talk today cannot absolve themselves from having contributed,at various degrees of impunity, to the present problems which urgently need a serious national conference; with a view to overhaul the provisions of the constitution, to a more holistic level of justice standard so that posterity would not continue to curse us.

    There is the need to appreciate the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on his concern, though his antecedents would always portray him as not been sincere because while in government, he stated that that he might have advisers, but nothing would compel him to take to their advice.

    However, we don’t need an angel to preach virtues, hence the advice of our great elder statesman must be heeded by President Muhammadu Buhari government.

    There is also the need to appreciate the efforts of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitna Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, whose concern have made them to speak out on behalf of the voiceless.

    They don not want the Yoruba nation to be unnecessarily undermined and ravaged by the faceless non-indigenes, whose activities are yet to be effectively charged to the conviction level to serve as deterrent to others.

    However, the traditional rulers seem to have gone the extra mile to warn those of Yoruba origin who own the herds of cattle and engaged the services of the Fulanis, for rearing and grazing, so that we do not fight an unjust cause.

    What about the several Churches, Mosques, schools and institutions, companies and industries and even private homes that engage the services of the non-indigenes on matters of security.

    Once we have put our house in order and ensured that some traditional rulers hands are clean, as well as that of the elite, the agitation by the Yoruba to have their way would be justified.

    On the issue of national conference, we must avoid the jamboree sort of what happened during the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in 2014, many of the representative were never respected in their domains because they had never shown interest in the security and welfare of the people, who they claimed to represent.

    There is the need to separate rhetoric or game of theories from the pragmatism and records of concerned activities for the people who we may claim to represent.

    A choice based on mere political affiliation and diabolical service of Yes man platform for the strong individuals, will always mar the objectives of any conference.

    Service to humanity has nothing to do with egomania, which always characterize the state of most of those who have been having opportunities to attend conferences on issues pertaining to Nigeria.

    This must have been one of the hallmarks that weakened the strength of the 2014 conference because after it, most of the participants only enjoyed millions of Naira showered on them, without having anything to show on returning home.

    National conference should start from the past Heads of state and former Presidents with their economic and political experts to identify our areas of weaknesses and threats and those factors that must have been responsible for our Democracy turning into kleptocracy.

    The gross abuse of the immunity clause and the preferred alternative to ensure seriousness and discipline in governance.

    Attendees must from their various domains create platforms of town hall meeting with those professionals and opinion moulders as well as former state Governors, traditional rulers and religious leaders of note and relevance to the people at the grassroots, within their areas of jurisdiction for brainstorming before going for the conference and for feedback.

    If we are able to go by the national conference, accordingly, the intervention of God would eventually see us through to have a safe and secure nation again. God save Nigeria.

  • Govt Must Correct All the Lapses in Education to Move Forward-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof olagoke 2The standard of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education in Nigeria is a source of worry for all Nigerians irrespective of Tribe, Religious persuasion and social background.

    However, the unattractive annual budget allocation to the education sector has continually manifested in the troubled learning environment, shortage of qualified Teachers and teaching aids, poor salaries and absence of incentives for those who impart knowledge.

    Nigerians insist that the public higher institutions of learning in the country are yet to meet the purposes for which the institutions were established, even as they argue that the private ones are exploitative and fall short of acceptable international standards.

    Sadly several fraudsters have exploited the situation, in connivance with a sizable number of supposed qualified Teachers, to defraud Parents and Guardians of their hard earned money ? in the guise of overseas admissions.

    In this interview with, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that Policy makers in government have to co-opt those with the technical know how to move the country forward. Excerpts :

    What are your views on higher education in Nigeria, considering the falling standards ?

    The Nigerian educational system started to have problems as a result of several retrogressive factors confronting its management, but with neglect and misplacement of priorities from all stakeholders, most especially on the side of government-which is supposed to set and enforce standards and quality in an environment of discipline. For example, federal character aims at ensuring uniformity of purpose and equity. But it has ended up in collapsing the ethics, as reflected in the admission standards, which have discriminatory minimum scores for admission across the six Geo-Political zones.

    Unfortunately, this does not reflect in the quality of grades of those affected, but paradoxically in the quality of the products and their performance ratings.

    This is the major concern of the South West that is struggling to go back to the virtuous era of discipline, quality, standards, graduate reliability and employ-ability that could be compared to the modern day acclaimed global competitiveness, through best practices.

    Today, we are having 170 universities that are yet to make the first 200 best universities in the global rating.

    This is purely due to under funding of education in Nigeria, most especially in the areas of Teachers’ standard upgrade, lecturers’ capacity building need and facility update challenge to meet up with the global trend of development in the world of Science and Technology, through the ever dynamic world of Information Technology(ICT).

    Instead of government complying with the UNESCO’s benchmark of 26 per cent of the national budget allocation, Nigeria’s funding pattern of education is yet to attain 10 per cent.

    Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFUND)has achieved in the areas of structure, but not totally in the area of facility.

    The struggle to ensure that all tertiary institution Teachers have first, second and third degrees, is appreciable, but only fractional and unfortunately, the interest of having Doctor of Philosophy, is not for research and development purpose, but for accelerated career progression in the world of academics.

    Worse still, our Professors in various fields of human endeavor are yet to be fully engaged in the scheme of aggressive nation building because of the murky waters of our partisanship driven political hostile environment, where expert views are supposed to be sought, but politicians use money to make a wrong choice. This has resulted in the re occurrence of problems in a more dangerous way.

    Government’s inability to fund Polytechnic education, as appropriate, makes it a challenge.

    Higher National Diploma (HND) programs are still limited by the National Diploma status of the institutions in question.

    Today, most Polytechnics are mere surrogates of Universities.

    Unfortunately, university education is more in favor of the cognitive domain that is more of research.

    Polytechnic education, with adequate facilities, are expected to compete favorably with what obtains in the industries, which can transform, when harnessed, university theories into physical dynamic machinery of operation, that favors the Psycho-motor domain of education.

    All institutions are supposed to work in tandem, with correlative synergy` to promote the country’s industrialization.

    Nigeria’s costly neglect of the Technical Colleges, has made us to lose out in the areas of vocational and entrepreneurial evolution that would have formed the very practical bases for industrialization, but for the stigmatization effect.

    Parents and children are running away from patronizing this aspect of Engineering appreciation, which the Canadian government has proved to the whole world that their products are crucial, with recruitment in mind, in the establishment of cottage industries for the Small and Medium scale Enterprises(SME).

    90 to 98 per cent of this sector are responsible for the industrialization of China, Hong Kong, Russia and the United States of America.

    The policy makers need to look inward, by contacting the relevant experts, both from the Polytechnic and University sectors to resolves this matter.

     

  • Unless the New Crop of Leaders are Ready to Fix Things Nigerians Should not expect Miracles-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 5The performance of political appointees of the President and 36 State Governors, in the last four years, is already in the public domain and Nigerians are expressing divergent views on their performances.

    Even though the elections that threw up these political office holders were flawed and trailed with a lot of irregularities, Nigerians are very unhappy with the yardstick used by the Powers that be to select the Ministers, Commissioners and Heads of Departments and Agencies in the last dispensation.

