Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

The much awaited general elections are just 11 days away and preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) are in an advanced stage. However, Nigerians have continued to express mixed feelings about the elections. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke JP outlines the reasons why Nigerians must vote in a new set of leaders that possess the political will to address the country's myriad of challenges. Excerpt:

Do you think the outcome of the general elections will usher in a new set of leaders in Nigeria?

Credible leadership in the Nigerian context is a farce, if we are to consider the socio-behavioral status of each of the presidential candidates as well as others who are vying for other sensitive positions in the next political dispensation. Each of them, however, have varying degrees of image issues. Without doubt, a winner must emerge among them. The present situation in the country is a reflection of the cumulative deficiencies in our leaders-past and present consequences of poor socio-economic conditions of our people and their environment due to a low level of performance, institutional indiscipline and corruption, as against the main objective of democracy which we are operating as our political philosophy. The justice system remains selective in the dispensation of justice. The legislative arms are weak and usually act out the script written by the executive, resulting in very weak policy formulation and implementation at the expense of the welfare and wellness of the people. In effect, the excesses of the executive remain uncontrollable, resulting in unwarranted marginalization and poor infrastructure that is dysfunctional, making the lives of Nigerians to be at the mercy of deteriorated services. The general elections, therefore, as it will come by God's grace, in this month and in March, is going to be a date with our resolve to take our destinies in our hands. Hence, we must not toy with it and we must let it be free,fair and credible and without acrimony. Nigerians are now more conscious and aware of the importance of good governance to effect peace and sustainable development as observed in many nations where democracy is functional. For us in Nigeria, we are tired of playing around democracy for its dividend to be mere tantalizing mirages. In addition, various indicators of development are at the lowest ebb. For example, human development and infrastructure indexes, high inflation rates, poverty, hunger and diseases, devastating climate change effects and institutional corruption. Nigeria needs credible leaders that will be visionary and proactive with a network of wisdom to passionately solve the problems in the land. The President and other political office holders that will emerge after the general elections must be ready to fix the weak areas and must be very selfless in discharging their duties to be able to minimally deliver the expected dividends of democracy. Above all, we need a detribalized President and a non-religious bigot who will be able to bring sanity into the religious system to be able to spiritually have a united voice in correctin all the wrongs. This is the only way by which good governance can be nurtured through the spiritual drive for accelerated socio-economic development. Various lessons have been going on with respect to how best to vote without wasting the exercise. The only wisdom in collecting the Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) is to use them wisely on the days elections will take place to ensure that credible leaders emerge and correct all aberrations in the land, for Nigeria to become a better place to live in and to prosper at a sustainable level.

The language used in the media in relation to people with disabilities, may be an indication of whether social change has or would occur. For example, media stories about graduates or students wit disabilities often focus on the sacrifices of family and caregivers, instead of the students and the challenges there faced getting an education.

It is disheartening, therefore, that persons with disabilities are seldom covered in the media and when they are presented, they are typically damaging stereotyped and not properly epitomized.

It is not uncommon to see persons with disabilities treated as objects of pity, charity or medical treatment that have overcome a tragic and disabling condition or conversely, presented as champions who have accomplished great feats, to inspire the non-disabled.

The Editors, producers and programmers are influenced by their own thoughts of disability and what they trust will attract listeners. Equity and Equality challenges indeed!

The media, therefor re expected to: * Map out and circulate information to the masses-educate, entertain, act a platform for public service announcements.

However, the influence that the media holds over the society has not always been used for the benefit of society, particularly in relation to disability, where the media has continued to add to the discrimination of disabled people.

*Be a dynamic tool in creating awareness, refuting stigma and misinformation. It should be an authoritative force to change societal misconceptions and present persons with disabilities as individuals that are part of human diversity.

* In addition, to media coverage of issue of people with disabilities, access of people with disabilities to the media is equally an issue of concern. For example, most television programs do not have sign language interpretation. The implication of this is that people with disabilities rarely watch non-signed television programs.

The Way out

Though there have been some steps forward in removing social barriers to accessing the media, and fighting against unethical coverage of hidden impairments in the media over the last few years, there still remains a lot to be done.

