A seasoned Mass Communication Scholar and broadcast journalist, Dr Jamiu Folarin has emerged as the new Wali for the Ogun State chapter of The Muslim Congress TMC, promising new dawn for the organization with the unveiling of his 5-point blueprint to drive growth of members in the state
He listed the five-point blueprint to include *Enhanced Spiritual Development*, *Membership Drive*, *Welfare and Economic Empowerment*, *Education, Manpower Development*, and *Capacity Building and Special Projects, Collaboration, and Unity"
Dr Folarin, a lecturer at Crescent University, Abeokuta, shortly after his election at the 32nd Annual National Congress of The Muslim Congress, held at Vanguards Academy, Odosengolu, Ogun State, pledged to make the foremost Islamic organization, a reference point of ideal Islamic engagement
He emphasized the need for support of members to actualize objectives of the blueprint for the chapter
"Our dream for TMC is for it to emerge as a foremost Islamic organization - a model and reference point of ideal Islamic engagement—providing a platform for education, reformation, and collaboration, while setting the agenda for the repositioning of the Ummah"
"With the help of Allah, guided by the vision, mission, and objectives of TMC, and supported by members and well-wishers, we shall, In Sha Allah, pursue the following five-point agenda", he stated
The new Wali for TMC in Ogun State further explained the details of his five-point blueprint for the chapter as stated below
*1. Enhanced Spiritual Development*
One of the most fundamental needs of human beings is inner peace, from which all other forms of stability flow. Islam, whose very meaning is peace, provides a veritable instrument for achieving this by guiding humanity toward the purpose for which it was created. This explains why many individuals, despite attaining wealth, career success, political power, marriage, employment, and children, still suffer depression, emptiness, and rising suicide rates. Conversely, the absence of these material attainments has also not spared others from similar psychological distress.
There exists a time-tested model that has illuminated lives with the light of peace regardless of social or economic status, and its foundation is spiritual development. Many lose their moral compass due to spiritual neglect, running from pillar to post in search of salvation that lies within their reach. In this pursuit, some sacrifice their freedom, wealth, health, and most tragically their Hereafter.
Enhanced spiritual development shall be the foundation upon which all other agenda of TMC rest. Islam provides a holistic framework for attaining inner peace and moral balance through tazkiyat an-nafs (purification of the soul). Allah says: “He has succeeded who purifies it.” (Qur’an 91:9).
It is upon this realization that we have anchored the five-point agenda on enhanced spiritual development, which will serve as the springboard for the other four pillars. We envision TMC members and Muslims who are at peace with Allah, themselves, their families, and society. I envision TMC as an abode of spiritual rejuvenation. Alhamdulillah, TMC already possesses a ready-made template for this objective, and we shall, In Sha Allah, prioritize spiritual development to restore confidence in the Qur’an and Sunnah as comprehensive solutions to human challenges.
TMC shall strengthen and expand Tazkiyah Centres across Ogun State as platforms for spiritual purification, moral reorientation, and character development. These centres shall host regular tafsir, ta‘lÄ«m, self-accountability, and spiritual counselling sessions.
Spiritual mentorship shall be encouraged by pairing members, particularly youths, with morally upright elders and scholars to promote character formation through companionship.
Through these structured platforms, we envision TMC members who are spiritually grounded, morally disciplined, emotionally balanced, and able to translate Islamic values into personal, family, and societal life.
*2. Membership Drive*
Why are Muslims often more attracted to ideologies alien to their faith than to what truly belongs to them? Why do many hesitate to identify with Islamic values and institutions? Despite the numerical strength of Muslims in Nigeria, to what extent does this population truly identify with Islam and Islamic organizations?
To reverse this trend, TMC will intensify efforts to expand membership across the 20 Local Government Areas of Ogun State. We shall extend our reach to the nooks and crannies of the 236 wards by establishing functional local government structures, branches, and adhkar centres to cater to the needs of members and the wider Muslim community. We have envisioned a renewed willingness among Muslims in Ogun State to embrace TMC as a platform for fulfilling the purpose of their creation.
*3. Welfare and Economic Empowerment*
Spiritual fortification is closely linked to economic stability. Little wonder the Prophet Muhammad sought refuge from disbelief and poverty. History has shown that some Muslims have compromised or even abandoned their faith due to economic hardship and material inducement.
Recognizing this reality, this administration will prioritize welfare and economic empowerment initiatives. We shall collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve the economic well-being of members through structured and sustainable empowerment programmes.
*4. Education, Manpower Development, and Capacity Building*
One cannot give what one does not possess. Before entrusting Prophet Muhammad with the task of societal reformation, Allah emphasized knowledge through revelation. Just as Prophet Adam was elevated through knowledge, the capacity of Prophet Muhammad was developed through the Qur’an to enable him to deliver the divine message.
Guided by this principle, we shall implement capacity-building and educational programmes for TMC members and Muslims, covering both Islamic and contemporary education. The modalities for achieving this, within the framework of TMC headquarters, shall be unveiled in due course.
*5. Special Projects, Collaboration, and Unity*
Leveraging its comparative advantage, TMC shall execute special projects to advance its objectives. Paramount among these is collaboration with sister Islamic organizations in Ogun State to jointly fulfill our responsibility as vicegerents of Allah on earth. We shall prioritize Muslim unity, enabling us to speak with one voice on issues affecting the Ummah.
"Other initiatives covering the 8-point agenda of the Alhaji Abdulwasiu Taiwo Bangbala led administration at the national level - covering institutional engagement, political participation, halal investment, advocacy, media platforms, a mini studio, corporate image, secretariat development, da‘wah buses, and more - shall be pursued strategically", he assured
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