AGAIN, JIMI BENSON IDENTIFIES WITH MUSLIMS, HOSTS ANWAR-UL-ISLAM RAMADAN LECTURE

Rep. Babajimi Benson, Member House of Representatives, Ikorodu federal constituency, hosted the Men and Ladies guild of Anwar-ul-Islam Ramadan Lecture, yesterday, Sunday, 16th of March, at the Ikorodu Townhall.

Rep. Benson expressed his delight in being among his people and Anwar-ul-Islam movement. He emphasized his commitment to the growth and development of Ikorodu federal constituency, stating that he is dedicated to ensuring the community continues to thrive and prosper.

Rep. Benson wished the attendees a blessed and peaceful Ramadan period, expressing his hope that the holy month would bring them closer to Allah and have their prayers answered.

Alhaji S.A Ganiu, Chairman of Men’s Guild of Anwar ul Islam, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Rep. Babajimi Benson for hosting Ramadan Lecture. He commended Benson for his significant contributions to Ikorodu Division, highlighting his dedication to the community’s growth and development.

delivered a lecture on “The Impact of Economic Hardship on the Average Nigerian: An Islamic Perspective, refers to an unfavorable situation in which a nation’s economic instability trickles down to affect the livelihood of its citizens. It manifests as inflation, unemployment, poverty, and a general decline in living standards.

Despite Nigeria being rich in resources, with an estimated 55% economic potential, the country continues to suffer from economic downturns. This paradox raises an important question: why does a nation blessed with wealth still struggle to provide for its people? The lecturer noted that this hardship is not only financial but also affects the medical and spiritual well-being of individuals, leaving many Nigerians in a state where, as he put it, there is nothing to write home about.”

Reflecting on the causes of these economic struggles, Sheikh Abdulrasaq cited the Quran, referring to Surah An-Nahl (16:112) where Allah speaks about a city that was once secure and receiving provisions from all directions but eventually suffered due to its own ingratitude and corruption. Speaking of a quran verse which says “its provision came to it in abundance from every place”) serves as a reminder that sustenance is from Allah, but when a nation turns away from justice and morality, it risks economic decline. The Sheikh drew a parallel between this Quranic insight and the Nigerian reality, where corruption, mismanagement, and poor Governance have led to persistent hardship, despite the country’s abundant natural and human resources.

Interestingly, the lecturer pointed out a historical contradiction regarding regional economic management in Nigeria. He highlighted that, contrary to popular belief, the Northern region, often perceived as underdeveloped, has demonstrated resilience, unity, and strategic resource management. While many Nigerians migrate northward in search of opportunities, other regions, despite their economic potential, continue to struggle due to a lack of justice, security, and communal cooperation. The Sheikh stressed that economic stability is not merely about wealth but about how resources are managed, distributed, and utilized for collective benefit.

Furthermore, he linked Nigeria’s economic hardship to the remnants of colonial influence, explaining that the country’s economic structures were originally designed to serve foreign interests rather than national prosperity. He argued that colonial masters prioritized extraction over development, leaving behind a system where Nigeria remains dependent rather than self-sustaining. The lecturer urged Nigerians to break free from this historical pattern by embracing self-reliance, justice, and ethical Governance as prescribed in Islam. Through unity, fairness, and faith, he emphasized that economic revival is possible, but it requires collective effort and divine

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