50th Annual Conference of Ahmadiyya: Minister Charges Youth To Support Nigeria’s Vision
Nigerian youth have been told they are a key organ for nation building as well as in the reformation of the country, hence Nigeria counts on them. Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, stated this at the 50th annual conference of the youth wing of Ahmadiyya Muslim sect (Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiya) which was held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Den Entertainment Centre, Abuja. He said the centrality of the youth to the progress of the Nation is constantly demonstrated by the many pronouncements and actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR who continues to involve, empower and place youths in leadership positions.
Salako who is a member of the Ahmadiyya community expressed some nostalgic feeling about his days as a member of the youth wing of the Islamic sect and congratulated the organization for their 50th anniversary .
He said, “As a member of this community who was once a youth and a member of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiya (MKAN), I have experienced first hand the impact of the Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiya on the jamaat, on Nigeria specifically, and on humanity in general. From the many physical and spiritual service to the jamaat, to donations to the less privileged, free medical outreaches, free blood donations, nation wide campaigns to combat social vices, promoting peace and interfaith harmony, community services like cleaning, tree planting, traffic control and so on, there is no doubt that members of MKAN are playing their part as stewards of Almighty Allah in this world.
“The youths in any organization or society are of course very important. They are the energy, drive, innovation and torchbearers. The holy prophet Muhammed (SAW ) specifically instructed that Muslims should take full advantage of youth before old age as a key benefit from Almighty Allah. The motto of MKAN which is a quote from Khalifat Masih II, the founder of MKAN also aptly captures the essence of youths in nation building; “Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of the youths”.
“For nation building, for the reformation of our country, Nigeria counts on the youths and this is constantly demonstrated by the many pronouncements and actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR who continues to involve, empower and place youths in leadership positions.”
He said while some countries in Europe, America and Asia are facing what is called population collapse, Nigeria is gifted with vibrant and energic youth who represents a major proportion of its population. He added that it is an an asset and also a challenge for the youth to rise up and grab all opportunities ensuring that they make the best use of them at all times.
Salako charged the Ahmadiya Muslim youth organisation to play its pivotal role of disseminating moral and ethical practices to promote a Nigerian youth population that is in tandem with those mentioned in Quran, Surah 18, Ayah 13; “youths who believe in their Lord and are increased in guidance”
“I remind you of a very important paragraph of your pledge which all of us just recited “I solemly pledge that I shall always be ready to sacrifice my life, wealth, time and honour for the sake of my faith, country and nation”. This is a very deep commitment that we must take with all seriousness at all times. Are we taking part in the activities of MKAN because we are expecting something in return or for the pleasure of Almighty Allah? Until we elevate our service to serving without expecting any worldly gift in return, we can not claim to be true Khuddamul Ahmadiya in the word and spirit of Khalifat Masih II”, Salako noted.
He concluded his goodwill message with a public statement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and admonished all to take it to heart, live by it and propagate it.
“The love of the nation is in your hands, the prayer is in your mind. Pray for our country, educate our children. All the members of our church and mosque, the sermons we give to them is important. You don’t condemn your own nation. No matter how slippery the bottom of your child, leave the bead there. This is your country, don’t condemn it in sermons, don’t abuse the nation. Leadership is meant for changes. If a leader is bad, wait until the time to renew its mandate and say No but don’t condemn your country. Don’t curse Nigeria, its a beautiful land, land of prosperity”.
