By Abdulquadri Olanrewaju
In a powerful call for inclusiveness in policy implementation, the National President of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Nigeria (MKAN), also known as Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organization, Mr. Abdul Roqib Akinyemi, has urged the Nigerian government to prioritize public engagement and transparency when introducing national reforms, stressing that effective communication and stakeholder involvement are essential for national unity and acceptance.
Mr. Akinyemi made this call during the organization’s 51st Annual National Convention held at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp, Ede, Osun State, with the theme “Our Pledge, Our Responsibility.” He noted that recent policy challenges, including tax reforms, had met resistance due to a lack of early engagement with the public. He implored that if the government seeks to introduce or implement any religious or social law, such as Sharia in southern Nigeria, clear explanations and consultations must precede it, just as is often done with economic policies.
“The acceptance of President Tinubu’s tax reforms came after intense engagements. If a policy as sensitive as a religious matter is to be introduced anywhere, the same effort must be made to educate the people,” he stated.
Mr. Akinyemi’s address also centered on the responsibility of young Nigerians, urging them to embrace discipline, service, and education. “Our pledge to serve is not a formality. It binds us to a life of dedication to humanity, to our nation, and to our faith,” he said. He called on the youth to uphold the highest moral standards, establish a deep connection with God, and take the lead in transforming communities through knowledge, development initiatives, and spiritual values.
The event was graced by the Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunsho AbdulAzeez, who described the youths’ commitment as a sacred trust that promises both national growth and spiritual revival. “Your commitment to your pledge is an assurance that our nation and communities will grow stronger. It is a path to fulfilling the vision of reconnecting humanity with its Creator,” he said.
He emphasized that youths must strive against societal ills and distractions that destroy promising futures, reminding them that they owe a responsibility to their country, neighbours, and to themselves. “You cannot truly connect with God if you neglect your responsibility to mankind,” he added.
Representing the Governor of Osun State, the Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Dr. Maruf Ishola, commended the peaceful nature of the convention and the contributions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to national progress. “If not for the emergence of Ahmadiyya in Nigeria, I wonder what the state of Islam would be today,” he remarked. He further appealed for continued prayers for the state and conveyed the governor’s greetings and commendation for the convention.
The convention which featured spiritual and moral reformation sessions, lectures, sports, free medical outreach, and leadership development, brought together hundreds of youths from across Nigeria and beyond, focusing on leadership, nation-building, and moral discipline. Dignitaries in attendance included government officials, traditional leaders, representatives from national agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), as well as other respected civil society figures.
The event concluded with heartfelt prayers and a renewed commitment by the youth to uphold the values of service, unity, and peaceful co-existence.
