NSCIA not funded by govt – Oloyede

The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on Sunday clarified that no government, within or outside Nigeria, has provided financial support to the organisation.

Oloyede, who is also the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), spoke in Lagos at the 31st annual pre-Ramadan lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA).

He said that in his 15 years as NSCIA scribe, the council had not received “a kobo” from any government.

He added that since 2013, fewer than 20 individuals had donated as much as N500,000 to the council, stressing that the body operates without significant external funding.

He decried what he described as misinformation and divisive narratives about the NSCIA under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar.

Speaking on the theme, “Muslims: The Challenge of National Security,” Oloyede warned against viewing insecurity, terrorism and banditry through a religious lens.

He said insurgents merely deploy religious language to legitimise their actions, insisting that Islam should not be defined by extremists.

“Islam cannot be determined by what those people say. We have a duty to correct that narrative,” he said, adding that while Muslims must reject all forms of extremism, insurgency thrives on enabling political and social conditions.

He stressed that security is central to Sharia, noting that a true Muslim is one from whose actions neighbours, regardless of faith, are safe.

He cautioned against reducing insecurity to a regional or religious problem, pointing out that all parts of the country face security challenges.

Oloyede urged Muslims to embrace moral responsibility, civic accountability and practical partnerships to improve security.

Also speaking, Chief of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, described insurgents as agents of evil and called for accountability among leaders, while Lagos State Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa identified poverty as a major driver of insecurity.

On his part, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State identified equity, justice and mutual respect as essential pillars for achieving peaceful coexistence and strengthening national unity in Nigeria.

Represented by his deputy, Umar Usman Kadafur, the governor expressed concern over what he described as the gradual degeneration of societal values in the country. He stressed that reversing the negative trend requires collective responsibility and sincere commitment from leaders, institutions and citizens alike.

According to Zulum, building a society anchored on fairness and justice would help address longstanding grievances, reduce tensions and foster national integration.

He noted that the Ramadan period offers an opportunity for spiritual reflection and moral rebirth, not only for Muslims but for society as a whole, as communities tend to embrace peace, discipline and compassion during the holy month.

The governor urged organisers of the lecture to sustain the initiative beyond the Ramadan season, suggesting that similar engagements be held regularly to address moral and social challenges confronting the nation.

The Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by Prof. Olufemi Shuaib, described the lecture as a vital platform for reflection and dialogue, noting that it brings together Muslims from diverse backgrounds to deliberate on issues affecting both the Muslim community and the nation.

The President of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, Dr. Abdulmumin Alao in his welcome address condemned any attempt to drag the country into autocratic military rule, stressing that UMA fully supports the current democratic dispensation where leaders are chosen through periodic elections.

He also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission to continue to improve on the electoral process in order to guarantee free and fair elections.

Alao reminded the gathering on the need to support UMA Scholarship Scheme aimed at increasing the number of Muslims in the academic, adding that so far the UMA had supported 199 Scholars to pursue their postgraduate programmes in Masters and Doctorate degrees.

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