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Human kind will continue to have challenges of discipline and morality when the primary agents of socialization  fail to function to meet the needs of the individual species constituting the society.

When the parents fail to meet the needs of their children and wards, the home front would suffer from having effective control and management.

Unfortunately, the products of the home constitute  the elements of the schools, religious bodies and government establishments. Education without discipline may produce a nuisance, who will have a consequent negative impact on the society.

Let us remember that most of the prominent armed robbers, drug dealers and fraudsters could be rated to be well educated, but with serious lack on the issues of moral discipline, hence their impact will ever be that of serious security risk and a serious barrier in the way of developing the nation. Hence our present decadence.

Products of the home are the raw materials in the houses of God, expected to be socially and spiritually rejuvenated under their religious leaders. Unfortunately too, most religious leaders are driven into the houses of God not by self interest or true divine call, but by the desire to boost their lust  for ego and to satisfy their economic needs.

This condition is making religious adherents  to be worse off in character and attitude, when they are challenged  with the responsibilities of office, this has made the Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Institutions to suffer for lack of discipline and moral upbringing from their various homes and houses of God to their various places of work.

This is why the erstwhile dignity of labor fabric is already destroyed for all organizational ethics to be set aside for a free fraud spree.

The process of electing and appointing people into various positions of power is characterized by sentiments of ethnicity, nepotism, tribalism and the goal of business as usual in offices, in place of service in office and selfless service  to humanity.

It is another institutional indiscipline to have records of non-credible election exercises to have our leaders in place.

Vote buying and a scenario of juicy positions going to the highest bidder constitute the formation of government, the consequence is the two extreme regimes of kleptocracy by the few and destitution and abject poverty for the largest population of voters with the consequence of government inability to create  or generate employment, provide basic amenities and to facilitate  infrastructural development. Are these environment of poverty not enough to generate a state of insecurity, institutional indiscipline and abuse of opportunities , when impunity dominate our  general attitude to the level of sinful acts and flood of criminality.

If we are to use the factor of religion to revive education in comatose, raise the hope of the people already distressed, frustrated and depressed, the parents and the clerics need  to work together by agreeing to implement the provisions of the scripture, monitor adherence attitude and develop a mechanism to estimate and evaluate individual understanding and spiritual progress development. Religion presently is too naked to have reasonable impact on the adherents because the divine design of the goal has been trivialized into a poor state of entertainment, false miracles and commercial enterprise against the tenets of free spiritual healing(Matt10 : 7-13, Quaran  11 : 51-52). With these tenets followed, there won't be any need for anybody to dilute the sacredness of religion through unnecessary magical wands.

Besides this, charity  begins at home, hence there is  the need to work on the provision of  of Quaran 16 : 90 to build a strong base, '' Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and giving to kith and kin, and He forbids all indecent deeds and evil and rebellion : He instructs you, ye may receive admonition.''

Let this apply to all facets of our lives including the systems of all agents of socialization-home, school, faith based organizations, various associations and unions, Ministries, Departments and Agencies and government as a whole. Let it start from you and  from me.

Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

The issue of institutional discipline rectitude need to span through the phases of the home, school, houses of worship, places of work, the society at large for the nation to benefit.

This is why moral instruction must be stressed an entrenched part of our curriculum of formal, informal and non-formal education which are highly essential to the sociological interactions of humans.

At the domestic front, child custody must be within the ambit of safe and secured environment that would make the child to be free from all forms of abuse-sexual and otherwise.

Parents must give credence to the values through which the want the society to respect their children beyond the mere rhetoric of passing instructions.

Children must be valued through love, care, respect, attention, protection, with the need for parents to meet up with their physiological needs of shelter, food and clothing. Children must not be left to the mercy of neighbors, who must have to be tested and trusted for appropriate additional guides to be in place. The custody of the child must see him or her through the developmental stages of teething, crawling, walking and the trouble shooting phases of the dental setting(growing of the teeth). Appropriate vaccines against the killer diseases right from the weeks of birth, with the continued attendance of the pediatrics to help him or her avoid the menace of infant mortality. The are of moral instruction largely depends on the integrity of the parents for them to be able to bring out of the best from the child/children.

All these are functions been responsive to the needs of the child and been responsible in caring for the child by the parents.