The following should be addressed:

a) Focus on the Barriers Disability is sometimes covered as if it is remarkable that someone with a disability has been able to do the regular things like get education or job, or get married. This reinforces stereotypes that these things are not typical for someone with disabilities to do. Hence, viewpoint need to be integral to the story of the person and not disability.

b)Increase the percentage of people with Disabilities in Media Employment The under-representation of people with disabilities within the media workforce has seeming consequences on the control of the PWD community to influence how they are portrayed within the media and society. Increasing the percentage of people with disabilities in employment within the media industry would be a huge step towards removing stereotypes and empowering disabled people in the general community.

c)The digital revolution has opened new possibilities for Persons with Disabilities, we, therefore, need to ensure that access for them includes technological access. Assistive technologies could be explored in this regard.

d) Explore Opportunities International commemoration and other public events can offer outstanding opportunities to create awareness and conduct outreach to promote and highlight the concern of persons with disabilities.

e)Partnerships It is vital to include persons with disabilities and their organizations in preparing for any media and communications strategy or event.

As with all social change which needs drivers, and until there are more constructive representations of persons with disabilities living regular lives comparable to 'everyone else', there will continue to be incorrect, inappropriate portrayals. It is sacrosanct for the media to play effective roles in influencing public opinion about Disability. You can and  you should.

We live in a world where there is an imperative focus on young people and People with Disabilities(PWDs) on the Inclusion Agenda.

We, however, need to move from vulnerability to leadership and delivery of a truly transformative agenda. There is a divine need to walk the talk about the promotion of an inclusive society.

For youths to be leaders of tomorrow; they must be equipped to achieve their dreams and for PWDs not to be burdensome, they must be positively engaged, thereby giving them the opportunity to participate actively in issues that directly impact their lives, which is literally everything in actual fact.

Today, more than ever, society needs precisely this kind of healing to drive out poverty and unemployment. Only when PWDs have the opportunities they deserve, can they generate ideas, products and many more for society at large.

Policies without commensurate implementation usually aggravate the hardships of the victims of the circumstance, in the case of PWDs, who deserve our empathy, rather than unnecessary sympathy. Empathy shows most of the walking, the talk of mitigation and prevention.

This snowballs into the stakeholders' readiness to work towards realizing the United Nations admonition on every nation to accept the concept of good governance and philanthropy.

The wellness of people with disabilities is equally important as an achievable feat by the government and other stakeholders, most especially in the areas of good parenting using Maslow's hierarchy of needs, physiological needs, safety and security factors, social needs, self-esteem and self-actualization for all, including PWDs.

The government needs to sensitize the public, including all stakeholders, about funding the causes of people with disabilities in these respects as an antidote to insecurity for all to benefit from the expected dividends of democracy.

For any society to have peaceful co-existence, the people must be united with high respect for humanity, taking all other factors that differentiate our identities to be secondary.

This is what the Holy Quran emphasizes as expected of every house of God to dwell their teachings and sermons on. 

''The Holy Quran 49 : 13 refers, ''O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other, not that ye may despise each other.....''

A high level of respect for these injunctions will make us realize our claim that God is one, as impressed in the same verse above. ''Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things.

The Holy Quran 30 : 22 makes us to realize that our differences are creations of God which we must not lose to the disadvantage of others; ''And among the signs is the creation of the heaven and the earth and the variations in your languages and your colors : verily in that are signs for those who know.''

The Holy Bible : Mark 12 : 31 refers,'' And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.''

By extension, therefore, peace must reign in the houses of God for adherents to become epitomes of light and salt. For the world to be habitable and worthy of living.

Also, Matthew 5 : 13-16 is a good reference for religious adherents to be worthy of missionary work where they are expected to role model virtues and teach righteousness and peace to the people of the world.

''13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.''

The Holy Quran 3 : 104 refers, ''Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is god, enjoying what is right and forbidding what is wrong. They are the ones to attain felicity.''

Proverbs 31 : 8-9 is also instructive. ''Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.''

In the same manner the Holy Quran 47 : 35 wholesomely submits, ''Be not wary or faint-hearted, crying for peace, when you should be uppermost : For Allah is with you and will never put you in lose for your good deed.''

