Speaking at the gathering, the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, stressed that “knowledge alone, no matter how deep, cannot deliver development in isolation,” noting that ideas without people, structure and active followership are bound to fail.
Using analogies from business and politics, the Deputy Governor explained that even the most brilliant ideas cannot thrive without customer patronage or political support.
“You may have a fantastic business idea and invest huge resources, but without customers that business will die. Likewise, a political manifesto without followers cannot win elections,” she said.
She added that the same principle applies to religious leadership, warning that organisations without active buy-in from their followers will struggle to mobilise resources, influence or power. According to her, weak mobilisation within religious bodies is often not a failure of faith, but a failure of human connection.
Engr. Salako-Oyedele cited long-standing Muslim organisations such as Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria as models of success, noting that they have thrived for over a century by balancing religious authority with structure, inclusive leadership and member participation.
“They built schools, universities, mobilised funds, organised pilgrimages and created vibrant communities where members feel seen, heard and involved,” she stated.
She cautioned against leadership structures that are distant or overly exclusive, saying, “When engagement is limited to Friday prayers or ceremonial functions, a gap develops. That gap weakens trust, ownership and ultimately our collective leverage.”
She called on Muslim leaders to move from gatekeeping to bridge-building and from isolation to partnership.
Earlier in his address as Father of the Day, former Ogun State Governor and Senator, Ibikunle Amosun,commended the League of Imams and Alfas for convening what he described as a timely and thoughtful assembly.
He said the theme, “Synergy, Leadership and Development among the Muslim Ummah in Ogun State,” reflects the urgent need for collaboration and peaceful coexistence.
Senator Amosun noted that divisions arising from sectionalism and differing interpretations of Islamic teachings have, over time, weakened collective impact.
“When the Muslim Ummah speaks with one voice and acts with one purpose, it becomes a formidable force for positive and enduring change,” he said, urging Muslims to see themselves first as one Ummah before organisational affiliations.
In his remarks, the President General Raabitah, Ogun State Shiek Sikirullahi Babalola represented by Secretary-General of the League Alhaji Tajudeen Mustapha Adewunmi said the Assembly was convened to confront the realities facing Muslims in Ogun State, including leadership renewal, youth and women welfare, education, healthcare, economic empowerment and social justice.
He described the gathering as “not merely ceremonial, but an opportunity to listen, learn and engage constructively for the benefit of present and future generations.”
The President General also appreciated the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, for maintaining open channels of engagement with religious bodies, and acknowledged the Federal Government for resolving the prolonged ASUU dispute, describing the development as critical to national growth.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Synergy, Leadership and Development,” the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, said the challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah are real but surmountable.
He noted that strengthened synergy, renewed leadership and deliberate development efforts would reposition the Ummah for greater relevance and impact.
Prof. Balogun concluded that the Assembly should mark “the beginning of a sustained process of renewal, anchored in faith, guided by wisdom and driven by collective responsibility.”
Also corroborating, the Baba Adeen of Yorubaland and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK urged religious groups particularly Muslim to be more in harmony, adding that it will enable them to tolerate and be unity among people.
"The more united the people are, the better for society. That is one of the objectives here. We will pray together, the essence of the gathering here is unity among the Muslims.
