Obasa links security to spiritual duty at UMA lecture

Lagos Speaker Obasa links security to spiritual duty, urging faith and civic responsibility at the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni Pre-Ramadan Lecture

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, has described security as a collective spiritual duty, likening the pursuit of national and state safety to the spiritual journey toward Jannah (Paradise).

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In his keynote address at the 31st Pre-Ramadan Lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, held at the J.F Ade Ajayi Main Auditorium on Sunday, 15 February 2026, Speaker Obasa emphasised that security extends beyond physical protection to include alleviating poverty, promoting transparency, fairness, compassion, and improved healthcare.

“For every desire, there must be an input. What we have to do to get to heaven is no different from what we have to do for the security of our society.

Insecurity is a function of poverty. Security is not about the police alone; it is about all of us. It is a collective spiritual duty,” Speaker Obasa said.

He further described security as an act of worship, urging citizens to protect communities, prevent oppression, and build unity.

“By integrating spiritual light with responsible leadership, believers contribute to a Nigeria where peace prevails, guiding souls collectively toward Paradise while securing the present world as a foundation for the eternal one,” he added.

Speaker Obasa praised Lagos as a melting pot of cultures and faiths, noting that the state government has fostered a safe environment through interfaith dialogues, support for religious institutions, and legislation promoting harmony.

“As Muslims, our faith calls us to be custodians of justice, peace, and good governance, and we cannot separate our spiritual obligations from our civic responsibilities,” he said.

“In governance, we must uphold transparency, fairness, and service to humanity. In the community and in the family, we must be agents of compassion, supporting the weak, feeding the hungry, and uplifting the oppressed. If we uphold these admonitions, there will be peace, prosperity, and progress in our society.”

Dr Abdulmumini Alao, National President of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, said the theme of this year’s lecture – The Light Beyond:

Guiding Our Souls to Paradise – challenged participants to reflect on spirituality while addressing contemporary national issues.

The lecture also featured Dr Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, who spoke on spiritual matters, and Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who addressed national security concerns.

The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, was represented by Deputy Governor Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur as chairman of the event.

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Founded in 1995, the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni aims to promote brotherhood, scholarship, entrepreneurship, and exemplary Islamic practices, while positively impacting the university and wider society.

Quadri Olaitan