Effective Leadership is Key to Moving the Society Forward –  NASFAT

Effective Leadership is Key to Moving the Society Forward –  NASFAT

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria

Effective leadership has been described as key in moving the society forward.

This was stated during the Fund Raising of Nastrul Lahil- L- Fatih  (NASFAT) Society Asese Ultra Modern Mosque/inauguration ceremony of its  Zonal Executive members held at NASFAT Kaduna Mosque.

The Guest Speaker, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami,  in his paper tilted, The Role  of Leadership in Humanity, Islamic Perspective, described leadership as very key and the most important ingredient in societal life. Nothing can be achieved without good leadership. He said.

The Minister who was represented by Professor Suleiman Ibrahim threw more light on the virtues of good leadership.

“When the leadership is good, definitely the society is going to succeed in all its endeavor but when a leadership is bad, actually that society is going nowhere, nothing can be achieved.

Let it be a society, let it be a group ,let it an organization, let it be a family, it needs a strong leadership.”

Some attributes and success factors expected of a good leader he gave as follows.

“First and foremost, a leader must have a strong faith, Iman, believe in the existence of Allah, SWT. He must have a strong faith in Islam and the prophet of Islam, (SAW). This is very key no matter how a leader tries without it, he cannot take a Muslim community to the desired goal.

“A good leader must be sound and knowledgeable. He must be full of wisdom and must be in search of knowledge throughout his period of leadership because everything is based on knowledge. Without knowledge, he won’t even know where the society or the group he is leading is supposed to go. Without knowledge,  he won’t know what to do and at what time to do it. Knowledge is very important.

“Also important is that a good leader must be good in communication skills to be able to pass information to the people he is leading as well as get the needed results.”

Professor Abdullahi also  see a good leader as one who is able to display some piety and be of good moral for according to him, if not, there will be nothing to emulate from such a leader.

Such a leader cannot lead his people.

There are other good qualities from Islamic perspective that makes a good leader. He added.

As to whether these qualities are achievable? The  professor answered in affirmative saying, these qualities were displayed during the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammed SAW as such are achievable if our leaders strive hard.  With prayers , everything is achievable. He assured.

“Let us take a look at history, when the Prophet SAW established the Muslim Ummah, as a spiritual and political leader, he succeeded. Do you know how many Muslims now in the world? In billions”. Saying Islam started with one person after which it grew to larger number that we are witnessing today.

Leaders of those days exhibited good leadership qualities, he said.

“Other Muslim leaders came after them in the Muslim Ummah and exhibited these good same qualities. Only now that we, during our time we are messing up. Despite that, some are trying.”

In his words of advise and admonition, the Professor charged the leadership of the Muslim Ummah to abide by the provisions in the holy book as well as emulate the teachings and  practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammed SAW for that is the surest way to go about the good leadership Muslim Ummah is craving for.

“Let the leadership of the Muslim Ummah know that this life is temporary. No need to bring proof to anyone to know that this life is temporary. This doesn’t need a proof so since it is temporary, what do we do? Let us work for our lives after this one. How do we work for the live after this one for the generality of the Muslim Ummah? Let them ( Muslim Ummah) cooperate with the leadership, let them advise the leadership, let them follow the leadership, and for the leadership, let them do the needful. Whatever a leadership is able to gather or accumulate in the course of the leadership in this world, he is going to leave it behind or the things will finish and leave him behind.

“At the end of the term, both the things he gathered and he himself are going to be no more, so let them do the needful. Let us prepare for the life that is permanent and despise the life that is temporary.

Speaking Earlier in his opening remarks President Nastrul Lahil – L-Fatih Society

NASFAT Worldwide, Alhaji Olaniyi Yusuf gave an insight on some activities and achievements recorded by the society.

On Aseese NASFAT Ultra Modern Mosque, he said,

 “We realized that the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway is the busiest way every year. Statistics indicate that we have over a 52million persons that ply that road every year. We assumed that half of us are Muslims, so half of those that ply that road are Muslims. We have 26 million persons that ply that road.

“It is an access road to anything and everything that is coming from the south and going to the North, and it is available to 52 million passengers on an annual basis”.