The routine feeding, birthing and other psychological therapy for the child’s relaxation and well being are the very kind of gratitude, the almighty Allah expects from all parents as summarized in the referential example of Luqman, defined as a fountain of wisdom based on the parental roles offered in rearing his won children-Quaran 3 : 12 refers ‘’We bestowed in the past wisdom on Luqman : ‘’Show thy gratitude to Allah’’, Any who is so grateful does so to the profit of his own soul : But if any is ungrateful, verily Allah is free of all wants, worthy of praises.’’

 The emphasis from the above passage is on the fact that a show of gratitude or praise to Allah must go beyond been a matter of carrying out the expected responsibilities, in this case of matters of child rearing. The implication of doing things correctly, most especially following due process is that one remains as an image in a photograph forever, to either regret or appreciate his or her past actions or inaction in the future, so is the case in investing in our children through what it takes to groom future leaders.

For example, at the awareness level of the child’s impressionable age, it is better to sow a good seed of good character for the child to be permanently be the best in the nearest future even if one is no more around him or her because discipline is the bedrock of exemplary lifestyle.

However, two things are fundamental in rearing good children. His or her high recognition of Allah to live a Godly life and his or her reverence for parents, who are expected to be role models for the child to learn correctly through good instructions. For example, the provisions of the Holy Quaran 31 : 13–14 are sufficient case studies on this matter.

‘’Behold Luqman said to his son, Oh ! my son, join not in worship Allah with any others : For false worship is indeed the highest wrong doing’’.’’ And we have enjoined on man to be good to his parents : In travail upon travail did his mother bear him. And in years twain was weaning, so hear this command. ‘’Show gratitude to Me and the parents. To Me is thy final word.’’

It is important that parents must communicate effectively with their children, to be able to know their nature for appropriate and timely corrections to be given. Proverbs 27 : 23 equally emphasizes on this. ‘’ Watch your sheep and goats carefully. Be sure you care for them the best you can.’’ Be sure that you care for them the best you can.’’ Let us all are responsible parents to produce reliable future leaders from our homes for the society ,and the nation.

Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

The precarious and worrisome situation of workers in Nigeria has been attributed to the insatiable appetite of labor leaders for Government patronage.

The All Workers Convergence(AWC) made this position known throhg its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

‘’ What is painful is the very ridiculous response from the labor centers, the Nigeria Labor Congress(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress(TUC), that have shown weak response to the plight of workers in Nigeria, rather than take up genuine struggle for workers, the response labor leaders have shown that labor leaders are interested in seeking patronage from Government at all levels instead of embarking on the protection of the rights of workers. It is very worrisome that labor leaders across the federation go to the extent of presenting awards to government in the face of massive hunger, poverty and public health crisis.’’

Comrade Emelieze lamented that workers had no cause to celebrate on May 29, saying, ‘’ you don’t need a soothsayer to tel you that the Nigerian workers have nothing to celebrate as regards the Democracy day. Democracy has been pirated and the voice of the workers no longer count, workers are underrated and they are treated as appendages, only to be used when needed.’’

The rot in worship centers in Nigeria has been identified as one of the major factors militating against the eradication of the coronavirus pandemic.

This assertion was made  in a Ed El Fitri message by the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke.

''Religious practice in Nigeria, Christianity and Islam inclusive has become a mere gimmick for extortion, making the houses of God to become haven for fraudsters and deposit base for looted blood money, with impunity and without control. This has relegated to the poor second, religious houses interventions in controlling the spread and evolving of solution to COVID 19 pandemic leaving government to the poor mercy of mere physical and medical precautionary measure which all must abide with'', Prof. Olagoke stated.

Workers across the globe have been called upon not to despair as a result of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.

This call was made by the All Workers Convergence(AWC) through its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

‘’Workers allover the world are urged by the AWC not to despair in the face of the global corona virus pandemic, nothing is permanent, we shall overcome. The coronavirus pandemic is not an exception, we shall overcome’’, Comrade Emelieze concluded.

Wednesday 29th, April 2020

The Ramadan fasting period of 29 or 30 days as guided by the curriculum, has to be followed to achieve the the culture of due process of the fear of God. This has to be taken seriously through effective teaching and learning cycle by the pedagogues or scholars of note and adherents of the Islamic religion.

The cooperation of the environment of Islam which constitutes other religious systems should be appreciated because several alcoholic shops are closed and the noise emanating from the preparation of Sahur, that is the dead of the midnight meal taken, is not only showing a good Memorandum of Understanding, but extends to the keeping of good neighborliness.

This act of tolerance and cooperation must continue after the end of the Ramadan fasting exercise. Ramadan Kareem.

