PRESS RELEASE
29th September, 2025.
NIGERIA AT 65: THE NEED FOR DEEP REFLECTION
The 65th independence anniversary of Nigeria is coming at a time when global sanity and order seem to be on trial, and humanity is at a crossroads. Global socio-political and economic order has experienced unimaginable changes with national orientations witnessing sporadic influence. Nigeria has a fair share of the changing world as reflected in our national life, and this calls for deep reflection.
As Nigeria celebrates 65th years of corporate existence, we thank Allah for keeping us this far despite our imperfections as a people. We wish ourselves many more celebrations in greatness, faith, and prosperity.
In commemoration of the Independence celebration of our dear country, The Muslim Congress Lagos State Chapter, organises a week long programme for expressing our unblemished faith in our dear nation. The programme entails visitation to government departments and notable individuals and organizations with gifts and messages of rebirth and hope. Special Jumah Service across selected mosques in the State to offer a comprehensive prayer for our nation; humanitarian support for the less privileged, final of Waali’s football competition with the grand finale being a public lecture and free medical services at the Nurudeen Alao (DLI) auditorium of the University of Lagos on Sunday, 5th October, 2025 where eminent scholars will be addressing the theme: The Nigerian State and Lessons from Contemporary History. The theme was selected to further call attention of Nigerians to reality of our situation and how to bring back the glory of the past.
The situation in the country requires deep reflections, particularly in the fast changing world driven by brutal force/ power and technological might. We need to ponder whether a country that was the toast of all in the early days of independence with our abundant human and materials resources but now grasp with ethno religious tension, sub national secessionist movements, insecurity, high misery index, leadership crisis among others, want to have a role to play. We need to ask ourselves whether corruption and mismanagement will allow us to bequeath a nation that will play a significant role in the world in the nearest future to the younger generations? Even when we make a mockery of national heritages and refuse to honour national symbols. Indeed, places of worship are also fastly degenerating, and faith in the country is gradually being liquidated as attested to by the exodus of Nigerians, including the gainfully employed patronising all escape routes to move out of the country to settle elsewhere!
This situation notwithstanding, we expressed unblemished faith in Nigeria with hope that our vast resources will serve the people irrespective of status. As a starting point, Nigerians should return to Allah; we call for a rethink and rebirth by all and sundry (both leaders and the led). This is pivotal to success as Allah will not change the condition of a people unless they have a change of behaviour (Q13 v 11). We also call for respect for the sanctity of law and respect for the decrees of Allah as this will promote tolerance, education, justice, honesty accountability, and peace, which are certainly central to development and senses of belonging.
We hope and pray that Nigeria will be great.
رَبِّ اجۡعَلۡ هٰذَا بَلَدًا اٰمِنًا
Long Live The Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long Live Lagos State!
Long Live TMC!
TAJUDEEN Y. OLUSESI, M.SC, MCIB, FIFP
Waali, The Muslim Congress, Lagos State.