The Founder and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Olagoke JP, has asserted that Nigeria’s economic challenges can be reversed if the nation’s leadership abandons corruption, indiscipline, injustice, power abuse, and kleptocracy.
Speaking at the grand-finale of the 2025 Ishrat annual convention, held at the Shafaudeen International Headquarters in Wakajaye, Ibadan, on a lecture titled: “Nigeria’s Strong Economic Foundation and Declining Profile Under Successive Governments: The Antidote From the Legend’s Perspective,” Prof. Olagoke called for a comprehensive reorientation of Nigerians to instill values of loyalty, trust, and patriotism.
He stressed that it is essential for Nigerian leaders to genuinely commit to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and institutional indiscipline.
The Islamic scholar urged the government to critically consider recommendations from prominent Nigerians, including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Professor Wole Soyinka, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and Obi Ezekwesili, as part of a strategy to restore the economy to a path of growth and development.
“Nigeria deserves to evolve into a strong nation rather than allowing self-serving individuals to enrich themselves at the expense of the populace.”
“There is a critical need for a massive overhaul of the system to transform our collective psyche through reorientation programs that emphasize loyalty, trust, and patriotism,” he said.
Professor Olagoke further noted that Nigeria’s current economic woes, marked by increasing poverty levels, could be reversed by focusing on internal development and eliminating the pervasive culture of corruption and indiscipline.
He called for leveraging global competitive trends as motivation to foster a legacy for future generations, in line with the United Nations Charters.
The event also featured the presentation of the Nation Builders Merit Awards to distinguished individuals, including Mogaji Asimiyu Adeola Ariori, President of the Association of Mogajis in Ibadanland; Comrade Adeoye Ayoade, General Manager of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYRTMA); and Oba (Dn) Samson Moronfoye Ogunwole II, Otamokun of Otamokun Kingdom.
In the same vein, Dr. Waheed Oladosu and Professor Ganiyat Adesina from the National Open University (NOUN) were recognised, along with Miss Adepoju Imisioluwa of St.Luke’s College, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, who won the first prize in the Senior category in the recently concluded Olagoke Education Legacy (O’LEG) School Competition.She got a cash gift of N50,000 from Professor Sabit Olagoke.