Click here-Living in Peace

Religious leaders must avoid scriptural misinformation and misinterpretation, most especially in the areas that discriminate, marginalize and hurt womanhood.
Avoid painting the girl child as half a male counterpart as well as avoid Female Genital Mutilation(FGM).
Develop the mental capacity of the girl child on par with their female counterparts.
Female children should be allowed to choose a career of their choice based on their God-given talents.
forms. Avoid minor weddings and other forms of abuse against the girl child. Every male orientation must change from perceiving women as objects of sex.
The focus must be on gender equity to avoid partriachal domination through such a policy that will allow women effective participation in all spheres of life.
Women must take the chance to lead and not live at the mercy of men(malevolence)but  believe in themselves to achieve any feat. The Holy Quran states that they must not tread a path of being suspicious of promiscuity and they must be able to assert meritorious authority when charged with responsibilities or positions of power, such as in the case of the Queen of Sheba, Bilqees.
''O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah , then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech.''
Q27 VS. 30-36, ''Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: 'In the name of Allah , the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].She said, "O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness [for] me. They said, "We are men of strength and of great military might, but the command is yours, so see what you will command. She said, "Indeed kings - when they enter a city, they ruin it and render the honored of its people humbled. And thus do they do.  But indeed, I will send to them a gift and see with what [reply] the messengers will return. So when they came to Solomon, he said, "Do you provide me with wealth? But what Allah has given me is better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who rejoice in your gift.''
The Challenges impeding Women from Occupying Leadership Positions
Women across nations face  several challenges but African countries particularly experience the following:
*Cultural bias favoring male children.
*Domestic violence-mentally, sexually, physically and emotionally by their husbands or partners(molestation, assault and battery to rape).
*Female child labor, abortion, prostitution, and female genital mutilation.
*Child marriage-According to official statistics, 43% of Nigerian girls become married before their 18th birthday and 17% before turning 15 albeit in the northern part of the country.
*Exorbitant Candidate Nomination Fees for Election.
Prof. Olagoke delivered this paper at a Public Function in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria on Tuesday 23rd August, 2022

Revitalize the culture of integrity; promote functional education and ethical professional practices.

Let all active players in the scheme of community service and national building realize that the houses of God agree with the culture and the educational institutions in this respect.

Let us equally realize that each citizen in the community and the nation has his/her Faith where he/she practices his/her religion.

It is, therefore, imperative to use the teaching effect of Culture, Education and Religion to promote peace for ease of promoting an Inclusive society in the area of functional democracy for justice, equity and Sustainable Development to naturally promote peace and harmony which all religious goals stand for, through the chosen houses of God.

No religion teaches evil(Q6 vs. 108, Q22 vs. 67). Let us stop religious discrimination, while at the same time keeping and respecting all the houses of God.

This can be achieved by maintaining the sacredness of the houses of God. Also, adherents must follow the path of righteousness for a god state of piety.

Adherents must all shun all forms of iniquities, so as not to convert the houses of God into houses of profanity.

All of us must, therefore, realize our status as stakeholders-religious leaders and adherents-to be able to foster peace in the land.

Let our thoughts, acts and deeds including body languages stand on our determination to correct aberration through peaceful process(Q47 vs. 35).

Be not fainthearted, crying for peace, when ye are the uppermost for Allah is with you and will never put you in loss for your god deeds.

The only major agent of socialization is a government that can effectively mitigate and eradicate insecurity in the land.

The is because of the importance of credible elections which we must allow come 2023 in Nigeria. If insecurity is to end and pave the way for a stable polity, then all arms and tiers of government must be on deck to achieve a favorable end.

Luckily for Nigeria democracy has been adopted as the country's politcal philosophy and it stands on the two legs of justice and equity concept, giving a large room for the promotion of an inclusive society.

Credible people will, therefore, facilitate peace and sustainable development that would promote a safe and secured environment. If we cannot achieve a hundred per cent success rate in governance, then a 70 per cent pass mark will be able to address the fundamental needs of the people that would keep them busy and make them friendly to one another because under this condition nobody would lack except those that may crave for luxury.

The justice system is expected to take care of this area in terms of promoting sanity and preventing indiscipline, moral rot and all forms of waywardness and corruption.

The Holy Bible in Genesis 3 : 19 emphasizes the need for shelter, clothing and food for every person in a decent society.

''19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.''

In the same manner, the Holy Quran 11 : 6 emphasizes the natural design of God, the almighty Allah on this same antidote to insecurity that will serve as therapy to human restive nature.''There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependenth on Allah : He knowteh its resting place and its temporary deposit : all in a clear Record.''