Explaining further, the Islamic Complex he said when completed would provide several facilities for Nigerians.

“When completed, it would provide a convenient befitting venue for 26 million Muslims or 52 million Nigerians who ply the road to Worship, have access to medical facilities, access to library and ICT centre, as well a sanctuary place where they can relax.”

Aside the gigantic NASFAT Aseese Ultra Modern Mosque project and the Fountain University, NASFAT has over the years  spent over 400M naira to assist members and the needy. He  informed.

“Over the last five years, Zakat Agency has distributed well over 400Million naira to various people including Christians who need help.

It is something that we are proud of.  It is a means of taking money from those who have and give to those who don’t have so that it provides succour and by so doing help your neighbor.

“There is plan to also distribute 15million Naira to about 254 widows across the nation by the end of November. This he said is to help cushion the effects of biting economy.

” In a society where Human Capital is improved, where people  have a means of livelihood, where poverty is reduced and a society where we have people who have fear of Allah, and when we have fear of Allah, you will obey Allah and in that sense, we will have a sane community.”

Niyi noted that NASFAT started 26 yrs ago.  it’s core values on Health, Education, livelihood and Dawaah, has not been compromised  as there are notable projects on ground.  Several hospitals, primary health care centers as well as educational facilities to cater for members and non members are visible.

 “We have over 25 Primary Schools, 6 Secondary schools, and the Fountain University in Osogbo. We also focus on livelihood by providing a means of livelihood for our members, be it formal employment or self-employment. We conduct empowerment training programmes and give monetary gifts to people.

The establishment of NASFAT Media Center (NASKAM) in Kaduna Branch is another achievement.

“In Kaduna we have Media Center, NASKAM, that provides all those visual activities Programme, and recording activities for NASFAT and Non NASFAT programmes.  It also has its online platform for our social media followers. Our Aspiration is that if we provide all those things and run them on professional basis, to project the truth, and to project the activities of the society, that will help in facilitating communication which will help in improving the society itself and also help to improve the larger society.

Niyi commended the leadership of Kaduna NASFAT and its Executives, the  Missionary board and every member of the society for making the day a reality while urging that they continue in the same dedicated spirit.

The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Yaman Shuaib Abdullahi Danmansani Tsonga, the Federal Commissioner RMAFC Abuja, appreciating NASFAT members in their continious strives towards promoting the religion Islam charged them to remain dedicated to their course.

Alhaji Yaman said NASFAT “is growing from what we thought was tribal religious group to a national Islamic faith.”

This he sees as a great achievement. He said Muslims in the North – west constitute more than 50 percent and despite this strength, the Muslim Yorubas have been able to wield influence in terms of identifying with Islam.  He called on members not to shy away from identifying themselves as Muslims.

” If you are Muhammed let people know you as Muhammed. If you are Ibrahim let them know you as Ibrahim.” He stressed.

As for the establishment of the Media Center, Shuaib described it as a step in the right direction saying, the Muslims don’t seem to have a media of their own and so they are silent.

“Infact, no one will tell your story as well as you can. The media is very important. The way they paint you for example in tribune, the way they paint you in Punch, with your own Media center now available, you will be able to tell your story better because there are always two sides to a story.

Vice Chairman NASFAT Kaduna, Alhaji AbdulAkeem Adeniji together with Chairman, NASKAM Kaduna, Engr. Muhyideen Alimi Yusuf accompanied Alhaji Yaman Shuaib Abdullahi to NASKAM building to see for himself what is on ground.

According to him, “NASFAT Fountain University will serve all Muslims, be it NASFAT, Jamaatul Nastrul Islam, Ansarudeen or any Islamic organization because the Islamic Ummah is just one body. “All Muslims are brothers and sisters. There is no tribes, there is no districts, there is no country. We are just one brothers and sisters.”

In his Keynote Message, Professor AbdulGaniyu Oladosun while looking at the role and Sanctity of the mosque, drew attention to the importance of the Masjid (Mosque)

He said sanctity of the mosque should be maintained because the mosque is a place of worship.