    Sadly, political patronage, nepotism and other self centered considerations play great roles in these appointments, just as Nigerians express fears that the yardstick for political appointments shall remain the same in the new dispensation.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the readiness of Nigeria’s new crop of leaders to fix the country should start from the downward review of their salaries and allowances. Excerpts :

    Nigerians complain that the yardstick used in the appointment of Ministers, Commissioners and Heads of Departments and Agencies negatively affected governance in the last dispensation, what do you think should be the yardstick to do same in this dispensation ?

    Nigeria’s situation is appalling because we have since reached a stage, where all theories always fail the test of time, even though they work elsewhere.

    What is responsible for this ? It is all about the attitude of Nigerians generally, towards power and service responsibilities.

    No economic theory can stand the structure and distribution pattern of our wealth to satisfy the democratic demand of equity and justice, where the new national minimum wage is controversially facing the challenges of implementation and the political class in power consume almost  two thirds of the nation’s resources on their personal effects .

    This is equally a nation where all professionals are dictated to and even neglected, when it comes to capital projects because of the greed of the people in power, who will benefit more from foreign partnership at the expense of the indigenous professionals, who they are supposed to motivate and encourage.

    Equally, everything about Nigeria’s development is foreign as well as been fraught with fraud.

    This is why little violence has been aggravated into high levels of insecurity because the hoodlums hide under the need to survive.

    Instead of government at all levels coming out boldly to arrest and correct the situation, they have continued to fail in their responsibilities to protect lives and property.

    With this climate of disillusion, Nigeria needs leaders who will be ready to sacrifice their lives to ensure a positive impact is made on the lives of the people.

    In the light of the truth, Nigeria is yet to face the reality because majority of Nigerians are groping in the darkness of truth. For example, the Media only reports what government wants them to air, the religious community is now beclouded with blurred visions, while the political terrain is troubled by kleptomaniacs, who believe in self-enrichment through the spoils of office,rather than using the position of power to serve the nation.

    Above all, Nigeria's case is shrouded in the cloud of falsehood, perhaps, one can conclude that nobody knows the truth, except the perpetrators of evil.

    Normally, when you want to vote for people in positions of power, you are supposed to know each one of them, based on their antecedents of performances, but contrary is the case because we are only voting for posters and probably the sugar coated campaign promises,which would never come to fruition.

    If those people in power are known to us only through their paper credentials, the implication is that the beautiful ones are not yet born.

    For new newly elected power brokers, their second assignment is to choose Ministers and Commissioners as well as Heads of various service points, that is the Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs).

    One would therefore expect that the choice should be based on merit, rather than tribal sentiments, but this would not happen under the culture of federal character.

    What we would consider as the worst in the South West, maybe fixed as a candidate from the North, and there is nothing anyone can do under the present arrangement.

    The second consideration is skill, this involves the kind of relevant professional skills that would determine the kind of portfolio the holder shall assume.

    But this may not necessarily come up again under the sentiment of party patronage consideration.

    In the past ex-convicts would never hold any position of power, but now they are celebrities.

    If the newly emerging crop of people in government are not ready to objectively fix things for us, then Nigerians must not expect miracles from them.

    This is because our major problems are attitudinal, rather than material sufficiency.

    If truly these people mean well to fix Nigeria, they must start with the downward review of the wages and allowances of the political class, while the stipends of civil and public servants as gratuities and pension arrears should be revisited for prompt payment, for the voters and the beneficiaries of the 2019 elections to rejoice on the same page

     

  • May 29 : Nigerians Expect their Elected Representatives to Correct the Defective Aspects of Governance-Prof. Olagoke

    As elected representatives of the people prepare for another dispensation, beginning from May 29, 2019, Nigerians at home and abroad are hopeful that the new dispensation will bring in its stride , good governance and development.

    However, presently, despondency, hopelessness and disillusion characterize the state of well being of most Nigerians.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the unenviable past records of the country ought to inspire the elected representatives who will steer the ship of governance from May 29, to make up for the losses and ensure that the country celebrates its 60th independence anniversary. Excerpts :

    A new dispensation shall commence on May 29, 2019, what is your message to Nigerians ?

    Nigeria will witness a civilian to civilian transition, come ,May 291, 2019, that will move us into self-realization for the purpose of effective necessary changes for governance to have a positive impact, most especially in the areas of revisiting the welfare of the people.

    However, we must be mindful of the fact that the elected representatives are still Nigerians, who are products of the bad past.

    Worse still, the same hostile environment is still going to be confronted as barriers to development, unless they are very much determined.

    Lee Kuan Yew’s experience in the history of Singapore’s development could be of help to our political office holders.

    His travelling to many other nations including countries in Africa, to seek for the way out of his country’s economic challenges and the competency needs of the managers of the state, and the harnessing power of resources, coupled with the management classification of the people to work with, like the prime movers, the lackadaisical and the rebellious groups, who the leader needs to identify, to work on them, to enable acceptable values and positive mindset, to be able to move Singapore into the class of development.

    On getting home, Yew reached an agreement with the lords of his political party and the people of his country, through a perfected agenda for development, with a good counsel on zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline and impunity.

    Having gained the confidence of his people, he became a role model on transparency and accountability, for others to make sacrifices.

    Today in Nigeria, Political Parties are directed by their godfathers and the destiny of elected leaders are usually remote controlled, making many of them to deviate from the normal path of the promises made during their campaigns.

    Worse still, appointment of people into sensitive positions of power usually lack merit, credibility, transparency and accountability, for the state Governors, the President and the people to assess their performances while in office. This gives them every opportunity to engage in corrupt practices, with all impunity, to the detriment of the peoples’ welfare, community and national development.

    There is the need for the timely supervision of Commissioners and Minsters activities, to assess their performances.

    Besides this, Nigerians generally, have no excuses not to perform well in office because the Swearing-in ceremony shall take place during the Ramadan fast period, which is expected to have provided and instilled the fear of God for due process in transactions, as an enabling environment to allow campaign promises tally with service delivery.

    One would expect that Nigeria at 59 should look backwards and regret the failure in governance by the Military and their Civilian counterparts.

    Most of our political office holders today, were either born during independence or after.

    Unfortunately, these crop of people by omission, commission or inaction had in one way or the other soiled their hands in corruption, which were trailed with poor records of performances, most especially those who had always been in government or born before 1960, Nigeria’s independence day.

    If only they can reflect back that till date, Nigeria’s development profile is neither bequeath able nor sustainable, their focus should therefore be on how to work assiduously to deliver, to make up for the losses so far and to meaningfully celebrate Nigeria at 60, when the time comes.

    Using SWOT analysis, Nigeria still stands at the advantage of been potentially sound, in terms of the endowed natural resources.

    Even when you consider the capacity building needs in terms of human resources, with globalization in mind, our high number of Universities, other components of tertiary institutions, give us the hope of having the ability to rise in terms of development, without necessarily relying on foreign experts.

    The professionals in all fields of human endeavor are equally many, waiting for challenges of government patronage and societal acceptance.

