Hijrah organisation Laments Rising cost of living Calls for Urgent Reforms as Muslim faithful Celebrate Hijrah in Ilorin

By Omowumi Omotosho and Bamidele Aremu

The Hijrah Islamic Organisation of Nigeria (HION) on Thursday raised concern over Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis, stating that skyrocketing food prices and basic necessities have rendered the current minimum wage meaningless for an average Nigerian.

The national chairman of Hijrah Islamic Organisation, Professor Badmas Yusuf, raised the alarm at an event organised to mark the 1447 Hijrah at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin, Kwara state.

Prof. Badmas

Badmus called on the federal government to intensify efforts to address the rising cost of living and urged traders to operate with compassion and integrity.

“The escalating prices of food and basic necessities have placed a heavy burden on the common man, rendering the current minimum wage inadequate,”

“We appeal to the government to intensify efforts to alleviate the economic hardship and call on traders and other stakeholders to fear Allah and desist from undermining governmental policies,” he said.

Touching on the education sector, Badmus stressed “there is an urgent need to overhaul our educational curriculum at all levels to include the mandatory teaching of ethics and values as enshrined in Islam. Education devoid of ethics and morals holds little or no value.”

On national security, he condemned the wave of insecurity across the country saying “we condemn all acts of insecurity across Nigeria. We urge the government to continue prioritizing security and to grant traditional institutions constitutional roles that can enhance the protection of lives and property.”

The chairman of Hijrah Islamic Organisation also addressed the rising global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, warning that such developments should inspire Muslim communities to stay alert both spiritually and politically.

“The ongoing tension between Israel and Iran reminds us of the volatility surrounding the global Muslim Ummah. We must remain prayerful, politically aware, and spiritually prepared at all times,” he said.

He issued a passionate plea to Nigerian parents, urging them to take greater responsibility in shaping the moral and spiritual future of their children.

“The family unit plays a critical role in shaping the future of the Ummah. We urge parents to give greater attention to the moral, spiritual, and educational development of their children, rather than leaving their upbringing to society. Where is the society?” he queried.

Addressing the worsening problem of drug abuse, he called for stronger enforcement of existing laws, particularly the 2018 Ilorin Township Law, which restricts the sale and consumption of alcohol in certain areas.

“The evidence is glaring. Drug abuse is no longer limited to youth. It is becoming widespread.

“We urge the Kwara State Government to vigorously enforce the Ilorin Township Law and consider its extension to other towns that uphold Islamic values,” he added.

Despite an early morning downpour, thousands of Muslim faithful from across Kwara State converged on the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin on Thursday in a vibrant celebration marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH.

Families clad in beautiful attire, school children, and scholars in flowing robes flooded the stadium, filling the air with Quranic recitations and a deep sense of spiritual unity.

A host of dignitaries and Islamic scholars graced the occasion, including the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; represented by Balogun Fulani, Alhaji Sidiq Abubakar, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his Senior Special Assistant to Kwara State Governor on Religion (Islam) Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaigoro, the Dan Masami of Ilorin, Engr. Suleiman Apasanpa, Professor Mashood Jawnwondo.

The current Grand Khadi of Kwara, Justice Abdul-lateef Kamaldeen, was in attendance alongside other senior jurists such as Justice Abdullahi Haroon, Justice Abdulkadir Ola, and Justice Oloruntoyin Muhammed.

Religious leaders, scholars from the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, and representatives of various Muslim organisations also participated.

Leading the special congregational prayer, the Chief Imam of Kwara State, Sheikh Muhammed Bashir, with the assistance of prominent Islamic scholars including Imam Imale, Sheikh Ahmeed Abdullah, and Ajanasi Agba of lorin, Sheikh Mujitaba Bature, offered supplications for national peace, progress, and divine direction.

In his goodwill message, the Grand Khadi of Kwara state Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Abdul-lateef Kamaldeen called for a spiritual, moral, and national rebirth rooted in the lessons of the Hijrah. He rallied leaders, scholars, and youths to embrace a new era of “Renewal, Resilience, and Responsibility” in tackling Nigeria’s many challenges.

“The new year is another great opportunity for us all to take account of our individual duties, actions and responsibilities for the past years and to further reflect on what lies ahead of us in the new year and what must be done.

“Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, may I humbly direct my address as follows: The Leaders are advised to govern with justice, transparency, and a fear of Allah. The Prophet (SAW) said:

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”

“The scholarsare encouraged to preach unity, not division. Our Ummah must move beyond sectarian labels and focus on what unites us, i.e. Kalmatu Tawhid La ilahailla Allah, MuhammadurRasulullah.

“The youths are admonished to seize the tools of education, entrepreneurship, and technology. The future of Islam in Nigeria ties not just in your prayers, but in your innovation, your discipline, and your service to humanity.Let me use this opportunity to commend and appreciate our amiable Executive Governor of Kwara State, MallamAbdul Rahman Abdul Raraq for the introduction of literacy, numeracy, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship into our Arabic and Islamic Schools curriculum. I also encourage the Madaaris to embrace this great opportunity.

“The entire ummah are urged to let this year be a new beginning, by committing to personal development, being kind to theirneighbours, supporting local charities, building resilient families, protecting the dignity of women and children, and most importantly, upholding the values of Islam in all areas of life.

“Despite the challenges we face as a nation and as Muslims, there is hope because Allah has promised in the glorious Qur’an when He says: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Qur’an 94:6)

“Distinguished brothers and sisters in Islam, let the Hijrah of this year be a movement of the heart, a migration of the soul, and a national rebirth. Let it mark the rise of a generation that will rebuild Nigeria on the foundation of God-consciousness, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.

May Allah accept our worship, forgive our shortcomings, and grast Nigeria peace, stability, and progress,” he said.

The chairman of the occasion, the Kuliyan-Ngeri of Ilorin and the principal Partner, Ghalib Chamber, Ilorin, Professor Yusuf Ola-olu Ali, SAN, who was represented by Barrister Kehinde Eleja in his message to Muslim faithfuls stated that Hijrah is very important to all Muslim faithfuls and beseeched Muslims to shun social vices. He therefore thank all the sons and daughters of Ilorin for their support when he was conferred with the Kuliyan-Ngari of Ilorin.

The National Missioner of Ansarul-Islam, Sheikh AbdulMumin Hanafi Ayara who represented the Khalifatul-Adaabiyy, Sheikh AbdulKadir Muhammed Kamaldeen while delivering his lecture explained that the essence of Hijrah is living to to the principle of Allah in accordance to the Holy Quran. He urged all Muslims to remain committed to the Islamic faith.

Delivering the second lecture, the Chief Imam of Hasbunallahu Central Mosque, Imam Abdulrafeehi Oloduowo, representing Sheikh Habibullahi Adam El-Ilory of Markaz Agege, emphasized the essence of Hijrah as a personal and communal migration away from vice and toward obedience, sincerity, and service to Allah.

Highlight of the ceremony included the formal presentation of the new Hijrah calendar.

Adding cultural vibrancy to the event, more than 30 Islamic schools and Madrasahs participated in a colourful march-past, displaying banners, uniforms, and coordinated movements. The Sherif Guards of Nigeria also performed a ceremonial parade, drawing applause and reinforcing the themes of discipline and unity.