***canvasses ethical leadership

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has told Muslims that they must present themselves more for leadership and lead with honesty, accountability, and justice must be non-negotiable, especially when no one is watching.

The call was made at the graduation ceremony of the first Leadership & Governance Impact Programme (LGIP) cohort held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Guest House, Akoka, Lagos.
A total of 15 males and 12 females graduated from the programme.

MPAC is an incorporated public service agency devoted to promoting the integration of Islam into the Nigerian pluralism, for a positive and constructive relationship between Nigerian Muslims and other elements in the society; building the Nigerian Muslim constituency to become an influential component in the Nigerian politics, at all levels of policy making arena.

The Executive Chairman, MPAC, Disu Kamor, said that LGIP was built because of the challenge before the Muslim community, saying that the Muslim community in Nigeria is large, diverse, and rich in talent, yet too often under-represented at the tables where decisions are made about states, institutions, and shared national life.

He reiterated that the gap is not closed by grievance but by preparation, producing men and women who are not merely present in the room, but competent enough to shape outcomes in it, and principled enough to be trusted once they get there.

He said that the assignment is to fuse the confidence of faith with the discipline of governance; to be Muslims who are unmistakably ethical, unmistakably capable, and unmistakably in service to the whole of society.
He said that the deficit is not peculiar to Nigeria but the same vacancy exists around the world; a shortage of leaders who will champion great causes without compromising their character; who will lead with compassion for the people, integrity in how they serve them, and the competence to deliver results.
Speaking to the graduants, he said that their graduation means that communities, local governments, and Nigeria now have more trained voices ready to occupy spaces, to lead with integrity, competence, and compassion without apology.
In his charge, he said: “The Ummah needs you. Nigeria needs you. The era of spectatorship is over; the era of leadership is now. Lead with ethics and integrity, and let your values be your brand in public service and community work, let honesty, accountability, and justice be non-negotiable, especially when no one is watching.
“Apply what you have learned here. Be data-driven, people-centred, and solutions-focused. Bring competence to every table you sit at, so that your presence raises the quality of the conversation. Remember that leadership is amanah, a trust, not a trophy. Serve the people, especially the most vulnerable, and do it as an act of ibadah.
“Do not expend your influence on small things. Anchor yourselves to causes that outlast a single term or career, justice, education, dignity for the vulnerable, the health of our institutions- and pursue them with the patience they require.
“Your participation is far more than ceremonial. It is a powerful statement.
By being here, you have lent your time, your wisdom, and your goodwill to this moment- and in doing so, you have added immense value to the experience of our graduates.
When asked about the vision of the alumni, President, LGIP Alumni Association Al-Amin Bobboi Muhammad, said: “Our vision is o be the foremost leading network of value-driven Muslim professionals inspiring ethical leadership, shaping good governance, and advancing sustainable development through transformational social impact.
This vision gives us a direction. But a vision only becomes meaningful when it is translated into action.
“As the pioneer Executive Council of LGIPAA, we recognize the responsibility placed upon us. Our task is not simply to establish an association, our task is to build a strong foundation that future cohorts can inherit, strengthen, and improve.
“We are committed to building an association grounded in amanah, ahsan, integrity, accountability, justice, collaboration, innovation, and service.
These are not merely words. They are standards by which we must hold ourselves accountable.
Our first year will focus on strengthening alumni engagement and community building, developing leadership and professional capacity, promoting good governance and social impact, establishing mentorship and career advancement opportunities, and building strong institutional systems and partnerships for long-term sustainability.
We want every alumnus to understand that membership is not merely a title but an opportunity to contribute, connect, serve, create impact and it is an opportunity to ensure that the values of LGIP continue to influence our society long after this programme.”