    Obviously, our areas of strength and opportunities are versed, while the challenges, weaknesses and threats must be faced squarely by the new government, to correct the lapses.

    These are the expectation of all Nigerians, whose mandate, entrust power onto the elected and indirectly onto the appointed representatives.

    Politicians must embrace the culture of internal party Democracy and the opposition must equally refrain from hate speech and personality attack, but dwell more on critiquing issue based values and desist from criticizing that which is more judgmental than proferring solutions.

    The structure of Democracy is such that the Executive is always put in check, with respect to its excesses, by the Legislative arm, which is expected to regulate and midwife people oriented legislation.

    The Judiciary must see Nigeria as a project that must be free of corruption.

    The Ministries, Departments and Agencies must equally be alive to their responsibilities of providing a safe and secure environment for development through ethical practice that is based on global best practices.

    The Houses of God through its population target theory and proliferation of sects must be checked and controlled by making them to be scripture compliant, in order that this sector would be able to produce reliable and dependable adherents, who will be raw materials for governance at all levels.

    Management of the House of God must be based on piety for the religious sectors to provide good aura of divinity for necessary divine intervention in the affairs of Nigerians, most especially through their governments.

    Nigerians must be made to uphold the culture of innovation, skill acquisition and productivity, we must equally see ourselves as stakeholders in ensuring that government performs its duty as expected, whistle blowing, impunity and corruption, while ensuring that errant violators are brought to book as deterrent to others, while preventing re-occurrence.

    What should be of primary concern now, is that all hands must be on deck to see Nigeria as a project and to manage Nigeria in such a way as to achieve in the areas of bequeathable legacy, for our children to enjoy the dividends of sustainable development.

  • Lack of Motivation of Security Agents Worsening Insecurity in Nigeria-Prof Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 2It is a known fact that Law Enforcement Agencies now go about their primary functions with the able assistance of criminals.

    This is a reflection of the sorry state of law enforcement in Nigeria, indeed most operatives hinge their functions on blackmail, frame ups and set ups of innocent citizens , to compensate for the absence of professionals.

    In 2002, several rank and file of the Nigeria Police Force engaged in extra judicial killings. This prompted calls for psychiatric tests for serving and would be recruits to flush out drunks and criminals who had infiltrated the force. The situation remains the same in 2019.

    Like the Russian roulette, the circle of corruption and inefficiency has continued to recur in the police force and usually making frantic moves to spin out every police officer that assume the position of Inspector General.

    Insecurity is the order of the day all over Nigeria and Nigerians insist that the lack of political will by the government of the day to make the security agencies perform optimally has led to terrorism, kidnappings, killings and violence.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that workers and the security agents are not happy as a result of alck of motivation from government. Excerpts :

    What do you think is the way out of the security challenges confronting Nigeria presently ?

    The Nigerian Army recently submitted that the security issue most especially in the areas of where Boko Haram holds sway and others have been discovered to be sponsored by some influential people, whose identities are yet to be declared.

    If the security challenges are not traced to the root, we will continue to grope in the world of darkness to achieve nothing.

    Recently, also the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service submitted that the Nigerian borders, most especially the Northern zones are very porous, making it impossible to control the movement of the areas in and outside Nigeria.

    The President equally observed and admitted that the Acting Inspector General of Police is not growing fat because the security challenges are overwhelming.

    In Zamfara state, government and Emirs are looking for alternatives to vigilantes for the security measures to be more effective.

    Maiduguri 1The whole scenario boils down to the fact that government needs to be decisive in taking action against any form of injustice and violation of the rule of law, through the following mitigation for eradication measures :

    One, There is shortage of personnel in each of the units or departments constituting our agencies, the Nigeria Army, Air Force, Navy and their likes gives us the statistics of what a dependable unit should constitute against international standards expected with regards to the ratio of the personnel/population.

    Where there is deficiency , government needs to do the needful in the areas of recruitment, equipment and adequate capacity building through the modern day techniques in line with global best practices.

    The issue of state police may equally be revisited to be able to stop the continued killings in almost all states of the federation, with particular emphasis on the troubled regions.

    This will equally mean the need for adequate funding.

    MilitaryA recent revelation by Dr. Sidi Mohammed that while soldiers who are at the battle field with the Boko Haram terrorists receive N1,000 daily , the terrorists mere participation guarantees each of them $3,000 on a daily basis, although the Army did not feel good about this observation.

    Generally in Nigeria, workers are not happy including the security agents because of lack motivation from government.

    For Nigeria to break even in the areas of restoration of peace, there must be a downward review of the remuneration of the political class, as well as cutting down the size of the entourage and cabinet crew for the money to be diverted for the procurement of necessary equipment, prompt payment of salaries of workers, job creation and opportunities, most especially for the youth who have already become puns in the hands of politicians and as useful tools for violence and other diabolic e acts in the hands of the enemies of the state.

    Once the cost of governance is reduced and merit becomes sacrosanct in the labor market, restoration of our core values based on peace, honesty and integrity will naturally return to address the issue of insecurity. This will make the concept of keeping good neighborliness become a realizable message of hope.

    Once we are able to achieve attitudinal adjustment, security agents would have less to do because good citizenry would have created a conscious awareness that everybody is a stakeholder in the quest to maintain the peace.

    Keeping of the justice system and equality of access for an inclusive society will accelerate the pace of development , that would be sustainable to create a conducive atmosphere for good interpersonal relationship.

     

     

  • Successive Governments failed to Explore the Opportunities in Agriculture-Prof Olagoke

    Prices of foodstuff in various markets in Nigeria is on the increase, despite the Federal Government’s insistence that it has done a lot to ensure that the agriculture sector is able to provide the food needs of the people and revenue for government.

    Interestingly, the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh has declared that 90 per cent of rice in the markets are locally produced, Nigerians, however, dismiss the Minister’s claim, arguing that most of the markets sell imported rice. In this interview, the Founder, Grand Imam and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke says that successive governments did not explore the various opportunities in the agriculture sector. Excerpts :

    The prices of foodstuff in the markets are on the increase, what do you think is the cause ?

    Nigeria is overdue for meaningful diversification of the economy.

    Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s regime established the refineries with the hope of satisfying domestic demand for petroleum products. Port harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries were established and these refineries functionally produced to the satisfaction of the people of Nigeria.

    The government then, equally had on its agenda, the expansion prospects, this was not to be due to the absence of continuity in governance.

    The export of crude oil gained prominence, while the refining of crude oil abroad for home consumption took center stage.

    Initially, Nigeria enjoyed the domestic production of crude oil, same was the case of imported refined petroleum products.

    The long years of military rule in Nigeria affected policies of government and resulted in the neglect of the refineries. This now made the country to depend heavily on imported petroleum products.

    Farming

    Also, crude oil as the mainstay of the economy suffered from activities in the international market, such as fluctuations in prices.

    This to a large extent negatively affected the annual budget, since budget performance was hinged on the unstable price of crude oil.

    The cheapest area of diversification of the economy, is agriculture. 

    Animal husbandry , poultry farming and several other aspects of farming make the sector a very attractive potential revenue earner.

