Nigeria’s challenges require return to godly values — Cleric

The spiritual leader of the Oju-Ona Satia Organisation, Khalifa Abdul Gafar Olalekan Babalola, has called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, moral uprightness and obedience to God as essential ingredients for national development and lasting peace.

Babalola made the call during the 2026 Karamallah Day celebration held at Ile Sheu Quarters, Offa, Kwara State, where adherents, Islamic scholars and well-wishers gathered for spiritual reflection and renewal.

Speaking at the event, the cleric said many of the social, economic and security challenges confronting Nigeria and the world today could be traced to a growing departure from divine teachings and moral values.

He stressed that obedience to God and adherence to His commandments remain the surest path to individual fulfillment and societal progress.

According to him, true success should not be measured by material wealth or social status alone but by the degree of one’s submission to the will of Almighty God.

He noted that individuals who sincerely follow God’s injunctions would enjoy peace of mind, divine protection and enduring prosperity.

Addressing the nation’s security challenges, Babalola said insurgency, violence and other forms of criminality could only be effectively tackled through a return to righteousness, justice and the fear of God.

He maintained that sustainable peace would remain elusive in any society where moral values are neglected.

The cleric also urged political leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to complement government efforts by promoting ethical conduct, justice and unity among citizens.

He said leadership should be anchored on honesty, accountability and compassion rather than personal interests.

Babalola charged parents to pay greater attention to the moral and spiritual upbringing of their children, warning that the erosion of family values has contributed significantly to the rise in social vices.

“The home remains the first institution of character formation and moral development,” he said.

On health and wellbeing, the cleric encouraged adherents to adopt healthy lifestyles, describing personal hygiene, nutritious diets and the avoidance of harmful habits as important responsibilities of every believer.

He explained that the human body is a trust from God and must be properly cared for.

Babalola also underscored the importance of love, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.

He urged Nigerians to focus on their common humanity and shared aspirations rather than the divisions that often breed conflict and misunderstanding.

The annual Karamallah Day celebration featured prayers, spiritual exhortations and special sessions devoted to the teachings and ideals of the Oju-Ona Satia movement.

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Participants were reminded of the need for sincerity in worship, humility in conduct and selfless service to humanity.

Many attendees described the event as spiritually enriching and transformative, commending the organisers for sustaining a tradition that continues to promote moral discipline and strengthen faith among members and the wider community.

Observers noted that the annual gathering has evolved beyond a religious celebration into a platform for addressing contemporary social issues through the lens of faith.

This year’s focus on obedience to God, security, healthy living and community development, they said, was particularly relevant to the nation’s current realities.

The cleric reiterated that a society founded on obedience to God, respect for His commandments and genuine love for one another would ultimately overcome its challenges and attain lasting peace, unity and progress.