NSCIA Calls for Muslim Unity and Excellence in Public Service
The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on Muslims across the country to remain united and to display excellence, integrity and responsibility in their various roles, saying such conduct is essential for national development.
Prof. Salisu Shehu, the council's Deputy Secretary-General, made the appeal on Thursday while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the NSCIA General Assembly, which took place at the Conference Room of the National Mosque in Abuja.
Shehu explained that the call echoed the message of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, who had urged Muslims to stay united and dedicated to their duties as citizens.
According to Shehu, national progress can only be realised when citizens, especially Muslims, collaborate instead of pulling in different directions.
"He called on all Muslims to be firmly united so that with their unity they will contribute to the building of the nation," Shehu said.
He emphasised that building the nation is a shared responsibility, and that Muslims can make a more meaningful impact when they remain united and carry out their duties with a sense of responsibility.
The NSCIA deputy secretary-general also pointed to the former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, as an example of the level of excellence Muslims should aim for in public service.
He noted that Oloyede's 10-year tenure at JAMB demonstrated that a Nigerian could blend professionalism, prudence, commitment and responsibility in public office, bringing pride to Muslims and to the country at large.
"He did excellently well. He made Muslims proud with the way he handled their affairs in JAMB. But he also made Nigerians proud that there can be Nigerians that can be so excellent, so responsible, so prudent, so dutiful and so committed," Shehu said.
He encouraged Muslims holding positions of authority to view their roles as chances to showcase the values taught by Islam, rather than as mere platforms of influence.
Shehu said the behaviour of individuals in public office can shape how their faith and community are perceived, stressing that Muslims should pursue excellence in whatever responsibility they are given.
"Muslims should emulate whoever is in a position of responsibility, should emulate to try to demonstrate the excellence of Islam," he said.
According to him, excellence, diligence and responsibility should not be confined to religious matters but should be reflected in every area of national life.
He said the message was especially timely as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to take their duties seriously regardless of their positions.
"If every one of us would do what he or she is supposed to do responsibly and responsively in all positions that we hold, this nation would be better for all of us," he said.
Shehu maintained that the NSCIA's focus on unity and responsible citizenship forms part of its broader duty to encourage Muslims to contribute positively to Nigeria's development and stability.
He called on Muslims to put their religious values into practice in their workplaces, communities and public institutions, adding that such individual efforts would collectively strengthen the nation.
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