A prominent youth group in Nigeria, Youth Bureau, has applauded the leadership strides of the Lagos state government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s admonition to Nigerians on the need to have positive thoughts and desist from speaking ill of the country.
The group made this known through its Publicity Secretary, Saheed Adegboyega in a chat with newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
Adegboyega who noted that the Youth Bureau is not oblivious to the challenges of good governance in this part of the world was full of praise for the Governor Sanwo-led Lagos government for providing people-centered leadership over the years that has benefitted the vast majority of the masses poor in the state.
He urged “Nigerians to heed the advice of the Governor Sanwo-Olu, which is to have a change of heart towards Nigeria, have a positive mindset and ultimately pray for leaders and the country at large”.
It will be recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu while speaking at the 2024 Eid Mubarak Celebration had urged Nigerians to desist from speaking ill of the country but continue to pray and wish the country well for the good of all.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat at the event themed, “Allah will not Change the Way of the People Until They Change What is in Their Heart”, organized by the First Family of the State, held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, the Governor said Nigerians need to change their thoughts and speak positively about the country.
He noted that God will not change anything for any society until the people decide to change what is in their minds. He said they should pray for the leadership, and the country and wish the country well, adding that it is when the citizens stop cursing and saying bad things about the country, that God will change the story of the country for the better.
“Almighty God will not change anything for any society until they change their minds. So the question is, what is in our mind about our country? So our collective intent should be to keep praying for our country, for our leadership to do the right thing for our country, and wish our country well. That is when Allah will intervene in the present situation of our country, it is therefore important for us to desist from talking ill about the country”, the Governor said.
Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu also charged the people to be empathetic and kind to one another, particularly in the present times as they need to be their brothers’ keepers.
He urged parents to guide their children right, reiterating that it is the responsibility of the parents to raise their children well, teaching them not to be disrespectful to their elders. He also called on parents to be cautious of how their children are raised and how they live their lives.
In her welcome address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu charged Nigerians to emerge from Ramadan not only as individuals who have undergone personal growth but also as agents of change within their communities.
She added that they should continue to commit themselves to foster a society built upon the principles of justice, equality, and compassion, saying “Let us remember that true change begins within the depths of our hearts”.
Speaking further, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said the joint Ramadan and Lent experienced this year, should remind everyone of the universal value of humanity that unites all regardless of religious beliefs, background, or ethnicity. She, therefore, advised Nigerians to reject bigotry and prejudice in all its forms and work towards building a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected.
Earlier in his lecture titled, “Allah will not change the way of a people until they change what is in their heart”, the Guest Lecturer and Khadi, Sharia Court of Appeals, Kwara State, Justice Abdulrraheem Ahmad Sayi stressed that the people’s predicament is naturally dependent on a previous situation created by the person, adding that the present situation experienced in the country is not vested upon the people by Allah but a creation of the people’s handiwork.
He noted that Allah will not compromise his standard for the sake of any mankind or alter his principles for anyone, community, or country. According to him, the Holy Quran states that if the people continue in their disobedience, then Allah will continue to inflict punishment on them, noting that this is the exact Nigerian situation in this contemporary time.
While charging Nigerians to change their mindset and speak positively about the country, the guest speaker urged them to show goodness, fairness, and kindness to everyone irrespective of religion, race, or tribe, and be righteous in all their dealings.
