Unless individuals reform themselves Nigeria cannot be reformed - Ahmadiyya Muslim group, as it holds national convention in Ogbomoso

Unless individuals reform themselves Nigeria cannot be reformed – Ahmadiyya Muslim group, as it holds national convention in Ogbomoso

Niyi AJALA

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, Nigeria (Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organization) has observed that there would only be national rebirth only if Nigerians decided to undergo individual reformation.

This position was argued Wednesday as the group announces it would hold its 52nd annual convention between Thursday, April 2 and Sunday, April 5 in Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

Addressing a press conference earlier today at Ile-Iwe area, national president of the organisation, Al-Hafidh Abdurrofeaq Alaka, stressed individual reformation is key to national rebirth and the panacea to Nigeria’s problems.

The national president of the organisation, Al-Hafidh Abdurrofeaq Alaka, delivering the address

“Nations are reformed when individuals reform themselves. When young people are driven by sincere devotion to Allah, they become the catalysts of peace, stability, justice, and national progress.”

The theme of the convention (Ijtema), which would hold at Federal Government College Ogbomoso, is

“Love of Allah.”

Described as a “profound and spiritually transformative theme,” and as “foundational principle that shapes the life of every sincere Muslim,” it is emphasized, “Love of Allah is the highest form of worship, the ultimate motivation for righteousness, and the strongest anchor for moral discipline.”

Alaka further asserted that the theme is also imbued with other implicatations which include him noting that loving Allah provokes righteous living. “A person who truly loves Allah naturally avoids wrongdoing. Such love produces humility, obedience, honesty, chastity, and compassion. When youths cultivate deep love for their Creator they become self-regulated, morally conscious, and spiritually resilient.”

Some others according to him are that love of Allah is a motivator for service towards humanitarian efforts, and that moral leadership flow directly from this love, insisting, “A youth motivated by love of Allah will always strive to uplift the nation and assist humanity.”

He also affirms that love of Allah is a remedy for social vices, explaining, “In a world challenged by moral decline, restlessness, and harmful influences, love of Allah provides protection. It redirects youthful energy away from crime, drug abuse, corruption, and extremist tendencies, toward productive and noble pursuits.”

The theme, it is submitted, would serve as “guiding light throughout this year’s convention – in our prayers, lectures, competitions, discussions, and resolutions.”

The gathering is unveiled as the largest gathering of Ahmadiyya Muslims in Nigeria highlighting some of its objectives to include strengthening faith and instilling godly conduct; promoting intellectual growth, leadership skills, moral purity, and patriotism; creating opportunities for healthy interaction, unity, and brotherhood; and empowering youths to become socially responsible and spiritually fortified citizens.

The four-day programme would therefore focus on among others spiritual and religious activities that will encompass Qur’an recitation and commentary sessions, Tarbiyyah (moral training) sessions, prayers, reflective sessions, and sermons that would explore the theme “Love of Allah.

Also, educational and intellectual development would be explored which would cover quiz and public speaking contests; Qur’an competitions; lectures on personal discipline, civic responsibility, ethics, and national development; skill and career development seminars.

Physical and health-related activities would also feature prominently and these would embrace competitive sports and physical training; fitress and health awareness programs; as well as medical outreach and voluntary blood donation exercises.

Community service and environmental stewardship would also be part of the convention which would involve a host-community clean-up; tree-planting and environmental sensitization; and welfare support initiatives.

The group restates its mission to include commitment to peace, patriotism and national progress.

“Under the guidance of the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), our mission is to reshape society through peaceful action, moral reformation, and service to humanity.”

Giving assurance of a renewal of faith in Allah, it is stated, “This Ijtema will reinforce our pledge as Khuddam: To be disciplined, peaceful, and honest; avoid all forms of extremism, crime, and corruption; serve our familles, our communities, and our beloved nation with sincerity; and lead by example as ambassadors of peace and righteousness.”

Alaka similarly assured all preparations are in top gear to ensure a successful hosting.

“Regarding security, welfare, and logistical preparedness, we have ensured adequate and coordinated security arrangements, medical teams and first-aid emergency support, comfortable accommodation and welfare provisions for participants, and collaboration with local authorities for smooth operations.”

Concluding it is said, “As We formally open the 52nd Annual National Ijtema, we pray that Almighty Allah blesses this gathering and enables it to rekindle in every participant a deep, sincere, and enduring Love of Allah, the true key to spiritual success, national progress and global peace.”

The press conference was also attended by the Oyo state president of the group Badejo Taofeeq, Al-Hafidh Ismail Abdulquadri (Vice National President Admin), Mr. AbdulKabir Mustapha (Vice National President Northern Region), Missionary AbdurRahmon Adewale (Vice President South-South/ South-East Region), Mr. AbdulHameed Otule (National Secretary) among others.

Taofeeq Badejo informed ithe group s not averse to western education adding that it is involved in other community service programmes like traffic control, collaborating with others to ignite development etc.

Note: This story has been updated to include names of some other officials at the press conference.