    In fact the physiological needs of shelter, clothing and feeding, are the major reasons why the country must focus on agriculture.

    Unfortunately, successive governments have not been able to explore the limitless opportunities in the sector.

    Suffice it now to say that Nigeria needs to embark on phased restructuring process to correct the anomalies in governance.

    For example the Ministers are expected to give bi-annual reports of their performances, rather than be requested to do so at the expiration period of the four year term of government.

    Nigerians deserve the best in terms of governance, but this is not the case.

    Strategic administration and effective management styles that could call for merit is the subject matter to build corporate governance for virile and strong institutions where policies would be made to work effectively.

    Diversification of the economy is long overdue and the agriculture sector based om modern day practice all over the world must be sought in Nigeria.

    Institutions of higher learning starting from technical colleges must be overhauled, to train people with relevant skills, who can manage agriculture beyond subsistence level.Farming 1

    Government must desist from wasting money through paper theory agriculture experts.

    But must train the trainers to identify with the real farmers for the sake of rural integration need for the policy, at the implementation level, can only be realized through using the SWOT analysis on why and how similar projects failed such as DFFRI, OFN, Better Life for Rural Women and Agriculture revolution.

    A critical study of the current one needs to be done, to be able to overhaul where necessary and adapt to compliment the news ideas.

    Above all, democracy is about the people that must be managed to meet up with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs-physiological, sociological, security, self esteem and actualization realm, while government must manage self to be able to achieve with Olagoke hierarchy of attitudinal needs using Maslow’s apex of actualization realm as its foundation-mentor ship for governance and policy continuity, altruism philosophy for culture of philanthropy and total personality target for true spirit of elder statesmen with high sense of forgiveness and service to humanity.

    Imbibing the two as a culture of living would not only put the people to be served into the readiness of supporting government on the culture of patriotism and trust in the face of government’s transparency and accountability.

    When there are successes in agricultural projects, same would manifest in the welfare of the people.

    Don’t let us play rhetoric with the issue of economy and agriculture, but rather let us be decisive and pragmatic in the areas of availability, accessibility, affordability and cost effectiveness to give this government a deserving credit.

  • DIVINE PREDICTIONS FOR THE YEAR 2019 By Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 1For every prophecy is limited by time(for its manifestation), and soon shall ye know it(Q.6 : 67). For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one little will by no means pass from the law(prophecy) till all is fulfilled.(Matthew 5 : 18)

    GENERAL

    The 2019 elections would come up after some structural adjustment for effective feasibility.

    Against all odds, winners would emerge. The All Progressives Congress(APC) as a party would have some threats and surprises but election would tend to favour the incumbent President.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)on the other hand, would create scene of disappointment for its Presidential candidate.

    2019 shall be characterized by the following feature of events :

    • Year of problematic challenges and reconstruction for re positioning.
    • Favorable year of economic revival.
    • Ne face for education management.
    • Boost on security enhancement.
    • Bad year for religious revival.
    • Favorable year for sports.
    • Safety consciousness to avert road accidents.

    Year 2019 Spiritual Exploration and Predictions

    Month By Month Events

    January, 2019

    • Busy month for finishing touches on some projects, lie education, economy, security and sports.
    • Political Parties reconstruction period.
    • Some religious bodies shall be busy on shady deal perfection and cover up.

    February, 2019

    • Favorable month to boost education, economy, security and sports.
    • Be safety conscious top avoid road accidents and fire out break.
    • Pray against political stalemate and heated polity.

    March, 2019

    • Pray against a situation of mass drift of people from a part of the country to the other. Work for peace and tighten security.
    • Avoid poor performance in sports.
    • Be safety conscious to avoid fire out break.

    April, 2019 

    Favorable month for agricultural cultivation for the dividend of democracy with boost from education and economy.

    • Pray against sudden death of two prominent religious leaders.
    • Possible success in the security sector, but they need to beware of the resurgence of insurgency.
    • Possible need to overhaul the sports house to flush out the bad eggs.
    • Avoid fir outbreak and be safety conscious.

    May, 2019

    • Favorable month for peoples’ relief on economic revival, security success, sporting and political activities.

    June, 2019

    • Searchlight shall be on areas of weaknesses for possible reconstruction and re positioning on education, economy and security.
    • Pray against calamities in the house of God.
    • Pray against fire outbreak, road and air accidents.
    • Road rehabilitation work shall be rife in this month.

    July, 2019

    • Favorable month for the energy sector, education, economy, sports, security and politics.
    • Pray for the nation on growth and development.
    • Pray for the religious sector not to suffer set back.

    August, 2019

    • Favorable performance in the area ofof education, economy, security and sports.
    • Pray against tides in the houses of God.
    • Pray against accidents on the road and fire outbreak.

    September, 2019

    • Cleansing exercise shall be rife this month.
    • There shall be success in the areas of education, economy, security.
    • Pray for politics and sports succor for people’s relief.

    October, 2019

    • Month for reconstruction in the affected areas of our socio-economy and security.
    • Pray agaisnt tides in the houses of God.
    • Pray against religious conflicts.

    November. 2019

    • Unity of purpose shall be addressed in this month.
    • Favorable month to boost the economy and security.
    • Pray against tides in one of the prominent churches in the country.
    • Government may carry out reshuffling exercises.
    • Pay against air mishap.

    December, 2019

    • Favorable month for people’s relief in the areas of economy, education and political activities.
    • There will be cleaning need in religious activities to support the society on sanity and discipline.
    • Pray against fire outbreak and vehicles’ breakdown occurrences on the roads.

    Conclusion

    Re branding for proper socialization and correct cultural, value, orientation for promotion of integrity and discipline for all, must be put in place, to allow divine intervention to revamp our economy, promote health and stable policy as well as principle of equity.

    Good governance is a function of Godly leadership, therefore the essence of this revelation is for the political class to imbibe the spirit of religious harmony to promote peace and be more dedicated to service of God to save the nation through their prayers, while all Nigerians must uphold discipline, love and culture of patriotism to move the nation forward. With these,we may avoid stalemate to save our democracy.

    Rasool, Shafau, Imitizaaala

    Mohammed(SAW)

    Alhaji Engr. Prof. S.A Olagoke

     

    Leaders Ought to Devlop The Right Mindset for Good Governance-Rwanda President. Read more-https://bit.ly/2UzjsVi

     

     

     

  • Nigeria Needs the Favour of God for Good Leadership to Emerge-Prof. Olagoke

    Before the February 23, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections, President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Military and the Police to deal ruthlessly with ballot box snatchers, who were caught in the act.

    Security experts insist that this paved the way for all that happened during the elections. According to them since ballot box snatching is a security issue, President Buhari ought to have  addressed the issue professionally. 

    The security experts argue that the President's directive is not within the purview of all that has been said and done about leadership by example.

    Interestingly, there were several cases of ballot box snatching across the country, with a number of the snatchers meeting their untimely death.

    Nigerians insist that the ballot box snatchers were acting on the directive of the political class who cut across party lines. Most of them met their  sudden end, while some made good their escape.

    Without doubt, the President's directive has affected the outcome of the  general elections in several ways.

