Investment in humanity, institutions key to societal development – Yusuf Ali

A legal icon, Mr. Yusuf Ali (SAN), has said more investment in humanity, institutions and communities are critical to boosting socio-economic development in the country, urging stakeholders and eminent Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of giving back to the society.

He also advocated for impactful leadership and patriotic followership for effective nation building.

Speaking during the inauguration of the re-modeled Ifetedo Central Mosque, in Osun State, which he funded, Ali stated that “the legacy from this gesture is that we should all be our brothers’ keeper. Those who Allah has endowed should give back to the society.”

He further noted: “When you die you can’t take any earthly possession to your grave. We must know that it is in our interest to invest in the people, institution, communities and humanity. That is the only way to go. Anything you have extra give to your neighbour who is hungry.”

Ali, who expressed optimism that Nigeria would be a better place if citizens are faithful to what they profess, also added:

“The backbone and bottom line of it is that all of us should be faithful to what we profess. Let the Christians be faithful to what they profess ditto Muslims and the so-called polytheists. If you look at our communities, those who believe in the native gods or traditional worshipers are more faithful in what they believe in.

“If you see someone who believes in Ogun deity, he or she won’t betray it. The same thing is applicable to Sango worshippers, but the Muslims and Christians will take the Bible and Quran and swear, but we do the opposite. Once the homes are set in a proper or morally-inclined manner, our children will follow the right path and our communities will be straight forward.

“I tell people that all it takes for a street to be clean is for each occupant to sweep the frontage of his house. You and I must set the proper moral standard. The way we live, talk, interact and do everything must be exemplary. Let us all live by example,”

In his address, the chairman, planning committee of the inauguration, Prof. Rashid Aderinoye, urged the gathering to emulate Ali’s good gesture by giving back to the society in line with Allah’s injunction.

Dignitaries at event include Olubosin of Ifetedo, Oba Akinola Akinrera; the Registrar of Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Prof. Kamil Koyejo Oloso, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola; Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Khamis Tunde Badmus; President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, Prof. Muiz Opeloye, among others.