The Government has all the wherewithal in terms of power influence and wealth as that natural resources of the sovereignty for the common welfare of the people under them. This is why the government is a key factor in checkmating insecurity and promoting peace and sustainable development through the common wealth of the land for the people's wellness and general welfare. Let's make this possible in Nigeria come 2023 before, during and after the general elections.

The number of ownership centers in Nigeria in particular and all over the world in general, gives one much to worry about; when it comes to the low degree of spirituality and the high consequences of value and moral degeneration. This is promoting insecurity, a low degree of wellness and a very poor human development index.
Most people who claim to be religious have drifted towards anti-scriptural tendencies.
In reference to the Holy Bible 1 Corithians 3 : 16-17, every human is portrayed as an empty shell bereft of divine grace.
Don't mind their outward appearance, which most of the time turns out to be mere games of deceit and hypocrisy.
''16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17 If any man defile the temple of God, he shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.''
In the same view, the content of the Holy Quran 17 : 21 is another litmus test that validates the above assertion.
''See how We have bestowed more on some than others(social rank), but verily the hereafter(spiritual ranking requirement) is more in rank and gradation and more in excellence.''
It is high time we realize as living beings the message of the Holy Quran 49 : 13 that states, ''Verily the most honored of he is who is the most righteous(spiritually upright person.
To regain our honor, therefore, let our attendance of worship centers routinely or otherwise meet up with the personality traits test of the counseling psychologist by following the Smart concept in all our edalings to be able to cope with the spiritual and social demands for a prosperous, safe and secured orderly world which shall be deviod of corruption and other devinat behavior.
It is imperative for adherents to seek the counsel of those who uphold their of those who uphold thier faith transparently. This is exemplified in the Holy Bible 2 Timothy 3 : 16-17, ''16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.''
Similarly, it is entrenched in the Holy Quran 33 : 35 : for every human through whatever he believes in, society demands a person's participation through ;
1) Just worship and request acceptance in an environment of love.
2) Your state of scripture compliance.
3)in Allah without adulteration.
4) Commitment and devotion to the work of God.
5)Be the vanguard of truth against all odds.
6)Have the streak of patience in tolerance.
7)Develop humility for peace.
8)Imbibe the spirit of charity for philanthropy.
9)Be selfless for others to live well.
10)Chastity is crucial to fidelity.
A shortfall of any of the above mentioned will lead to the missing goal of divine forgiveness and prayer acceptance for perfect God/man relation.
To be counted worthy, exemplary, reliable and dependable in society, religious people must be scripture-compliant. This can be better found, maintained and sustained through routine checks based on personality traits tests as an evaluative tool for worship centers.

There is a neeed for an aggresive cleansing damage contorl to avoid possible human degenration.
The Holy Bible in Amos 4:1-2  hignlights the affection of God towards the oppressors and ego centered  personalities. The words of God is just like rain that does not discriminate.

"Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountains of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

2 The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.

3 And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith the LORD.

4, Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal, multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years:''

There is a great challenge in achieving credible leadership. In addition the lack of care for surborinates and the people leaders ought to  effectively serve, most especiall7y when the wealth of the society or nation is already  entrusted in to their hands.

Vehemently, therefore, God the Almighty warns against such an attitude and state of ingratitude.

The Holy Quran 3: 75 refers to, "Among the people of the book (religious people and custodians of the law) are some who, if entrusted with a horde of gold, will readily pay it back; others, who, if entrusted with a single silver coin will not repay it unless thou constantly stoddest demanding  because, they tell a lie against Allah and well they know it.''

The best is expected from accredited religious leaders, but unfortunately, we are yet to have true religious leaders who fear God by following due process in doing things, but most of us plunge ourselves into avarice.

If the system is not to collapse due to human definace to the dictates of God, we must all show concern about the plight of the people by acting according to our various religious faiths to put in place credibility for the system to run correctly.

The concept of philanthropy will not only unbruden the yoke of the oppressed but help us realize credible

leadership and good governance.

This is the emphasis of God in the Holy Quran (9:34) on the leaders we must neither be nor emulate. "O ye who believe, there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in falsehood devour the wealth of many and hinder them in the way of Allah." And there are those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah; announce to them a most grievous cahstisement. "

For a nation to be truly independent, leaders must not be corrupt for them to be able to offer effective damage control.