    In this interview with Federationews2day, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke  asserts that Nigeria urgently needs the favour of God for the emergence of individuals who  shall offer positive leadership by example. Excerpts :

      What are  your views on the President's  directive to the Military and Police on ballot box snatchers ?

    The problem with Nigeria as of this moment, is that of people who are already lost in the wilderness of politics.

    In Nigeria, politicians wrestle and struggle for power, rather than competing through the spirit of sportsmanship, based on evidence of developmental programmes.

    President Buhari could never have meant that ballot box snatchers should be killed because the victims could also be from his party, though without his direct involvement.

    Nigeria 2                                                                  

    Atiku abubakarInec 10Ballot box snatching is as grievous as felony, hence it has to be prevented at all costs.

    The President might have considered the huge amount spent so far, on the conduct of the elections as well as the security effect on ground, hence the statement that ballot box snatchers could be playing with their lives. However, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) expectedly, turned against him and interpreted  his directive to mean ''kill at sight''.

    Only those people with the intention to rig will catch cold over the President's directive.

    However, the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has been explicit enough on the code of conduct expected during the elections, a violation of which should be expected to be in line with the dictates of the laws of any  decent society.

    The security operatives should therefore avoid accidental discharge and stray bllet syndrome  before, during and after the period of the elections.

    The 2019 general elections must not be allowed to be hijacked by the enemies of Nigeria, who believe in  taking advantage of any crisis to carry out heinous acts that could lead to the unthinkable.

    This is the very time Nigeria and Nigerians need the favour of God to choose for us, because consideration for amnesty for treasury looters or pursuit of zero tolerance to  corruption with kid gloves, for those who dance to the tune of  plea bargain, may not necessarily help the nation.

    What we need are people that will offer leadership  by example through sacrifice and sense of direction and purpose, for Nigeria to become a strong institution with a well informed citizenry who will enjoy  visible care from their government.

    The 2019  general elections must be committed to the good hands of God, through Nigerians' determination to look and vote for credible people with verified track record of love, discipline and passion for the people.

    THE 2019 general elections will determine the pace at which Nigeria will move forward, that is if we allow the voice of wisdom to prevail at every level of the strata of Nigeria's hierarchy.

    Nigerians should think well before  reacting to issues in the polity, as a step towards avoiding hate speech and ambiguous words, so as to prevent hoodlums from hijacking the polity.

     

     

     

     

  • 2019 Budget is Extravagant and Wasteful Considering the Poor State of the Education and Health Sectors-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof olagoke 1Nigerians have began asking questions on the allocation of one Billion Naira for President Muhammadu Buhari's travels in 2019 and 98 million Naira for his feeding for the same period. They argue that millions of people have for several years contended with hunger, poverty and  lack of basic amenities, with reprieve still not yet in sight.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke says that the 2019 Budget proposal the President presented to the National Assembly is extravagant and wasteful. Excerpts :

     

    The President is to spend One Billion Naira for his travels and 98 million Naira for his feeding in 2019,  don't yout think these figure are outrageous ?

     

    Nigerian leaders, generally, since  independence till date, have not been  able to offer us good governance, if the depreciation profile of the Naira, the increasing profile of the poverty indices, decreasing profile of the citizens' life span, uncontrollable unemployment rate, the increasing wave of insecurity and attendant anti-social antics, are to be considered.

    We have clamoured over the years on the need to stem down, with effective control mechanism, wastages in governance and the need for commensurate adjustment to replace the gap between workers' allowances and that of political office holders, their retinue of aides and entourage.

    In  order that approrpiate funding would  be able to get  allocated to the education  and helth sectors.

    To reduce poverty, we equally need to look inwards, to impress all, the rich echelon of the society, to practice the culture of giving  or philantrophy, following the examples of  individuals such as Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and a host of others, including the Sudanese Mo Ibrahim, who is funding the course of good governance in Africa, with $5 Million to the winner country and $200,000 to the winner President. Is this not a motivation for African nations to practice good governance on the basis of need assessment as well as risk control ?

    Nigeria is yet to get motivated and follow the part of wisdom.

    President buhari 1It should remind us of the Ethiopian experience under Emperor Haile Selassie who ruled a poverty ravaged nation, but fed his Lion with an amount of money that could easily go round to save thousands of people per day. Critically looking into the 2019 budget, wherein One Billion Naira is to go for the Presidet's travels and 98 million Naira for his feeding for a year, coupled with a host of embarrassing figures to the poor, whose salaires while in service could never total up to One million Naira, not to talk of the meagre pensions and gratuties which may never be paid on time or even perhaps to be   forfeited, if the pensioners happen to die, due to the frustrating bureucratic process, it is unfortunate.

     

    It is unfortunate that the figures are in the open at a time when the Academic Staff Union of Univerisities(ASUU) and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics(ASUP) agreements failed with the attendant follow up strike actions forcing our children to take to the streets, roaming about aimlessly.

    It is equally unfortunate to come to terms with the figures, at a time when pensioners can no longer support their failing health conditions due to paucity of funds, emanating from unpaid gratuities and pensions-which in most cases could be less than 5 million Niara after the mandatory 35 years  of meritorious service for their fatherland. One can now see why the politicians are in a mad rush to get into Aso Rock as President or Vice President at all costs, with no passion for the people who will give them the mandate, but who shall and have always been neglected in return. When they ought to benefit from the dividends of democracy through goal oriented service expected of the political office holders. When politics is made to be less attractive in terms of renumertion, then wisdom and sanity would prevail.

    For example there is the need for a downward review of the allowances of political officed holders, Senators, Presidents, Vice Presidents and others. There is also the need  to remove the immunity clause for the state Governors and the President for the purpose of effective control of corruption in the land.

     

    A cut down in the number of advisers and entourage of political office holdrers, will ever drastically minimize and curb wasteful spending

    The Bi-cameral Legistlature has not really favoured the country in terms of quality lawmaking. If the impact level on the people is to be placed on the scale of measurement, the cost of running the National Assembly would equally be reduced, while attracting serious minded politicians that would be patriotic enough to the nation, by delivering quality legislation, once lawmaking is made part-time.

    Above all, thereis the  need to critically review through the  MINIMAX formula of advantage and benefit at cost effective level- a better alternative between Parlaimentary and Presidential system of democratic government.

    For the poverty level of the nation and its people, the budget proposal is too extravagant and wasteful, in the area of political office holder consumption profile and the renovation effect of their buildings when one considers the very poor rating in the area of capital project for infrastructure, provision of basic amenities to alleviate poverty, education and health sectors in particaular as they directly affect the people.

     

    My final poser, is on questioning the  competence level of the politicians for system control, with this final question : Is the opportunity to serve the people more for affluence and influence or a determination to impact on the lives of the people positively ?

    Only selfless service based on altruitic philosophy can turn around Nigeria for better, through visionary, purposeful leadership and functional democratic due process of justice and equity

  • Nigerians Should Turn to God for the Choice of Candidates in 2019 Elections-Prof Olagoke

    For over three and a half years now, Nigerians have contended with  hunger, poverty, unemployment and insecurity. Sadly, government at all levels have done little  to address these hydra like challenges which have not only demoralized the citizenry, but  also prompted them to continually and relentlessly rein curses on the country's political office holders. A cross section of civil society groups  allege that the three tiers of government have deliberately impoverished the populace, as a way of compelling them to sell their votes in the 2019 general elections.

