The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Information Chapel recently held its 20th annual Ramadan Lecture, focusing on navigating socio-economic challenges. This year’s edition of the lecture, themed: “The Harsh Realities of Economic Survival: Islamic Perspective” took place recently at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque Multipurpose Hall.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman, NUJ Lagos Information Chapel, Mr. Debo Adeniji, expressed his profound gratitude to the Chairman Planning Committee, Mr. Shaakir Badmus for their efforts in organising the lecture and acknowledged the presence of the Chairman of the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye and the executive members of the union.
According to the Chairman, the lecture’s theme is timely and thought-provoking and resonates deeply in our current economic climate, adding that the purpose of the gathering was to promote intellectual engagement, understanding, and community development. “This annual lecture is a testament to our Chapel’s commitment to promoting intellectual discourse, interfaith understanding, and community engagement.”
He stated that the Executive of the Chapel is happy to provide a platform for meaningful conversation and reflection during the holy month of Ramadan. He also enjoined members to take full advantage of the blessings that come with the month of Ramadan.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, eulogised the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Lagos Information Chapel for organizing such an important lecture which started in 2005 during his reign as Chairman, NUJ Lagos Information Chapel.
He pointed out the relevance of Islamic teachings in addressing economic challenges, stressing the importance of charity, financial discipline, and community-driven solutions in navigating economic hardships.
He said, “Listening to the words of God in this holy month is important as it brings us closer to Almighty Allah. This is the period for us to take a sober reflection of ourselves, look at where we are and where we are headed.”
Bajulaiye further enjoined the general public to put humanity first, embrace peace, unity and harmony, and avoid doing unto other people what they do not want to be done to them.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of 2025 NUJ, Lagos Information Chapel Ramadan Lecture Planning Committee, Mr Shaakir Badmus, pleaded with members to capitalize on the blessings of the holy month and the last 10 days of Ramadan to ensure they witness the blessed night of laylatul quad.
“We should also have a renewed understanding of how Islamic teachings on charity, zakat, and financial ethics can serve as practical solutions to economic survival in today’s challenging environment”, Badmus said.
He enjoined members to strive and become better Muslims, saying that a true Muslim is a person whose presence brings peace to those around him.
Dr. Sa’eid Ahmad, Head of Surgery, General Hospital, Lagos, took the audience through the first lecture, on Ramadan titled: “A Proven Catalyst for Charity and Philanthropy”, where he highlighted how fasting encourages self-discipline, compassion, a renewed commitment to helping those in need among other good deeds.
According to Ahmad, “Ramadan is not just about fasting; it is a call to action for Muslims to extend their hands to the less privileged. Through charity and philanthropy, we fulfil our social responsibility and contribute to a more just and balanced society. So, in essence, Ramadan is a catalyst for fulfilling Allah’s instructions.”
He emphasised how Sadaqah and Zakat are essential tools in reducing poverty and bridging economic gaps and noted that when wealth is distributed fairly through Zakat, it creates a ripple effect of economic stability, ensuring that the less privileged have access to essential needs.
He concluded his lecture by reminding attendees that the fear of God is paramount and it is the foundation upon which other Islamic principles lie.
Also speaking at the event is Sheikh Ahmad El Labeeb Imotola, Imam and Director of Haadhail-Bayt Foundation, who spoke on “Zakat and Sadaqat: The Realities of Our Social-Economic Environment.”
He said we should basically be one’s brother’s keepers. He shed more light on the differences between zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and sadaqat (voluntary charity) and how they play crucial roles in bridging economic gaps, reducing poverty, and fostering economic stability in Muslim communities.
“Every human being has a tendency to be selfish. However, one of the main importance of Zakat is to combat this and teach us to be selfless”, he said.
Imotola highlighted the various socio-economic challenges Nigeria is facing, ranging from Poverty, Unemployment, inflation, economic inequality, underemployment, class difference, and tribalism to insecurity and how Zakat and Sadaqah, among other Islamic principles, can help alleviate these challenges.
He said, “Islamic financial principles provide a roadmap for economic survival. If properly implemented, zakat can alleviate hardship, create opportunities, and ensure that wealth is distributed fairly among all members of society”.
The learned cleric dissected the practical impact of Islamic financial principles on wealth distribution, explaining that zakat is not just an act of worship but an economic system designed to reduce inequality, curb hoarding, and support societal welfare.
