As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Founder and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. (Engr.) Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, has called for a national rebirth through total value reorientation across all sectors of society including politics, economy, religion, homes, youth development, and citizen engagement.
In his Independence Day message, issued by his Media Aide, Bode Akinbode, Olagoke congratulated Nigerians and commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its efforts so far in steering the nation through challenging times.
He praised the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a bold attempt to reposition the country and acknowledged his resilience and commitment to reform.
Prof. Olagoke, however, stressed that much more needed to be done to meet the expectations of Nigerians who voted with the hope of real transformation.
He urged President Tinubu to appoint individuals of proven integrity, competence, and patriotism who will support, not sabotage, the vision of national progress.
According to him, the quality of appointments will determine the success or failure of the administration, warning against political opportunists and self-seekers who could derail meaningful change.
Addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country, Prof. Olagoke decried the rising cost of living, deepening poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.
He stated that Nigeria’s economic recovery must be anchored on people-centred and productivity-driven policies, proposing practical solutions including massive investment in human capital development, strengthening of local industries, revitalisation of agriculture, transformation of rural communities, and institutional reforms that promote justice, accountability, and transparency.
He said that economic growth must be inclusive and focused on the welfare of the ordinary Nigerian, not just favourable economic indices.
Prof. Olagoke used the medium as well to laud Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his focused leadership and the impactful strides recorded in infrastructure, education, health, and youth empowerment among others
He commended the governor’s efforts in promoting religious harmony, inclusive governance, and people-oriented policies.
He equally congratulated the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, describing his ascension as a significant moment in the traditional history of the city.
The Islamic scholar expressed confidence in the former governor’s wealth of experience and wisdom, urging him to use his exalted position to foster unity, peace, cultural renaissance, and grassroots development.
He charged religious leaders across all faiths to return to the path of truth, morality, and national unity, while he criticised the commercialisation of religion, urging churches and mosques to become centres of reorientation and nation-building.
The Islamic scholar charged imams, pastors, and clerics to speak truth to power and promote peace and discipline among their congregants.
