By Henry Uche
The Chartered Insurance Institute Of Nigeria (CIIN) has called on Nigerians to pursue peace and unity as basis for progress and prosperity among other virtues.
The President/Chairman of Council of CIIN, Mr. Edwin Igbiti, who made this call during the 2023 edition of the Institute’s Ramadan Tafsir, implored Nigerians to have a sober reflection, be good followers and doers of the words and gospel of God.
“This is a great call on all Muslim faithful for sober reflection on the teachings of Almighty Allah through Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) who is the sustainer and nourisher of the universe.
“This year’s Ramadan lecture is aimed to raise professionals, who are required to display dedication, loyalty in their followership and professionalism both in the nation and in the workplace.”
Igbiti urged the Muslim faithful to reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with the Islamic faith, and the responsibility that they have to one another and to God. He added that the season was a time of intense devotion to ALLAH, and urged them to continue to use the Holy Month of Ramadhan to stay close to Allah by seeking forgiveness of their sins, praying for Nigeria, family and humanity at large.
“It is on a sad note to state that our brotherhood as fellow human beings are divided, our Governments are divided, our lands are partitioned and separated by artificially created religious/ ethnic/financial borders.
“To achieve a better and secured nation, individuals as patriotic citizens and followers should embrace the Islamic injunction of UNITY; be our brother’s keeper in all doings and practice the faith with all sincerity and soberness” he charged.
Speaking on ‘Leadership and Followership in Nation Building: The Islamic Perspective’, the guest lecturer, Sa’eid Ahmad, a medical consultant at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital LASUTH, reminded Nigerians that since leadership cuts across political, religious, society, career and family- leaders are expected to set good legacies for others to follow.
Ahmad who maintained that the role of followership in building good society is paramount explained that leaders must be humane, faithful and be responsible for conventional and prophetic sense, while followers are expected to show total submission and loyalty.
“To have a successful nation building, both leaders and followers must exhibit faithfulness to whatever duty they are called upon. The ultimate panacea to nation building is for all citizens to assume their own level and measure of responsibility in their various positions, locations and circumstances.”
He charged CIIN to keep the ball rolling in raising professionals, who would display dedication, loyalty in their followership and professionalism both in the nation and in the workplace.