Restructuring not solution to Nigeria’s problems – Cleric

A cleric, Sheikh Muyeedeen Ayede, has said that restructuring is not the solution to the numerous problems facing Nigeria but re-orientation of the citizens.

Ayede stated this at the 1443 Hijrah grand rally, organised by National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Oyo State chapter, in Ibadan on Monday.

Supreme reports that the programme has, as its theme: “Security, Peace-building and National Integration: Muslim Youths as Agent of National Stability.’’

According to Ayede, what is needed in Nigeria is for citizens to have positive mindsets about the country and place national interest above selfish interests.

The cleric, however, expressed worries over the rate at which youths were getting involved in internet fraud, saying that the trend portended danger for the future of the country.

“Internet fraud is not only limited to the educated ones, many youths now abandon their apprenticeship to go into ‘yahoo yahoo’. In fact, out of every four youths, one is into ‘yahoo yahoo’,’’ he stated.

Ayede said that the trend must not be allowed to continue, adding that Nigerians must re-orientate themselves for the desired progress and development of the country to take place.

Prof. Dawud Noibi, a former Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), maintained that unity was essential for Nigeria’s peace and progress.

Noibi decried the agitation for Oodua Republic, stressing that the intention behind it was ill-motivated.

Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, Chairman on the occasion and Deputy President-General (South), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged Muslims to shun evil acts and allow Hijrah to have positive impacts on their lives.

Earlier, the Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, noted the theme of the programme was motivated by the prevailing security situation in the country.

Afolabi lauded state government for declaring a public holiday to mark the Hijrah, urging Gov. Seyi Makinde to ensure fairness to all religions.

In his remarks, the state Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan, called for continuous engagement with the government and appealed to NACOMYO to be patient with the present administration.