With less than three weeks to the national discourse on national food self-sufficiency, by The Companion (an association of Muslim men in business and the professions),Muslims have been urged to take a more active interest in national development by engaging more in public service activities and charities.
This view was canvassed at a stakeholders meeting hosted by the Muslim Public Affairs Centre Nigeria at the weekend in Lagos to discuss strategies for ensuring public participation at the forthcoming discourse on national food self-sufficiency where Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will deliver the keynote speech.
The discourse, which centres on strategies for attaining food self-sufficiency in the country is expected to be chaired by the immediate past governor of the state of Osun, Engr. Rauf Aregbesola.
In his message to the stakeholders meeting, the Executive Chairman, Muslim Public Affairs Centre MPAC Nigeria commended The Companion for its patriotism to Nigeria as demonstrated by consistently organising the National Discourse, now in its fourth edition to address germane national issues.
In the message delivered on his behalf by MPAC Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Abdulwarees Solanke, Disu Kamor said it is an Islamic obligation that Muslims must seek the good of their country or wherever they find accommodation.
According to him, Islam is very strong in its mandate to Muslims to advocate for and support righteous causes that promote public safety, security and national stability.
In his message, the Lagos chapter chairman of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Kabir Garba said the National Discourse tallies with the aim and objective of the Project Muslim VIP; Voice, Identity and Participation which his group is partnering with MPAC to implement.
He said the project seeks to promote qualitative participation of Muslims in public and global affairs to change the perception that Muslims are not forthcoming in contributing to national debates.
The representative of The Companion the chief hosting organisation, Ismail Bello Ozugha explained that the Companion as an open Muslim organisation believes in partnership and synergy of Muslims to improve quality of life..
He said Islam and Muslims have a lot to offer in the resolution of most crises confronting humanity today and it is by harnessing resources in explaining and demonstrating best practices that the world can find peace.
According to him, this is what informed why The Companion extended its hands of fellowship to NGOs and Muslim public service organisations like MPAC and MMPN towards a successful hosting of the discourse
Other stakeholders who spoke at the meeting and applauded The Companion initiative include representatives media houses and independent producers like Aims Media Company Limited.
*Some leaders of The Companion at a previous engagement with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo