There is a rapid moral decadence in Nigeria today, cutting across adults, youths and kids in all sectors of the society. In a morally decadent society, violence, corruption, sexual harassment and discrimination are prevalent as we are experiencing in Nigeria.

In order to address this high level of insanity in our socio-economic life, the Management of Al-Qalam Schools decided to play their part through the 7th organised and well attended Annual Islamic Public Lecture with a theme: Marriage & Sanity.

The event, which was held at the school’s premises in Olounde Estate Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday 10th Ramadan 1444 AH (1st April, 2023), was attended by scores of dignitaries across the nation. In attendance were: Alhaji Luqman Akinyemi, the C.E.O Akinyemi Electricals (The Asiwaju Adeeni of Ologuneru, Ibadan – Oyo State) – as event Chairman, Alhaji Daud Omofoyewa, Baba Adini of Ologuneru Muslim Community, Barrister AbdulKareem Adekola, Alhaji Imam AbdulGaniy Otun, Alhaji AbdulAkeem Ajayi (Gbobaniyi of Ode-Remo land) and Alhaji Ishaq Olohungbebe.

The presentation, which was tagged ‘Epidemiology of Divorce: Influence on child upbringing and Society,’ was delivered by Dr Lere Ameen Ibrahim, Department of Arabic and Islamic studies, University of Ibadan.

While speaking, he established core relationship between the increased family breakdown and socio-economic vices in present Nigeria. Dr Lere, who doubled as Marriage Registrar and Marriage Counsellor of University of Ibadan Muslim Community emphasised that the negative effects of family breakdown on child upbringing include: inadequate or lack of care, lack of family-value and home training. He noted that the identified root cause generated the youth-led societal insanity not limited to: kidnapping, ritual killings, cultism, gambling, substance abuses, fraudulent and so-called sharp practices.

Dr Lere posit that, “ideal faith, knowledge, tolerance, excellent parenting style, faithfulness, contentment are likely solutions that must be held as normal culture in homes and society at large.” He then implore audience and entire public that they should endeavour to imbibe taqwa (piety) towards all their endeavours as means of easing living affairs.

The School Administrator – Mr AbdulMumeen Ajala, in his presentation on behalf of the Management submitted that concern for societal reformation should not be seen as a government responsibility or restricted to places of worship alone but worth considering as obligations upon every individuals, homes, organisations and society at large. He quoted that: “Verily, Allah (SWT) will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah)” [Al-Ra’d, Quran 13:11]. In short, positive attitude attracts fortune and desire outcomes if truly we want things to become better in homes and society at large. He thereafter expressed gratitudes to distinguished guests, parents, host communities and attendees.

Ameenat Adetunmbi, the PTA PRO for the school said that “the lecture delivered by Dr Lere Ameen was to the point, beneficial, educative and balanced.” Corroborating, Mrs. AbdRafiu, another parent maintained that “the lecture addressed many issues in marital affairs and a sincere eye opener“. Without holding back, one of the distinguished guest present, Alhaja Modinat AbdKareem ( The Director, Success Educational Consult, Ibadan ) in her own remarks stressed that if muslims could adhere to the dictates of Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as enunciated by the lecturer, then the present alarming rate of divorce in our society shall be reduced and the Nation will be better in socio-economic wise. And as pleasantly submitted by another guest, Mr. Akere Basheer Okikiola, who said the event was impressive and he was overwhelmed on gains derived from attending this year’s Annual Islamic Public Lecture (AIPL).

The committee Chairman of this year’s Annual Islamic Public Lecture, Ustadh Shakrullah Adeola, expressed gratitude to Allah, The Master Planner and The Executor of Everything, on behalf of Management. He then extended thanks to invited personalities who honoured the occasion, parents for their usual understanding and supports. He prayed for the progress of the school to achieve more heights.

In conclusion, our correspondent learned that the school administration has committed to release the complete lecture on the school’s Facebook page as part of their dedication to benefit the Muslim Ummah and Country through their little efforts.

Editors’ Picks
Feeding the Fasting in Ramadan

Hon. Justice Abdulmuttalib Ahmad Ambali, OFR, FISN (Grand Kadı, RTD): Death of a Sharīah Jurist, Teacher, Preacher and Researcher