The Kwara State Government has been called upon to aggressively implement the Ilorin Township Law prohibiting the production, sale, and consumption of liquor in certain areas of the city.
The National Chairman of Hijrah Islamic Organisation, Professor Badmas Olanrewaju Yusuf, made the call on Thursday (June 26, 2025) during the celebration of the new Islamic year, 1447 AH held at Stadium Complex, Ilorin, the state capital.
Professor Yusuf explained that the law would jealously protect the values and rich cultural heritage, which is Islam, that Ilorin is known for.
He also called on Muslims to reflect on the significance of Hijrah and its relevance to their personal lives, communities, and nation as a whole.
Professor Yusuf emphasized the need for Muslims to migrate from falsehood to truth, moral decay to uprightness, and weakness to strength.
The National Chairman who highlighted several key issues affecting Muslims and citizens, including the need for an overhaul of the education curriculum to incorporate ethics and values, improved security, and measures to address the rising cost of living.
He also condemned security breaches across the country and urged the government to prioritize security and give traditional institutions a constitutional role in improving security.
He therefore expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin, and other stakeholders for their support to the organisation at all times.
Also speaking at the occasion, the First Kuliyan Geri of Ilorin, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN who was represented at the occasion by Barriter Kehinde K. Eleja SAN described Hijrah as a significant milestone in the history of Islam and advised all Muslim faithfuls to imbibe the lessions of Hijrah in our daily life so as to have a peaceful, United and prosperous nation.
In his address, the Grand Kadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen admonished Muslim faithfuls to, in the spirit of Hijrah, renew their commitment to their faith and community, striving for a year full of blessings, peace, and divine upliftment.
“Hijrah is not just a date in our calendar but a lesson in faith, sacrifice, transformation, and nation-building. The migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah marked the beginning of a new civilization rooted in justice, compassion, faith, and community. Today, our Hijrah may be a spiritual and social migration from ignorance to knowledge, injustice to justice, corruption to integrity, and hopelessness to hope.
“In Nigeria, Muslims face challenges like insecurity, economic hardship, and religious intolerance. To overcome these, we must rise with the spirit of Hijrah guiding our steps. Our youths are full of potential but often lack direction, while our communities are rich in faith but divided by sectarianism. Our leaders must govern with justice, transparency, and fear of Allah, while scholars should preach unity, not division. The Prophet said, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock” he added
Justice Kamaluddeen called on leaders to govern justly and scholars to promote unity, just as he encouraged the youths to seize education, entrepreneurship, and technology for their personal develooment and the nation building.
In their separate lectures, Uztadh Abdulmumeen Ayara and Ustadh Abdulrafiu Oloduowo enjoined Muslim Ummah to take a cue from the significance of Hijrah which is primarily to migrate from the bad conducts to the most acceptable ones.
The two speakers particularly commended the kwara State Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for coming up with a policy that is aimed at raising the standard of Arabic and Islamic studies in the state, describing the decision as a step in a right direction.
The organisation launched two major initiatives: the 1447 AH Hijrah Calendar and the proposed Hijrah Islamic Organisation Skill Acquisition House, designed to empower youth and women with practical skills and economic self-reliance.
The event was attended by the Chief Imam of Ilorin Alhaji Muhammad Bashir as well as numerous prominent Muslim leaders in Ilorin, government officials, serving and retired Justices, among others.