    Interestingly,a former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar(rtd) has advised Nigerians to stop complaining about their pitiable condition, but vote out leaders who have not met their expectations .  In this interview with Federationews2day, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke  says Nigerians should seek God's guidance in the choice of candidates they will vote for. Excerpts :

    The insinuation is that the Federal and State Governments have deliberately impoverished Nigerians   for the purpose of ensuring that vote buying is the trend in the 2019 elections. What are your views ?

    The history of poverty in Nigeria started in 1960, when our poverty index was 15 per  cent, followed by the second republic in 1979 to 1983 at 28 per cent. The military interventions worsened the situation as it rose from 42 per cent to 65 per cent.

    Then, in 1999, it rose to 70 per cent almost till this moment.

    Chief Obafemi Awolowo campaigned against impoverishing the poor masses, because according to him, Nigerians irrespective of their tribes and social class must have access to free education which would eventual liberate  the children of the poor from the clutches of poverty. From his time to that of Bola Ige education took a large chunk to support structure, facilities and books, while having a good plan of allowing children to trek to and from school. One could  imagine the then government was  for all Nigerians, most especially the impoverished masses, whom the government intended to emancipate. Unfortunately, the dedication and commitment of our founding fathers, on the issue of the growth and development of the nation and general welfare of the people suffered a great set back during the civil war as well as the attendant agitations for true reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation which was poorly managed to warrant the present insurgency, militancy, kidnapping and damages to the ecology of the oil producing areas, which were agitating for resource control and the South East's secession call.

     It is unfortunate that this government inherited an already failed and recessed economy, which they were unable to manage at par  with their campaign magic of the change mantra.

    The bastardized environment, bad economy and disorganized society now continue to groan under poverty, which had been artificially introduced due to the  era of endemic corruption and institutionalized indiscipline. 

    Under this condition, the political class,  derailed from the focus of the goal of Democracy as a need to enthrone credible leadership for the purpose of institutionalizing justice and equity concepts in order that there would be peace and sustainable development.

    The attendant consequence of gross mismanagement of the economy, the people and the environment, thereafter has resulted in the worrisome situation of insecurity and unbearable poverty tending to the abject level for many.

    The 2019 general elections ought to focus on how best we would be able to vote in patriotic  Nigerians with outstanding leadership qualities that would be able to arrest the menace of the present social upheaval, starting from  working on the psyche of all Nigerians for better attitude in an environment  of strict institutional discipline that would only be achieved through leadership by sacrifice, integrity and service.

    Nigerians therefore, need to be mindful of God, without emphasis on religion in order that credible candidates, who will have passion for the restoration of our core values and see human rights issues as the ability to provide equal opportunities and equal access to the people of Nigeria, the downtrodden ones inclusive.

  • Personalities Pleading on Behalf of Corrupt Government Officials are Satanic-Prof Olagoke

     

    Recently, Vice President Of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo  disclosed that some religious leaders and members of the elite class pleaded on behalf of political office holders and  government officials, facing corruption allegations. Prof. Osinbajo's statement is coming at a time when allegations of corruption are trailing the activities  of several state Governors and government officials, with one of the state Governors insisting that he has spent N200 billion on infrastructure.  Nigerians   have expressed concern and worry over the ability of the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Crimes Commission(ICPC) to convincingly prosecute the affected officials, including the Kano state Governor, Alhaji  Abdullahi Ganduje.

    In this interview with People, the Founder, Spiritual head  and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the personalities pleading with government to forgive those identified to be corrupt are satanic. Excerpts :

    What is your reaction to the Vice President's statement that some  religious leaders and members of the elite class plead on behalf of corrupt government officials ?

    Let us first  look at the personality of Mr. Vice President, he is a Pastor and a powerful member of one of the most widely spread religious organizations in Nigeria. He is equally a Professor of law and above all, he is the number two man handling the destiny of Nigeria.

    Whatever he says now, needs to be viewed along these three lines of personality colossus. From the religious angle the voice of God, is universal from whichever Scripture it mus have come from.

    Proverbs 22 : 22-23, says'' Do not rob the poor, because he is poor or crush the afflicted at the gate. 23-For the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.''

    Whoever is  guilty of this offense must therefore face the wrath of the law as he awaits the wrath of God.

    The Holy Koran Chapter 5 :62-63 says '' You will see people transgressing in sins, transgressions and corrupt enrichment''.

     However the elite who perpetrate this  evil of institutional indiscipline ought to have been made to face judgement through the admonitions of the Doctors of Law, as well as the heads of religious houses, who will be directly answerable  to the queries from God. 

    If Mr. Vice President's statement should be judged against this, he would be  found wanting, as a Minister of God, Professor of law and as an elite in the political realm. From the Governors and the political angle, the Vice President violated the international rules of law against corruption and the need for accountability. For example, Transparency International defines corruption as the abuse of  entrusted power  for private gains The United Nations Development Programme defines corruption as the misuse of a public or private position for direct or indirect personal gain.  It further defines accountability as an obligation 1) to demonstrate the work that has been conducted in accordance with the agreed rules and standards. 2) Report fairly and accurately on performance results vis-a-vis mandated roles and / or plans.

    Accountability refers not only to those in power, holding their subjects to account, but also to the authorities, both public and private, been held accountable by their citizens.

    The Vice President and the entire government workforce need to role model all these, and stand firmly on the rule of law  to bring to book all  suspects in the arena of institutional indiscipline and corruption, including those so called rotten religious houses in Nigeria, which have enjoyed most from the largess derived from treasury looting.

    Government need to embark on  accountability and anti-corruption drives because these provide a democratic means to among others 1) Evaluate the government's conduct 2) Prevent the development of concentration of power 3) Enhance the learning capacity and effectiveness of public administration, according to the World Bank accountability and anti-corruption measures.

    It also provides citizens with information, they need to measure and judge the progress of the government of the day as well as  to enhance good conditions of service.

    Voices from the houses of worship demanding that government should look away or forgive  corrupt officials will continue to be satanic, until these worship centres are re-orientated towards supporting the cause of the anti-graft agencies, because the impact of corruption in Nigeria has been detrimental as it has stalled progressive development, it has been one of the greatest factors responsible  for the growth in poverty, lack of progressive advancement and internal conflict, as we can link it to underdevelopment.

    It has also led to unequal access to power, resources and positions between men and women, as well as the wise poor and the foolish rich.

    Besides the above, government  has to get the root of Democracy as established in Greek-egocentredness, is likened to the status of an idiot. Self has no place in governance, clan or ethnic based consideration extended to nepotism will continue to lead to barren development.

    Nigerians, generally, from religion, culture, community and ethnic nationalities need to be integrated into an altruistic philosophy for the development of the entire  citizenry as a way of achieving patriotism for true and correct nationhood.

    Most  edifice like structure in Nigeria, are products of treasury looting.