Thursday, 30th April

In this period of the coronavirus pandemic , there is the need for all Muslims to respect the rules of hygiene in their daily conduct, preparation of food or Iftar, breaking of fast in the sunset and Sahur, that is taking of meal before dawn.

This is equally a period of soberness which is a precondition to have immediate response to prayer requests. Qiyamu-layl, that is voluntary Nawal-fl in the midnight during the month of Ramadan must be taken with all seriousness, to seek God’s favor on issues of personal interest and on the present challenges of mankind, which is the coronavirus pandemic, this requires divine intervention. Let us capitalize on the injunctions of the Holy Quran 2 : 186, which says that ‘’When my servant asks thee concerning Me(Allah) : I am indeed close to them, I respond to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me : let them also with a will, listen to My call and believe in Me : that they may walk in the right way.’’

Let us allow the manifestations of God the almighty Allah reflect this benevolence. Ramadan Kareem.

Friday, 1st May

The period of Ramadan affords us the opportunity to be closer to God than before by engaging ourselves in reciting the Holy Quran(Tilalatul Quran), that is studying the contents to comprehension level and never be in a hurry because the understanding of it matters most to derive its benefits.

Developing an ability to apply the content of the Holy Quran to moderate and fix our real life situation is the goal of Ramadan.

To reform and elevate us spiritually. This is the very time when we must seek beneficial knowledge that will not be touched by Satan. The Holy Quran states in 20 :114 to the Holy Prophet Mohamed, who we must follow in thoughts, words, acts and deeds with all consistency. ‘’ High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth ! Be not in haste with the Quran before its revelation to thee is completed, but say Oh ! My Lord, increase me in knowledge’’.

May the almighty Allah accept your fast as an act of Ibaadah, that is just worship. Ramadan Kareem.

Saturday, 2nd May

Let us all realize that the Ramadan fast is an act of abstinence from eating and drinking during the day. This abstinence extends to all acts that may violate the sacredness of your fast , starting from the dawn of twilight till the sun set throughout the month of Ramadan.

The purpose of this, is to thoroughly moderate our lives into that of discipline and morality and for us to be able to have the right feeling for the poor in hunger, so that the rich in their lifestyle may be able to see the need to extend their goodwill of caring and sharing towards the poor. The Holy Quran 16 : 17 admonishes the rich to do the needful in this direction. ‘’ Allah has bestowed His gift of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others ; Those more favored are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess to avoid them been equal to them in that respect.’’ Will they deny the favors of Allah ?

Ramadan has really come to teach us on how to live a fulfilled life through meeting the needs of others when we have the means. Ramadan Kareem.

Sunday, 3rd May

The Holy Prophet has a prophetic prayer against epidemic, ‘’Oh Lord I seek refuge in you from leprosy, insanity, elephantiasis and from evil diseases.’’ The likes of this prayer, however, can only be answered in this period of moral decay, if we are able to determine, to refrain from sins and criminality as well as allowing God the almighty Allah to purify our souls.

Fortunately, this year’s Ramadan fasting period coincides with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, which can only be defeated through divine intervention that requires our sincerity of purpose in our worship. Much as we cannot attempt Tafsirul Quran, that is in depth analysis of the Quran, the opportunity through the media, gives us the chance to listen to sermon as a preferred alternative. The following references from the scripture are tests to this : Psalm 24 :1–10, Quran 10 :57 and Quran 17 : 81–82.

Let us be scripture compliant to be socio-spiritually fortified. Ramadan Kareem.

Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

Federal and state Governments in Nigeria have been advised to enforce the use of face masks as a step towards curtailing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

This advise was given by the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie.

‘’My advice to the Federal and state Governments towards our battle against Coronavirus is that Government should make the use of face masks compulsory and automatic throughout the nation for the next one month. Also, Government should relax the lock down a bit to enable Nigerians fetch their daily bread, but they must put on face masks. Everybody, Okada riders, taxi drivers, Journalists and everybody who is coming out from his or her home to the public must put on face mask for the next one month. In addition all barbing and hair dressing salons must remain closed for now. Anybody seen on the streets without face mask should be arrested, prosecuted and made to pay a fine’’.

‘’However, banks and all health institutions must remain functional, and the workers concerned must put on face masks. Social distancing should continue including hand washing and sanitizing the hands. With all these in place, I am sure that we shall win the war against coronavirus. In addition, Government should hasten the process of providing palliatives for the people. After one month, Government should sincerely, review the present situation based on reliable information across the country’’, Eze(Dr.) Anozie stated.