The leadership of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has urged government at all levels to adopt policies that reflect compassion and fairness, warning that harsh measures are biting hard on ordinary citizens amid global economic shocks.
Speaking at the Society’s extraordinary general meeting in Lagos, the National President, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, stressed that while palliatives have been introduced, global events such as the US-Iran-Israel conflict have worsened the economic situation.
“Government must always carry the people along. While palliatives have been introduced, global events—such as the US-Iran-Israel conflict—have escalated prices of goods and services, including transport. In such times, government must respond both in the short and long term. People expect a responsive government, and while this administration is making efforts, policies must consistently reflect compassion and fairness,” he said.
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Prince Kazeem explained that the extraordinary general meeting was recognized under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, with proper notices issued to delegates nationwide.
“This meeting sends a strong message of unity in our society and demonstrates our commitment to due process. Our councils from both the North and South are present, making this a truly representative gathering,” he noted.
He emphasized the Society’s role as a formidable partner to government, with 187 branches across the country contributing to education, healthcare, and community well-being.
“We are a very strong partner of government. We are now proposing to venture into farming to help address food security, while continuing our healthcare efforts through AnsarCare, because we know health is a serious issue,” he said.
On social justice and religious harmony, he highlighted the Society’s participation in interfaith activities.
“We cannot dictate to government, but we advise that whatever policies are put up must have a human face. Feedback from the grassroots shows that some policies have harsh effects on the people. Government must always look at how to carry the people along,” he explained.
On Muslim governor in Lagos 2027
Addressing calls for a Muslim governor to succeed Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos, Prince Kazeem insisted that leadership quality, not religion, should be the deciding factor.
“As a faith-based organization, we naturally have an interest in governance. But the most important factor is good leadership. Whether Muslim or Christian, what matters is fairness, equity, and visible dividends of democracy. If citizens enjoy regular power supply, clean water, affordable food, good roads, and accessible healthcare, they will not care about the governor’s religion. Instead, they will celebrate effective leadership,” he said.
Ramadan Renewal and Shielding Citizens from Global Shocks — Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Missioner of the Society, Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad, reflected on the lessons of Ramadan and the challenges of economic hardship.
“My hope after Ramadan is that Muslims have gained tremendously. The blessed month is like a training ground, a reset button for piety, discipline, altruism, and generosity. It is hoped that they have not only learnt these qualities but renewed them and are transferring them to everyday life,” he said.
On the economic situation, Sheikh Ahmad echoed the president’s concerns, stressing that Nigeria must protect its citizens from global disruptions.
“To be fair, it is global. We live in a very interconnected world. For instance, the current war in the Middle East is impacting virtually every part of the globe because it concerns energy, which drives the world economy. The little gains we had prior to the war are being eroded by sharp increases in gas and petroleum products. It is biting very hard. We should not be impacted by what is happening; we should be shielded from the adverse effect of this war,” he said.
He advised government to focus on policies that reduce inflation, create employment opportunities, and ensure security of lives and property.
“We advise the government to look into policies that will not aggravate the already bad situation of the majority of people, but policies that will alleviate their sufferings, reduce inflation, increase employment opportunities, and ensure security,” he added.
On the prospects of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Sheikh Ahmad highlighted its century-long commitment to education and social services.
“For more than 100 years, Ansar-ud-Deen has been involved in improving the quality and accessibility of education. Now, we have a world-class university in Offa that is redefining higher education, focusing on Information Technology, mechatronics, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence. This meets the demands of the 21st century and beyond,” he explained.
He also pointed to the Society’s new health initiative, AnsarCare, designed to supplement government efforts in healthcare delivery.
On insecurity, Sheikh Ahmad stressed the need for sincerity and innovation in implementation.
“Nigeria is not short of ideas. It is just implementation, the sincerity of implementation, and the strategy. We support decentralised policing—state police, community policing—and we hope this will improve security generally. Government must be more innovative in combating terrorists. These elements are getting bolder and more daring. There must also be proper coordination and not competition among security agencies,” he said.