By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ibadan, Oyo State — The leading gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday joined Muslim faithful, political leaders and community stakeholders at the 4th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Egbeda/Ajorosun Local Government Staff Muslim Community in Ibadan.
The well-attended spiritual gathering held at the Egbeda Local Government Secretariat focused on national unity, moral reawakening and practical solutions to insecurity in Nigeria.
Ambassador Ajadi, who served as Special Guest of Honour, said his presence at the event was both personal and symbolic, describing the occasion as a homecoming to honour his indigenous local government Muslim community.
“I have come to honour my Egbeda Local Government Muslim community. It is a great privilege for me to witness this 4th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by my own local government,” Ajadi told journalists shortly after the programme.
He noted that Ramadan remains a period of reflection, compassion and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, urging leaders at all levels to prioritise policies that promote social stability and economic empowerment.
Islamic Perspective on Insecurity
Delivering the lecture titled “Combating Insecurity in a Plural Nation: Islamic Solution for Peace and Security,” the Guest Lecturer, Imam Habibullah Adekunle Bukhari, Chief Imam of Akobo and Environs Muslim Community Mosque, linked rising insecurity to unemployment, poverty and lack of productive engagement among citizens.
According to him, empowering citizens through agriculture and industrial opportunities remains a practical pathway to lasting peace.
“Local government authorities must empower citizens with farmland to cultivate edible crops. When people are meaningfully engaged and able to earn legitimate livelihoods, there will be little room for banditry, kidnapping and other ungodly activities,” he said.
The cleric explained that the Ibadan metropolitan area comprises eleven local government areas — five urban councils and six semi-urban councils — all endowed with vast land resources capable of supporting agriculture and industrial development.
He stressed that government must become more proactive in creating opportunities.
“Most people engaging in fraud, theft and other social vices today are victims of unemployment. Government must utilise available opportunities to make jobs accessible for citizens,” Imam Bukhari added.
Government Alone Cannot Solve Insecurity — Oyedele
In his remarks, the Chief Host and Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Council as well as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele, commended the lecturer for addressing pressing national concerns.
Oyedele, however, emphasised that tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility beyond government intervention.
“To curb insecurity in the nation is not the responsibility of government alone. Religious leaders, communities and individuals all have vital roles to play,” he stated.
He observed that while the lecture highlighted governmental responsibilities, deeper emphasis on Islamic ethical values would further strengthen societal peace.
“The Imam did well within the limited time available. He remained focused on the topic and reinforced important points that can guide society toward peace and security,” Oyedele said.
Ramadan as a Season of Moral Renewal
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Ramadan Planning Committee, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Babatunde Wasiu, described Ramadan as a sacred period dedicated to spiritual rebirth, compassion and community development.
“Ramadan teaches patience, charity and self-discipline. It strengthens our unity as an Ummah and renews our commitment to righteousness and community development,” he said.
Wasiu appreciated the local government leadership, invited guests and committee members for supporting the programme, urging participants to apply lessons from the lecture in their daily lives.
“Let us use this Ramadan to reform ourselves, strengthen community bonds and promote peaceful coexistence in our society,” he added.
Gathering of Faith and Governance
The lecture attracted political office holders, traditional leaders, Muslim scholars, local government staff and residents across Ibadan, reinforcing the growing collaboration between religious institutions and governance structures in addressing social challenges.
Observers at the event noted that discussions centred not only on spirituality but also on practical governance strategies, economic empowerment and moral responsibility as tools for national stability.
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As Ramadan activities continue across Oyo State, stakeholders expressed hope that faith-based engagements such as the Egbeda Annual Ramadan Lecture would inspire policies and community actions capable of fostering peace, security and sustainable development.
