The Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday held its 17th Annual Hijrah Lecture and Du’a, rallying citizens and leaders alike to embrace their civic responsibilities to bolster national security and state progress.

The event, themed “Sacred Covenant of Citizenship: Islam, Security & Our Duty to the Nigerian State,” took place at the Assembly Complex and brought together lawmakers, Islamic scholars, and military personnel to reflect on the intersection of faith, governance and national peace.

The spiritual gathering commenced with an Arabic recitation from the Holy Quran by Ustaz Yakub Obanikoro, with its English translation delivered by Ustaz Jubril Habeeb.

Welcoming guests to the event, the Chairman of the 1448 A.H. Hijrah Planning Committee, Ajani Ibrahim Owolabi, commended the leadership of the House for sustaining the annual advocacy and engagement tradition for nearly two decades.

“The theme of this programme was carefully selected to align with the current situation in the country. This gathering stands as a spiritual congregation dedicated to deep reflection, heartfelt thanksgiving, and vital spiritual rejuvenation for all participants, allowing them to reconnect with their faith and values.”

The lecture featured insights from three distinct guest speakers who tackled the theme from historical, security, and social perspectives:

Lecturer and founder of Muhammad Rosullulah Global Family, Sheikh Bukhari Ayinla, delved into the history of Hijrah, drawing parallels to the essential duties of modern citizens.

He emphasized that individual contributions are foundational to ensuring a safe and secure system within Lagos State.

Lecturer, Sheikh Abduraheem Salaty (Albaarizy), emphasized the critical need for constant security consciousness.

He encouraged every citizen to strive to make a positive societal impact, noting that doing so strengthens public trust, enhances peace, and drives national progress.

Lecturer, A serving military officer, Air Commodore Lukman Lawal, highlighted the multi-dimensional efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in combating insurgency, banditry, and other internal security challenges.

He noted that the military has adopted both kinetic (force-based) and non-kinetic (dialogue/intelligence-led) strategies to restore peace nationwide.

Lawal expressed deep concern over the rapid spread of misinformation and false reports on social media platforms.

He stressed that such actions often undermine the relentless efforts of security agencies and create unnecessary panic among the public.

He urged Nigerians to actively support the military through persistent prayers, cooperation, and the timely provision of credible information to assist field operations.

In his keynote remarks, the Chief Host of the programme and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Mudashiru Obasa, called on the Muslim Ummah and all citizens to embrace tolerance, mutual understanding, and active participation in societal development.

“It is imperative that citizens actively participate in supporting and promoting initiatives that champion peace, security, unity, and national cohesion, recognizing that these values are essential for the overall well-being of society.”

The Speaker further encouraged Lagosians to maintain cordial relationships with security agencies within their immediate communities and to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo, who appreciated Speaker Obasa for his unwavering support of the annual lecture and prayed for Allah’s continuous protection and guidance for all attendees.