The horrific murder of  Deborah Samuel, an indigene of Niger state and a 200-level Home Economics student of the Sheu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto state is the major talking point among Nigerians for now. In this interview, the Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke calls on the Federal Government to ensure that the Late Deborah's killers are brought to justice. Excerpts :

What is your reaction to the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 2oo level student of the Sheu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto?
The dastardly act that happened in Sokoto state, is just one out of several cases which indicate that Nigeria is heading towards the precipice and its people already adapting to bestial behavior.
Extrajudicial killing is despicable.
It is happening mainly because all the agents of socialization have failed.
The challenge before the Government is to direct its energy toward the value restoration need. This is because no religion teaches evil and there is nowhere in the Holy Quran, where women should be abused and defamed, and where the consequence of the acts of blasphemy is the death penalty.
Suffice it now to say that there is the need for all religious leaders to teach the scripture through a positive mindset while taking up the role model stance for society.
In a situation wherein the youth become restive with delight to maim and kill fellow human beings, the future of society and the nations is at stake. Indeed, the efforts to tackle insecurity have had little impact.
It is imperative for the government to bring the killers of Deborah Sanmuel to justice. This will serve as a deterrance to others, who might be nurturing such sinister acts.
All rfelgious leaders must preach love, unity, tolerance, patience and forgiveness.
The educational insitutions too, need to nurture our pupils and students to imbibe the core values of integrity, love and unity.
The cultural institutions and the Government must place value on the revival of good parenting for our youth not to shame their places of origin through unwarranted iirational behavior and  instinct for destruction.
Above all, Deborah Samuel must not die in vain.

Believers of all religions are expected to be scripture compliant and role model virtues. Belief in social advancement must focus on development driven through ethics.

Generally, therefore, believers must become the embodiment of people with high regards for social norms and global best practices, otherwise they become bunches of quackery that destroy rather than build.

Believers must pass through the test of Godly virtues that take care of the interest of others as exemplified in the Holy Bible, Matthew 5 : 5–9, '' Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.''

Believers are regarded the epitome of successes in all aspects of human endeavor. They are even humble in their prayers and the way they comport themselves in the society through non-ostentatious form of living despite their been at vantage positions of power, influence and affluence.

The Holy Quran 23 : 2–5 refers, ''In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. 1. Successful are the believers. 2. Those who are humble in their prayers. 3. Those who avoid nonsense. 4. Those who work for charity. 5. Those who safeguard their chastity.''

The Holy Quran states that those who exceed the above limits in their routine interactions or keeping good neighborliness shall be regarded as transgressors.

The Holy Quran 23 : 8–11 crowns it all, ''Those who are faithful to their trusts and pledges. 9. Those who safeguard their prayers. 10. These are the inheritors. 11. Who will inherit Paradise, wherein they will dwell forever.''

To be successful, therefore, the prerequisite condition is for believers to focus on the ideals of life.

Nigerians have been called upon to cultivate good nutrition habits to remain healthy and sound.
This call was made on Thursday by a Health Nutritionist, and President of BEWEM Services/Berg Live Healthy Foundation, Ms. Betty Folarin-Akinlosotu during a Health, Nutrition, and wellness workshop with Theme- Learning Healthy Habits and Lifestyles that Helps you prevent and cure diseases in the most affordable ways- in Ibadan.
 
''Micronutrients are very good for the body. It provides vitamins essential for the human body. You can get it from foods and vegetables. Good nutrition keeps you healthy and sound. Eat lots of vegetables to keep you healthy. Observing regular sleep and rest in addition to embarking on exercises  will keep you healthy and sound.''
In his remarks, the Vice President of the Foundation, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke outlined the role of nutrition in healthy living.
''Nutrition is a hyper-critical part of health and development because the child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, lower risk of non-communicable diseases(for example, diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and longevity are functions of good and healthy nutrition. Malnutrition is a diverse issue that needs support from multiple sectors-Nutritionists, Dieticians, the Medic, etc. The determinants of malnutrition are multiple and extremely complex. So encouraging quality and safety of the food as a lifelong behavioral trait is the duty of all general and nutrition specialists in particular.''