“Mosque is a place of worship. It is a place you prostrate for Allah. Beyond that, it is a place we need to consolidate the unity of the Ummah.”

Prof Oladosun also described the mosque as a place where you can impact knowledge, as well as discuss issues that are germane to the general well being of the people . It is not in the classroom alone that one can impact knowledge. He added.

He strongly caution that mosque should not be used as a place of transacting such activities like selling and buying and others that are detrimental to the spiritual purpose for which it is meant.

Enumerating some benefits of spending  in the course of Allah, he urged Nigerians particularly the Muslim Ummah to cultivate the habit of spending towards Allah’s projects.

The Prophet SAW is quoted to have asked his companions:

“Is there anyone amongst you who loves another person’s money better than  his own?  The companions answered, we love our own money, not another person’s own.

The Prophet SAW said, your own money is the one you spend while you are alive. The ones you are leaving behind will be inherited by some other people who you don’t even know.”

The lesson is that one should spend in the course of Allah while alive in order to reap the benefits of the good deeds here and the hereafter. He urged.

“There is a saying that when you spend money, you are the owner of the money. When you keep the money, the money owns you.”

Also speaking, representative of the Emir of Zauzzua Barrister Isiaq Bello, (Sarki  Yorubawan Zauzau) said NASFAT is a household name and that the emir recognizes their efforts and pledges his support.

On the issue of leadership, he urged  Nigerians to embrace peace. People he said should stop struggling for power, they should  wait for their time because power comes from God.  He called on Nigerians to work hard, shun sentiments and support their leaders in order to move the nation forward.

“His Highness is a distribalized leader.

He believes in hard work and do not believe in sentiments. Hence promised to work with anybody that will  bring Progress to the peace, and stability in the state.” He said.

Before swearing in the Zonal Executive members, the Chief Missionary NASFAT Worldwide, Imam Maruf  AbdulAzeez Onike said both Asese Mosque and Fountain University has come to stay. He encouraged people to donate in the way of Allah for that is more rewarding.

“NASFAT is building a mosque for Allah. Allah has promised a house of rest in aljalna and once you have a house in aljalna, it means you are going to reside in aljalna. You cannot have a house  somewhere and reside elsewhere. So, if you build a house for Allah, you will become a dweller of aljalna.”

As to whether contributions come from government, he has this to say.

 “NASFAT generates money from it’s members across the globe and from well- wishers who support the ideas, philosophy and objectives of NASFAT.

The largest donation received last year for the Mosque and Fountain University is from non-members. No contribution from government but will welcome any such gesture.

“It is known that NASFAT is an accountable society. Every Kobo that is collected will be accounted for. This is why people are embracing some of our projects.” He emphasized.

Also speaking, the National Women leader NASFAT Worldwide Hajia Suweebah Bola Kupolati gave an insight on the activities of the women. Plan she said is on the way to establish a100M NASFAT international hospital and the hospital will be named  NASFAT Modern Child hospital.

In his speech, the out gone Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Inuwa Bello thanked everyone for their cooperation and support during his tenure while urging that same support be extended to the newly inaugurated executives.

Names of Newly Inaugurated Zonal Executives

1, Alhaji Saheed Popoola Gambari – Zonal Chairman

2. Prof. Abdulradheed Yusuf           Vice

Chairman

3. Alhaji Muhydeen Ahmed          Secretary

4. Imam Marooph Muh’d Raji.    Zonal Missionary

5. Hajia Kudirat Adebisi. – Zonal Women Leader

6. Alhaji Ismail Shuaib – Financial Secretary

7. Alhaji Isiaka AbdulAzeez- Welfare Secretary

8. Hajia Kehinde Yusuf- Auditor

9 Hajia Hafsat Sahu- Children Affairs Secretary

10. Alhaji Waheed Amusa- Public Relations Officer

11. Hajia Habiba Abdulrahnan – Health Secretary

12. Hajia Kehinde Lawal – Education Secretary

13. Sufiyan S. Musadiq- Youth Secretary

14. Alhaji Tunva Hafiz Obafemi Abimbola Empowerment Secretary

15 Alhaji Sarafa Yusuf- Membership

16. AbdulAzeez Bello – Security