By Ade Oyeyemi
A university don, Dr Sirojudeen Bakrin, has identified ethical leadership as a critical requirement for Nigeria’s development, urging political leaders to embrace integrity, accountability and selfless service.
Bakrin, the Chief Imam of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, made the call while delivering a lecture at the 2026 annual state lecture organised by The Muslim Congress, Ondo State Chapter, in Akure on Sunday.
The lecture, held as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day, was themed, “Nation Building Through Ethical Leadership: Thinking Ownership of Our Roles.”
Speaking on enhancing national cohesion, sustainable security and civic trust, from policy to performance, Bakrin said Nigeria’s development challenges stemmed more from a shortage of principled leadership than a lack of resources.
He blamed corruption and selfishness among political leaders for the country’s slow progress, stressing the need for those in positions of authority to listen to citizens and address their concerns.
“Achieving sustainable development requires leadership anchored on ethics, justice, service, respect and inclusivity. This task is not easy to achieve when ethical leadership is absent.
“That is why we should involve ethical leadership in all ramifications, at all levels, so that the focus will be development and every citizen will become proud of Nigeria as their nation,” he said.
The don urged leaders at all levels to govern with sincerity, fairness and the fear of Allah, noting that integrity in public office was essential to achieving lasting development.
He also urged Nigerians to shun vote-buying and other forms of electoral inducement, advising voters to elect candidates based on their character, competence and commitment to public service.
Earlier, the National President of TMC, Alhaji Abdulwaasii Bangbala, called for measures to ease the impact of rising petrol prices and the increasing cost of living on Nigerians.
Bangbala, who was represented by the Ondo State Amir of TMC, Mallam Abdul-Majeed Adebayo, said recent increases in petrol prices had worsened economic hardship and placed additional pressure on households.
He called on the government to implement economic policies with compassion and provide realistic safety nets to protect vulnerable citizens.
“The welfare of the people is the primary purpose of governance, and no reforms should be sustained at the expense of the great majority of the populace,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, commended TMC for its efforts in promoting Islam and advancing religious activities.
The event featured the presentation of a media excellence award to a News Agency of Nigeria journalist, Mr Muftau Akanni Ogunyemi, and other recipients.
The congress also distributed back-to-school materials, including school bags and books, to indigent Muslim pupils in primary and secondary schools across Akure, Owena, Odigbo and Okitipupa local government areas.
