An Islamic scholar, Malam Yusuf Adepoju, has called on Nigerians to put aside ethnic differences and embrace unity, saying injustice, disunity and leadership failures are among the factors worsening insecurity across the country.
Adepoju, Chief Lecturer at the Academy of Islamic Propagation, made the call on Sunday at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society, Akure branch, in Ondo State.
The celebration was held under the theme, “From Humble Beginnings to Divine Establishment: 25 Years of Faith, Growth and Community Impact,” highlighting the organisation’s journey and contributions to society.
The guest speaker argued that Nigeria could not make meaningful progress while citizens remained divided by ethnic identity and mutual distrust.
He urged people from different backgrounds to respect one another and treat every human life with dignity.
He said unity did not require Nigerians to abandon their cultural identities, stressing that differences among ethnic groups should be a source of strength rather than a reason for conflict.
Adepoju also encouraged Muslims with sound character and a strong sense of accountability to Allah to engage in politics and contribute to better governance.
He challenged NASFAT members to reflect the values of their faith in their everyday conduct, including honesty, humility, patience, generosity and discipline.
According to him, the organisation’s institutional achievements would be incomplete if members failed to grow in character and commitment to service.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Special Adviser on Mines and Mineral Resources, Gani Muhammed, praised NASFAT’s role in education and youth development.
He said its initiatives complemented the government’s efforts to strengthen human capital and pledged support for programmes that advance education and community welfare.
Former NASFAT National President, Alhaji Mikhail Sarumoh, said the Akure branch had grown through faith, perseverance, unity and service, while its chairman, Sodiq Obanoyen, expressed gratitude to those who had supported the organisation over the years.
The anniversary featured the presentation of a spiritual support award to Adepoju, the commissioning of a school laboratory and the foundation-laying ceremony for a multipurpose hall.