The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) has called on Nigerian leaders to embrace good governance, fairness, and justice, as the group concluded its 2025 National Reunion Conference held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, from May 9 to 11, 2025.
The conference, themed “Sustainable Framework for Inclusive Economic Growth,” opened with a Jumat service at the OAU Central Mosque and featured a networking dinner tagged “UNIFEMGA Investors Forum,” sponsored by the Association’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti. The forum brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and young innovators for impactful discussions and pitching sessions.
During the event, the Association presented 118 scholarships and grants worth N12.25 million to undergraduate and postgraduate students of OAU. Since its inception in 2008, UNIFEMGA has disbursed over N88.8 million to support 1,286 students.
A courtesy visit to the OAU management preceded the major highlight of the event a lecture titled “Cross-Border Trade and Security Implications on the Nigerian Economy: Taking Advantage of Global Trade Dynamics,” delivered by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, with Alhaji (Dr.) Adeyemi Murtadha Adeniji, MD/CEO, Starlink Global and Ideal Ltd., chaired the session.
The conference communiqué noted that past leadership failures in Nigeria had contributed to a host of national challenges including insecurity, economic instability, and political disorder. It emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace local production, reduce frivolous imports, and leverage its position within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
UNIFEMGA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First” policy and reforms by the Customs Comptroller General, which have reportedly tripled revenue generation. However, it also lamented the negative impacts of sabotage and unpatriotic actions by some Nigerians, which have worsened the hardship in the country.
The communiqué called for a governance style rooted in Islamic principles of fairness, justice, integrity, transparency, and competence, while urging all Nigerians to live in peace, respect diversity, and uphold the Federal Character principle without compromising merit.
The conference condemned terrorism, mob actions, and jungle justice, urged the Federal Government to address security issues beyond religious interpretations and recognize their political, ethnic, and economic dimensions.
