By John Dike, Osogbo
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has called on citizens to prioritise good character, moral discipline and peaceful coexistence as essential virtues for building a better society.
The charge was given during a Ramadan lecture organised by the union at the NUJ Secretariat in Osogbo, the Osun State capital
The lecture, themed “Islam, Ramadan and Refinement of Character,” was delivered by a renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Jabeer Gaosu Shabaabu.
The event attracted Muslims and Christians from different parts of the state, reflecting a spirit of interfaith harmony and shared commitment to moral development.
In his lecture, Sheikh Shabaabu emphasised that character development remains central to the teachings of Islam, warning that one of the greatest problems confronting modern society is “religion without character.”
According to him, true religious devotion must be reflected in the behaviour and conduct of believers.
He urged adherents of all faiths to cultivate virtues such as honesty, humility, patience, compassion and self-discipline in their daily lives.
The cleric also highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of spiritual purification and moral reflection, explaining that the holy month teaches believers valuable lessons such as regular prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, charity, patience, perseverance and empathy for the less privileged.
Shabaabu further encouraged participants to emulate the exemplary lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), describing the Prophet as a perfect model of good character, justice and compassion for humanity.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Osun NUJ Council, Mr Adeyemi Aboderin, who served as the chief host of the programme, expressed appreciation to participants for honouring the invitation.
Aboderin said the Ramadan lecture was organised to encourage spiritual reflection, strengthen unity among members of the public and promote the refinement of character during and beyond the holy month.
He urged participants to apply the lessons learned from the lecture in their daily interactions with others.
Also speaking at the event, the Alabere of Abere, Oba Mutalib Adefemi Adelakin, emphasised the importance of sustaining good deeds and moral values even after Ramadan.
The monarch advised believers not to limit acts of kindness, generosity and discipline to the fasting period alone, but to make them part of their everyday lives.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Moshood Suleiman, urged participants to cultivate love, tolerance and mutual respect, stressing the need to strengthen relationships between Muslims and Christians during and after Ramadan.
The event was attended by prominent Islamic scholars, traditional rulers and other dignitaries, including the Baba Adinni of Osun State, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, who served as chairman of the occasion.
Traditional rulers present included the Olororuwo of Ororuwo, Oba Adeyemi Adeyanju; the Alabere of Abere, Oba Mutalib Adefemi Adelakin; and the Alagunbeelewo of Agunbeelewo, Oba Maroof Olayiwola Lawal, among others.
Highlights of the programme included the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, a quiz competition, presentation of gifts to winners and the breaking of the Ramadan fast (Iftar) by invited guests.
