Lawmaker, dons speak on personal development for national growth at TMC independence lecture

NIGERIANS have been urged to embrace personal development with a view to achieving a stable and prosperous nation.

The senator representing Oyo Central district, Dr Yunus Akintunde, made this plea on Sunday at the annual Independence Lecture of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Oyo State chapter, in commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.

Dissecting the topic, ‘Competence and Character: The Proven Paths to National Development’, the rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, maintained that competency without character would take a country to nowhere.

Dr Abdul-Hameed said “it only takes Nigerians to be worthy in character and competency in their endeavours to take Nigeria to the desired level of stability and development.”

He submitted that Muslims must toe the path of faith by adhering to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad if Nigeria is to witness true development.

In a presentation at the event, Professor Tajudeen Yusuf of the University of Lagos emphasised the need for Nigerians to shun bigotry and embrace humanity instead.

Professor Yusuf emphasised that tribalism, bigotry and favouritism “have been the major bane of our existence as a country” and then called on the leaders and the citizenry to be dedicated to the common good of Nigeria despite the diversity in their cultures and religions.

Earlier, the national president of TMC, Alhaji AbdulWasi’ Bangbala, disclosed that the organisation designed the annual lecture to be an avenue at every independence anniversary to air views, ideas and positions that could help move the nation in the right direction.

The event, which was equally meant for the celebration of 30 years of establishing TMC in Nigeria, was attended by about 3,000 people from across Oyo State and dignitaries like former Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu; Justice M.A. Abbass (retd); the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyeniyi; Dr Dawood Amoo Alaga and the Oyo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Ajoke Sanni.