The Muslim Congress (TMC), Ogun State, has commenced a week-long programme of intellectual, spiritual and humanitarian activities to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary, with a call for citizens and leaders at all levels to embrace ethical leadership, accountability and responsible citizenship as pathways to national development.
The programme, which also marks the 19th Annual State Lecture of TMC, Ogun State, is themed “Nation Building Through Ethical Leadership: Taking Ownership of Our Roles.”
The week-long activities commenced with the organisation’s Quarterly Public Lecture, Free Medical Outreach and Fire-Fighting Enlightenment Programme at the Olowu Palace, Owu, Abeokuta.
This was followed by humanitarian visits to HOB Medical Centre and Lekfad Medical Centre, while TMC structures at various local government levels across Ogun State have also carried out similar humanitarian activities, including visits to patrons, hospitals, correctional centres, homes for motherless and vulnerable children, and old people’s homes.
According to the organisation, the activities are designed to demonstrate that the responsibility of nation building goes beyond government and political institutions, stressing that individuals, religious organisations, professionals, communities and civil society all have important roles to play.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the Waali of TMC, Ogun State, Alhaji Jamiu Folarin, Ph.D, said the Annual State Lecture was deliberately scheduled around Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary to provide an opportunity for Muslims and other Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, current challenges and the responsibilities of citizens towards building a better nation.
He said the theme, “Nation Building Through Ethical Leadership: Taking Ownership of Our Roles,” was particularly relevant at a time when Nigeria requires leadership founded on integrity, accountability, justice, competence and public trust.
Alhaji Folarin stressed that nation building should not be left exclusively to political leaders, noting that every citizen exercises leadership in one capacity or another and must therefore take responsibility for his or her role in society.
He said TMC’s approach was to combine intellectual discourse with practical humanitarian interventions, adding that the organisation would continue to promote initiatives that translate Islamic teachings into service to humanity.
The Waali also disclosed that officials of TMC would feature on OGTV, Friday, October 2, to discuss the theme of the Annual State Lecture and its relevance to Nigeria’s development.
The programme would also feature special Jumat services at selected central mosques across Ogun State on the same day, providing an opportunity for Islamic scholars and TMC leaders to further engage the Muslim community on ethical leadership, national development, accountability and responsible citizenship.
The week-long programme will culminate on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Ontec Event Centre, Madojutimi Junction, Abiola Way, Abeokuta, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The grand finale will feature the 19th TMC Annual State Lecture, with Professor Abdus-Samiu Adewale Musa-Olomu, immediate past Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, as keynote speaker.
Other lectures will focus on “Emplacing National Cohesion, Sustainable Security, and Civic Trust: From Policy to Performance,” to be delivered by Professor Abdulhakeem Adebayo Akanni, Chief Imam, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, and “Ethical Governance, Accountability and Public Trust,” to be delivered by Imam Abdullah Shuaib, Ph.D, Chief Executive Officer, AS & Associates, Nigeria.
The finale will also feature free medical services, the final of the Islamic Quiz Competition, presentation of awards and other activities.
TMC said the Annual State Lecture would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the relationship between ethical leadership and national development, particularly the need to restore public trust, strengthen accountability and encourage citizens to take ownership of their responsibilities.
The organisation urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to use the Independence Anniversary as an opportunity not only to celebrate the country but also to reflect on their individual and collective responsibilities towards building a peaceful, just, secure and prosperous Nigeria.