    Presently, Nigerians are being indoctrinated into the culture of self-enrichment as a way of life, rather than the dignity of labour that would have aided innovation and creativity, which are the bedrock of true  development.

    Mr. Vice  President sir, please let us think more of the future,  sustainable development and safe landing into true paradise. 

  • The High Cost of Nomination Forms Has Dashed the Hopes of the Nigerian Youth-Prof Olagoke

    A cross section of Nigerians have expressed surprise that President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the expression of interest and nomination forms, to contest the Presidential primaries on the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC),  bought for him by a  yet to be known group. They insist that the group, which bought the forms for N45 million, have contravened  section 91, sub-section 9 of the country's electoral act. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke says Nigeria's problem revolves on lack of transparency and deep rooted deceit. Excerpts :

     

     

    What is your reaction to President Muhammadfu Buhari's acceptance of the expression of interest and nomination forms bought for him by a group ?

     

    Logically, we need to determine the number of people that constitute the group. This will give us a remote idea of how much the individuals who make up the group must have contributed, for us to now declare that some sections of the electoral act have been violated.

     

    However, Nigerian politicians are a bunch of lairs and Chief(Dr.)Olusegun Obasanjo, before he became the President of Nigeria, in one of his replies to the then Head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, said that Nigerians should not be trusted, because when they say it  is raining, the heat from the sun could be at boiling point.

    When serving Presidents of Nigeria are now xrayed, the fact that these leaders always introduce the Nigerian factor in governance, is very glaring. For example former President Goodluck Jonathan received a church gift from a foreign contractor while still serving the country.

    Former President Obasanjo used his position to collect donations totalling N9 billion in a single day for his presidential library, while the incumbent President, President Muhammadu Buhari received expression of interest  and nomination forms valued at N45 million from a group.

    All these actions amount to the moral challenges confronting Democracy in Nigeria, because the three leaders have something in common, they used the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), at different occasions, to fight corruption, which in all cases have always been fighting back, to the extent of threatening the survival of government.

     The major problem Nigeria is contending with, include lack of transparency and the unabated game of deceit in governance.

    Whether a nomination form is bought for N1 million or N100 million the fact still remains that opportunities to have access to positions of governance will always be controlled by the money bags, who may appear as stinkingly rich or under the camouflage of been moderate.

    The fact still remains that each of the aspirants for these juicy political offices are billionaires, whose source of income will never be known, even though questionable.

    This aspect of critical challenge for Democracy in the Nigerian polity, needs to be critically evaluated for possible restructuring.

    For example, Nigeria does not need, a Bi-cameral Legislature, but a mono type of Legislature at the Federal level, to prune down the cost of governance, which is presently on the high side.

    The salaries been received by  each of the lawmakers, must also be revisited.

    Also the issue of due process for procurement needs to be overhauled with  an effective monitoring mechanism put in place.

    It is unfortunate that the government, which assented to the 'Not Too Young To Run' law, is now shying away from the need to provide mechanisms and strategic imperatives, which would ensure the workability of the law. It is good that the law reduces the age to the advantage of the youth, to enable them to contest for various elective positions, but the cost of the expression of interest and nomination forms, which is on the high side will always deny the country, the services of people with integrity and credibility.

    Where governance is bereft of wisdom and pragmatism which the youth possess, due to the new trend in education and the focus is on global best practices, the question now is when are we going to stop the old hands in politics and governance from recycling themselves or passing the baton to their cronies without considering the need for merit ; to be able to activate Democracy into sustainable development, such as in Singapore and Malaysia, the erstwhile third world countries, which gained independence in 1965 and sourced palm kernel from Nigeria to become the world leading exporters of palm oil. What is our position in Nigeria on this ? 

    Suffice it now to say, that we will continue to chase shadows, in the fight against corruption, when with such huge amount we claim to be fighting corruption.

    Sacrifice is a strategic tool to fight corruption. The provisions of the constitution, the electoral act and that of the public service rules will remain mere paper tigers, that will only encourage rhetoric,  but disable meaningful action for achievable results in the areas of the needed development and security.
    What should matter to all Nigerians now, in the face of all these politicians having a common trait of kleptocracy and deceit, with resultant poor governance, that increases the hardships of the people via hunger and poverty, are one, a collective effort to vote for credible persons, two, support those with proven antecedents and integrity, three, focus on the need to build strong institutions working on how we may successfully recall candidates with given mandates, who do not perform up to the expectations of the people. This is regardless of the promises and manifestos, which these mandates are attached to.

     

    It is quite unfortunate to note that even erstwhile courageous progressives in the media, who find themselves in government, are easily polarized into anti-people rhetoric, with the underlining features of garbage of inaction.

    The constitution of Nigeria is clear on the responsibilities of government to provide employment and build capacities, to tackle institutional indiscipline and  corruption, even though governance still remains a lame duck.

  • We Formed Alliance for Peace to Reign in Oyo-Senator Ladoja

    Former Oyo state Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja  has declared that himself and other politicians with wealth of experience in politics formed an alliance for peace to reign in the state.

    Senator Ladoja made this  declaration on Tuesday, in a chat with  Journalists,at his Ondo street, Bodija,Ibadan,Nigeria residence.

    ''When you are in the opposition the minimum you can do is to ensure that there is peace in your ranks. If there is no peace among you in the opposition, then government will  take advantage 

    of it. Chief Michael Koleosho is not contesting, I am not contesting, Alhaji Busari Adebisi is not contesting, that is why we formed an alliance of like minds.

    The former Governor noted that the reluctance to accept the truth was the basis of the country's problems.

    ''The first thing is to ask people to tell the truth,then we are on the way to solving the country's problems. The major problem we have is that we don't accept the truth. We  have class  competition,  this is  not helping us.The government did not accept that we have Boko Haram problem, the government did not accept that we have Fulani herdsmen problem, that is the problem, we  don't accept the  truth'',Senator Ladoja asserted.

  • 2019 Presidential Poll :Religious Leaders Should Refrain from Sharing Looted Funds-Spiritual Head Shafaudeen-in-lslam

    Nigerians insist that religious leaders and institutions have not done enough for those who eventually emerged to contest of political offices for several years, this has become a source of worry for the electorate, who believe that their votes have never counted in most elections. In this interview with Federationews2day, the Spiritual head and Founder of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke advises religious leaders to refrain from distributing loot of the affected political office holders among their congregation, in a bid to seek divine favour. Excerpts :

    How do you think religious leaders and institutions can ensure the emergence of credible candidates in the 2019 Presidential elections?

    First and foremost, Nigeria has a fundamental problem, with respect to the issue of religion. They fail to realize that all religions are working towards the same aims and objectives, one, to educate and enlighten into self realization for the necessary reform into the state of piety and integrity, two, to ensure that adherents have tranquility of mind, three, to promote peaceful co-existence, in order that the community or society enjoys  high level of security.

    Religion therefore, is to work on every individual, irrespective  of ethnic or religious differences, to be credible enough to hold in trust, positions of responsibility and power, in order to serve God, through beneficial service to humanity.

