Be creative, monarch, others challenge Muslim professionals on economic revival

Be creative, monarch, others challenge Muslim professionals on economic revival 

Professionals in different fields of studies, especially Muslims, have a major role to play in turning around Nigeria’s ailing economy through creative research.

This, they said, was necessary for sustainable wealth creation and balanced prosperity.

This is the general view canvassed by some Muslim leaders and a monarch at the opening session of the 2024 Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) Convention held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday.

Themed, ‘Balanced Prosperity: Faith, wealth and global resilience’, the three-day conference is a gathering of Muslim professionals all over Nigeria in an effort to discuss pressing topical issues facing the Muslims and other people in Nigeria

Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr Akeem Oyewale, in his welcome address spotlighted the reasoning behind the theme of the 2024 edition of the conference emphasizing that the complexity of the modern world creates an urgency for its discourse.

He said, “As professionals, we are in a privileged position to ensure that wealth creation and distribution are ethical, inclusive and beneficial to the society. Whether through entrepreneurship or public service. We must prioritise transparency, support charitable initiatives and create opportunities for others to thrive.”

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, urged the professionals to always proffer solutions to the myriads of challenges facing the nation.

This, the monarch said, would make a difference in the society.

Oba Matemilola challenged the Muslim professionals to engage their innovative minds in creating noteworthy accomplishments in their various fields.

He said, “No matter how much resources we have, if not properly managed, it is nothing. We cannot continue to remain docile. I want to charge my fellow Muslims out there to manage our resources properly to translate to prosperity.”

He also spoke on the theme of the event and the benefit it would create when the discourse is established.

“This conference’s theme is a befitting one for the event and I think it is something we need to discuss more as a sect.

“The theme is talking money, physical assets and knowledge, our influence and reach as Muslims and how we use all of these to create prosperity for the general community. When we do that, we also give the non-Muslims an opportunity to see the beauty of Islamic systems,” he added.

Professor of Risk Management and Insurance, University of Lagos, Prof Tajudeen Yusuf, stated that Muslims generally should think individually and act collectively.

While expanding on his address about Takafur, an Islamic alternative to insurance, Prof Yusuf highlighted risk sharing, usury-free transactions and transparency as the major benefits of the Takafur concept.

He said, “Takaful, derived from the Arabic root word ‘Kafala’(guarantee), is an Islamic alternative to conventional insurance. It is a mutual guarantee built on the principles of Ta’awun (mutual assistance) and Tabarru’ (donation). Takaful is distinct in its structure, objectives, and compliance with Shariah principles.”

Using Quranic citations, thought-provoking questions, and case studies of different countries that have successfully used Takafur as a financial aid model during crisis, he further established the balance of the model in meeting demands of economies while adhering to Islamic values.

Linking his address to the theme, the professor added: “Balanced prosperity is not merely a goal; it is a responsibility, faith and wealth. When aligned with ethical principles, can drive resilience and sustainability. Takaful exemplifies this balance, offering a Shariah-compliant model that meets the demands of modern economies while adhering to Islamic values.”

Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, in his goodwill message enjoined the muslims to embrace the teachings of the holy Qur’an in deciphering actionable strategies to guide their lifestyle.

Executive Director/Chief Finance Officer (CFO) MTN, Module Kadri, echoing the royal father, urging participants to stop shying away from making their voices heard and start taking actions based on their learnings in the program.

The GMP convention is an annual convergence of muslim professionals in Nigeria to engage in thought provoking discussions, dialogues, workshops and panel sessions by renowned speakers from diverse backgrounds.

From left: Rector, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Dr Ibraheem Abdul; Head to Agency Banking at Remita Dr Hafis Bello, and Summit University Vice Chancellor, Prof Musa Aibinu, during formal opening of Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) Convention at the Conference Hotel, Abeokuta, Ogun State…on Wednesday December 25, 2024.