Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has urged the current leadership of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) to honour the sacrifices and significant achievements of the organization’s founding fathers by ensuring that Muslims in Nigeria are accorded their rightful privileges.
He emphasized the importance of Muslims displaying exemplary conduct to help restore the nation’s lost glory.
Prof. Pantami delivered this message during his goodwill address at the 70th anniversary celebration of the MSSN and the Special Recognition Awards, held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos.
Joining the event virtually from Rabat, Morocco, he expressed admiration for the MSSN’s enduring success in propagating Islam despite numerous challenges.
He thanked the MSSN Lagos Area Unit for their collaboration and encouraged attendees to commit themselves to serving Allah and humanity to gain eternal rewards.
Senator Ajibola Basiru, the event’s chairman and National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, reflected on the revolutionary nature of the MSSN’s formation during colonial rule.
He addressed the historical spread of falsehoods against Islam and called on Muslims to use innovation to promote the religion, provided it aligns with Islamic principles. He stressed the importance of making Islam appealing to younger generations without compromising its fundamental values.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, represented by Mrs. Tawakalit Toriola, lauded the MSSN’s 70-year legacy as a significant milestone.
She praised the society’s role in enhancing education among the youth and contributing to the nation’s future, urging the MSSN to continue advocating for peaceful coexistence, discipline, and hard work.
The Guest Speaker, Dr. Mustapha Ade Bello from LASU’s Department of Religious Studies, called for unity among the Muslim Ummah and MSS members. He highlighted the need to minimize divisiveness and theological differences to move forward.
Dr. Bello advocated for a renewed focus on Dawwah on campuses and encouraged inclusivity for those interested in embracing Islam. He emphasized the importance of Muslims participating in societal events, including politics, and using social media to correct misconceptions and positively project Islam.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Muiz Banire urged the MSS leadership to sustain the vision of the society’s founders and addressed the need for time consciousness among Muslims.
Barr. Musbau Oyefeso, a member of the MSS Board of Trustees, called for the support of wealthy Muslims and well-meaning Nigerians to help realize the society’s ambitious projects.
Yusuf Nurudeen Adekola, the Amir of the MSS Lagos Area Unit, celebrated the society’s 70-year commitment to the Muslim community.
He noted that the MSS had become a beacon of hope for students in Nigeria, and the recognition awards were a tribute to individuals who have played key roles in the society’s success.
He also highlighted the society’s major project, the Digital Centre in Igando, which aims to educate the Muslim community in digital knowledge and requires around ₦250 million to bring to fruition.
The MSSN, established on April 18, 1954, was officially launched in Lagos on May 30, 1954, by prominent figures such as Alhaji Lateef Adegbite and others, responding to the needs of Muslim students at the time.
