The S. A. Rasheed Foundation has held the 9th edition of its Annual Lecture and Empowerment Programme, with a call on Nigerians to remain people of integrity, resilient in the face of economic hardship and hopeful for a better future for the country.
Chief Imam of Society of Muslim Professionals (SMP), Abdukary Abdulwasiu Maadan made the call in his keynote lecture, during the event held on Sunday, 27th September 2026, in Abeokuta , the Ogun State capital, which has its theme "Integrity, Resilience & Hope: Finding Contentment in Nigeria's Economic Hardship"
The cleric charged Nigerians at the yearly public lecture, not to lose faith in Allah despite the economic and social challenges confronting the country.
He acknowledged that “the problem of Nigeria is big, but Allah is bigger,” urging Nigerians to strengthen their faith and remain steadfast in the face of hardship.
“Our hardship is real, our resilience is stronger", he stated
He encouraged Nigerians to remain patient and continue to make sincere efforts, assuring that the difficulties being experienced today would eventually give way for a better result.
Using a farming analogy, the Guest Lecturer noted that “we may have planted with tears, but Insha Allah, we will harvest with joy.”
The Islamic Scholar emphasised the importance of integrity in every aspect of life, urging Nigerians to uphold honesty and strong moral principles regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in.
The Missioner of the Society of Muslim Professionals (SMP) further encouraged the audience to make resilience an economic strategy, particularly in dealing with the present economic realities, while maintaining hope in the Nigerian project.
The Guest Lecturer stressed that hope remains essential to the survival and development of any nation, noting that “a country without hope is a dead nation.” He added that hope keeps people from giving up and prevents a nation from becoming a laughing stock in the eyes of its adversaries.
The message focused on a strong message of faith, integrity, resilience and hope, with participants encouraged to remain committed to building a better society despite the prevailing challenges.
In the same vein, the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Mikail Anifowose, a distinguished Educationist in his opening speech, stressed the importance of being a keeper to fellow brothers and the need to always be contented with whatever token blessings Almighty Allah might bestow on us as individuals
Similarly, the Chief Guest of Honour at the occasion and Clerk of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sakiru Adebakin commended the Facilitator, Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed, for his generosity, good heart and commitment to giving back to society from the blessings of Allah.
Alhaji Adebakin described the spirit of giving and service to humanity as a worthy example, noting that individuals who have been blessed have a responsibility to extend those blessings to others and contribute positively to society.
Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed, the Facilitator of the Foundation, in his words of exhortation, reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the annual lecture, empowerment, educational and community-focused initiatives as part of his contribution to the development and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
A major highlight of the programme was the symbolic presentation of financial gifts to selected beneficiaries as part of the Foundation's empowerment initiative.
The programme also featured the presentation of Azkar Prayer Books to members of the Azkar Group of the Society of Muslim Professionals, as the Foundation's special annual lecture project for the year.
The initiative has been described as an effort to combine material empowerment with spiritual development.
In furtherance of the Foundation's commitment to the wellbeing of members of the community, participants at the programme also benefited from free medical tests conducted courtesy of Mabas Medical Services.
The medical outreach provided members of the public with an opportunity to undertake basic health checks at no cost.
The initiative added a health dimension to the lecture and empowerment programme, underscoring the importance of paying attention to both the economic and physical wellbeing of members of society.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Akeem Towolawi, had described the annual lecture and empowerment programme as one of the major platforms through which the Foundation translates its vision of giving back to society into practical action.
He urged the beneficiaries of the financial empowerment gifts to make good use of the assistance, stressing that the gesture was intended to provide support and relief to the beneficiaries, particularly at a time when many families were facing increasing economic pressures.
The programme attracted members of the Society of Muslim Professionals, beneficiaries, invited guests, members and supporters of the Foundation and other well-wishers.
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