    However, in Nigeria, religious institutions celebrate profanity, in place of sacredness and hence, fail to produce credible candidates for the purpose of transformation of the society.

    With this poor background of Nigeria's religious people, there is no way that they can perform the role of an umpire, whereby, religious leaders, would be able to see themselves as true Fathers of political leaders and true advisers for  correct political practices, that would be Scripture compliant and enjoy the favour of God, through the benefit of uninterrupted divine intervention into human affairs-social, economic, political- for the purpose of achieving, in the areas of the clarion call by the United Nations, of the essence of establishing and promoting sustainable development.

    To worsen the case, the Federal Government till date, have been superintending a dysfunctional educational system, which has promoted half baked graduates, which is very glaring for all to see. Observe political office holders and Technocrats, in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, institutional indiscipline and corruption that  are the order of the day.

    For the purpose of the fast approaching 2019 general elections,religious leaders must refrain from sharing the loot, stolen by politicians, to derisively , seek the favour of God.

    We must all realize the golden advice of Nelson Mandela, that religious leaders need to face the reality of the situation, that no politician is either  a good Muslim or Christian in Nigeria. They believe in sourcing for power from gods and goddesses, but always deceive the innocent masses through religion by propaganda, in order to rule over them.

    If  truly Nigeria's religious leaders are working for God, they must join the bandwagon of advocates for promotion of functional education and necessary empowerment processes for our youth, who are  future leaders and  expected to be able to turn around the system of poor governance into that of people oriented and positive political governance, that would  have the very necessary positive impact on the lives of the people. Take not of the fact, that the same people who attend religious houses are the same people, we have in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, in Government, in the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and the society at large.

    Mosques and Churches must refrain from religious propaganda of prosperity, that has led many Nigerians into the world of magic for quick money making ventures, ritual killings, kidnapping and several others, but instead, we must all be role models, as religious leaders, running functional Churches and Mosques, to reform adherents, into scripture compliance, for the purpose of having credible leaders with integrity, who will be able to administer a corruption free society.

    For the 2019 general elections, the roles of the Churches, Mosques and other faith based organizations, is to stand by the  truth and the Scripture, to be able to be credible enough, to give  advice which will have the desired impact, as well as to have  their prayer requests for a free and fair  elections to hold.

    This is the message of God from Koran 13 : 14 and the Bible James 5 : 16

  • Private Security Initiatives can only Thrive When State Governors and Other Stakeholders Cooperate-Aare Onakakanfo

    The Aare Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Aare Gani Adams has asserted private security could only thrive when Governors in the 36 states of the Federation and other stakeholders provide necessary support and cooperation.

    Aare Adams made this assertion in during an  interview session in a private radio station in the South West Geo-Political zone of Nigeria.

    '' Private security organizations can only succeed when state Governors, Traditional Rulers, Landlords and Tenants Associations and other stakeholders in the security sector support and cooperate with the private security organizations '', he stated.

    He also lamented that in saner climes such as South Africa, the Government encouraged and supported private security inititiatives, adding ''that is why the crime rate there is under control. But here , the Police want  private security organizatons to  become community police and the police is not ready to give them anything. In South Africa, private security organizatons assist the police in intelligence gathering and they are compensated with 10 per cent of what the police earn''.

    ''Communities who engage members of the Oodua Peoples Congress pay them peanuts. The service conditions of private security guards are not well coordinated. As Aare Onakakanfo, I have to consult widely before I take decisions. Nobody can take decisions alone''.

    ''The Army, Navy, Airforce, Directorate of State Security  and other security agencies are in place to address the herdsmen issue. I am now a statesman, it is their responsibility. When your status changes, you have to exhibit behaviour in line with your new status, if not, you wll run into trouble'', Aare Adams noted.

    He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari  to without delay implement the 2014  National conference report, as a step towards addressing the country's challenges.

    ''About 496 delegates participated in th 2014 National conference and former President Goodluck Jonathan did not waste money on the national conference, however, it would be a waste of financial resources if President Buhari does not implement the report, even if he implements 70 per cent of the recommendations, it is alright, Nigerians are not saying he should implement everything'', Aare Adams concluded

  • Families in East Africa Contend with High Cost of Food Prices

    Families in East Africa will for sometime contend with high food prices as a result of flooding, pests and diseases.

    This is contained in the  monthly update by the Food Security Working Group on the Greater Horn.  

    The update disclosed that families  in Rwanda, Karamoja of Uganda, Burundi, Somalia and Sudan which  depend on markets for food, will have to put up with the soaring prices of foodstuffs.

    "Above average staple food prices will continue eroding the purchasing power of poor market-dependent households in Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia and Sudan, which are heading into a lean season," the report stated.

    The past week maize traded at $402.14 per tonne in Kisumu, Kenya, $319 in Ruhuha, Rwanda and $ 271.02 in Kabale town, Uganda.

    However, in the last six months  a tonne of maize traded at $540.28 in Ruhuha, $279.38 in Uganda and $443.04 in Nairobi. In Burundi, only 60 per cent of households have food.

  • The Corrupt Class Funded President Muhammadu Buhari's Election-Prof. Olagoke

    As Nigerians continue to knock the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration’s elective fight against corruption, the spiritual head and founder of Shafaudeen worldwide, Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke, in this interview with Federationews2day, says that the present administration’s corruption fight,  has the traces of  the corrupt class who funded its emergence. Excerpts:

    Nigerians are expressing worries  over the present administration's continued selective corruption war, what do you think is wrong ?

    It is unfortunate that the All Progressives Congress(APC) was formed on the basis of looking for credible people, they were able to get that in President Muhammadu Buhari, but how to win the election depended mainly on who could fund the party. Unfortunattely, most of those people, who have the strenght to do it,  belong to the corrupt class of the nation. It happened in Singapore, when Lee  Kuan Yew wanted to moun the reign of power, he had nothing, but was sponsored by those  who had amassed ill gotten wealth. Fortunately for them they were able to have a memorandum of Understnading(MOU) and they agreed with him, to suppor the cause of sanitizing the country in order that Singapore would be great again . That was how they were able to have their way. Singapore today, is a country that competes with the developed world, but in the case of Nigeria, the same scenario of change is not in play. Unfortunately, the big wigs in the pary are not ready to, let go of their ill gotten wealth.

    At a time the President became ill, the illness was not natural, it was not, from God.  And that is why he cried out. When you fight corruption, corruption may want to fight back. If not for God, the illness would have c onsumed him and that would  have been to the advantage of the cabal and cartel, who would have returned to their free meal of ill-gotten wealth,amidst the turbulence surrounding this Government of President Buhari. Despite the fact that he survived the death threat and fire, his manliness began to fail him into mortgaging his conscience.

    By now, dily dallying with the cabal, in taking some decisions, most especiallt the delayed ones. It is unfortunate, that his people are not helping him to succeed in the anti-corrution war, because they are damned to many and  too powerful.  Unfortunately, nobody wants to die again for the antion.  A comparative analysis of Nigeria and some  other nations, shows Nigeria as a  nation that has failed the test of corporate governance, leading us into the stage of building strong individuals, rather than strong institutions.