By Yunus, Olawale
*Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to strengthen unity, protect their religious rights and play constructive roles in addressing the challenges confronting the country.
The Sultan made the call on Thursday in his opening remarks at the NSCIA General Assembly in Abuja, where Muslim leaders and delegates from different parts of the country converged for the meeting.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar described the General Assembly as an important platform for members of the Muslim community to deliberate on issues affecting Islam, the country and humanity, expressing appreciation to delegates who travelled from different parts of Nigeria to attend the gathering.
He noted that the General Assembly was particularly significant as the Council had not convened a full assembly for several years, largely because of financial constraints.
According to him, while the NSCIA had continued to conduct expanded general-purpose committee meetings involving Muslim leaders, government officials and other stakeholders, certain responsibilities could only be effectively discharged through a properly constituted General Assembly.
The Sultan urged Muslims to remain united and actively participate in national affairs, stressing the importance of protecting their rights while respecting the rights and freedoms of others.
He emphasised that Muslims should be allowed to practise their religion without hindrance, while making it clear that the Council does not support coercion in matters of faith.
He said Islam does not permit Muslims to force others to embrace the religion, stressing the principle that faith should be embraced voluntarily.
The NSCIA President-General also urged Muslims to uphold good character and peaceful coexistence wherever they find themselves, noting that Muslims have a responsibility to contribute positively to society.
*Sultan Commends Oloyede’s Public Service*
The Sultan also used the occasion to commend the immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, for his contribution to national development and service to the Muslim community.
He recalled that Professor Oloyede served the Federal Government for about a decade while continuing to discharge responsibilities within the NSCIA.
The Sultan described his public service record as worthy of recognition and said the Muslim community was proud of his contribution, particularly during his tenure at JAMB.
A plaque was subsequently presented to Professor Oloyede in recognition of his service to Nigeria and Islam.
The Sultan prayed for more Muslims who would demonstrate integrity, competence and commitment to the service of Islam and the nation.
*NSCIA Reaffirms Engagement with Political Stakeholders*
The NSCIA leadership also reaffirmed its willingness to engage political stakeholders across party lines, stressing that such engagements are intended to communicate the concerns and expectations of the Muslim community.
The Sultan recalled that the Council had received representatives associated with different political interests, including those connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Peter Obi during the 2023 general election period.
He said the Council’s engagement with political actors was not necessarily partisan, but provided an opportunity to explain its identity, concerns and expectations while promoting the interests of Islam and the wider Nigerian society.
The Sultan urged delegates to contribute actively to discussions at the General Assembly and work towards a common direction on matters affecting the Muslim community and the country.
*NSCIA Renews Representation on Global Fund Coordinating Mechanism*
Also at the General Assembly, Professor Fatima Abdulkareem, a professor of pathology at the University of Lagos, was nominated and approved to represent the NSCIA and the faith-based organisation constituency on Nigeria’s Country Coordinating Mechanism, CCM, of the Global Fund for the next three years.
The CCM representative explained that the mechanism coordinates and supervises Global Fund activities in Nigeria, particularly interventions targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
He said the inclusion of faith-based organisations provides an avenue for religious institutions to contribute to discussions on the health needs of their communities and bring grassroots perspectives into Global Fund interventions.
The development forms part of the Council’s broader efforts to ensure effective representation of Muslim communities in national institutions and programmes while strengthening its engagement with issues affecting Nigerians.
The General Assembly also acknowledged the importance of continued prayers and collective efforts towards peace, stability and development in Nigeria.