‘Why government should support MSSN in capacity building’

The Federal and State governments have been urged to give an utmost support to the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in its quest to enhance the technical and intellectual capacity of Nigerian youths.

Stakeholders at the just concluded Junior debate and essay writing competition held by the Lagos Area Unit of MSSN, government should have a crucial role to play in supporting the faithful youths in career building, as many of those in position of authority were beneficiaries of the same system.

The contest, where various schools in Lagos State participated by showcasing their writing and oral skills, was designed in honour of Nigeria legal luminary and senior advocate, the late Ganiyu Adetola-Kaseem.

The Amir of MSSN, Lagos Area Unit, Dr. Saheed Ashafa said the Junior Debate and Essay writing competition was introduced to prepare members of the organization for global worldview of modern civilization within the perception of Islam.

“With this programme we are moulding our members to develop critical thinking skills, develop sense of questioning the evidence behind particular stance as against dogmatism, build the spirit and strength of research, develop conflict resolution skill, boost their confidence, and to improve them in the art of reading.”

He noted that the quest for greatness as a nation has been hindered over the years due to marginalization of certain groups in the divides.

“As a nation with diversed phenomena ranging from ethnicity, religion, social status, natural resources endowment and gender among other forms of diversity, hence, the need for inclusion to enhance productivity. We must always remember that each of us is unique and our togetherness should make us stronger. We must eschew discrimination and exclusiveness in our national and regional lives.”

While speaking on the theme of the competition ‘Nigeria’s Quest for Greatness: Diversity and Inclusion’ the guest speaker, Prof. Abduraheem Adeleke of University of Lagos (LASU) said, diversity is one of the key enablers that will grow Nigeria education, economy and governance. “Nigeria is a big nation with diverse ethnic groups with potentials. Respecting the unique contribution of each person in the society will be beneficial to all and sundry.

He urged the Ministry of Education to harness resources with Ministry of Youth and Development in order to promote leadership skills in students.

The son of the late Ganiyu Adetola-Kaseem, Hon. Ibrahim Adetola-Kaseem, commended MSSN for not forgetting the legacy bequeated by his late father. “ I feel elated for initiating this competition in the name of my late father. It actually shows that whatever you do, can nerve be forgotten by Allah and mankind. ”

He commended Lagos State government for upholding the legacy laid by his late father, its approval of the use of hijab in public schools.

“I was happy when I saw the delivery of the students, it actually shows that we are placing them in the front burner, and they know what it takes to be a good leader.”

He urged the government to support MSSN in youth capacity building.

“ So many of our leaders pass through this organization and they were able to scale through life with training received from MSSN by handling positions of authority locally and internationally”

Winners of the debate competition are: First Position, Oshodi Area Council (Soliah Shittu & Sofiyyah Showunmi) both from Ewutitun Junior Grammar School, Oshodi both in JSS 3; second position goes to Somolu Area Council (Abdullah Mikhahil Bello & Abdullah Lamidi) both from Mims Comprehensive College Bajulaiye; third position: Otto Awori Area Council (Jimoh Malik from (ilogbo) Elegba Junior Grammar School Jss 3 and Habeebah Abdur-Rasaq from Oto Awori Junior Grammar School JSS3 and fourth position: Ikeja Area Council (Fatimah Tajudeen Abba) both from Sadiyyah Model College, Alagbole/Akute.

Winners of the Essay Writing competition are: First position, Gbadamosi Raqeebah (Badagry Area Council) from Methodist Senior High School, Badagry.

SS 3; second position, Salami Abdul Raqeeb (Shomolu Area Council) Mims Comprehensive College Bajulaiye, Shomolu; third position, Adeyanju Abdul Basit (Ojokoro Area Council) from Lagos Muslim International School (LAMIS), Clem Road, Jankara, Agbado -Ijaye, Ojokoro. SS2; fourth position: Ishaq Uthman (Ifelodun Area Council) from Ibadullah Islamic Schools, Mosafejo Amukoko SS 2.