…As Cleric Calls for Moral Rebirth, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Change
Bu Kayode Olopade
The Yoruba Tennis Club, Lagos, on Sunday commemorated its 100th Anniversary with a landmark Ramadan Lecture, reaffirming its longstanding tradition of promoting intellectual engagement, moral reflection, and national discourse.
The centenary lecture, held in Lagos, was attended bydistinguished guests, faith leaders, and members of the Club to reflect on the theme, “The Crisis of Values and the Need for Spiritual Renewal in Nigeria.” The event formed a significant highlight of the Club’s anniversary celebrations.
Delivering the lecture, the Chief Missioner of Jamahliy Worldwide, Sheik Abdallah Gbade Akinbode, called on Nigerians to embrace love, unity, and spiritual renewal as pathways to peace and national development.
Sheik Akinbode observed that despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, the country continues to grapple with challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, and corruption. He stressed that systemic deficiencies, rather than leadership changes alone, remain at the root of the nation’s struggles.
“The system is our problem; leadership is not our problem — the system is the problem,” he stated.
The cleric urged Nigerians to undergo genuine transformation, particularly in the spirit of Ramadan, emphasizing that national change must begin with personal responsibility. He encouraged citizens to live within their means, reject divisive sentiments, and adopt godly principles in their daily conduct.
He further challenged well-positioned individuals to deliberately uplift at least one person out of poverty, noting that such acts of compassion could spark broader societal transformation.
“If we want peace and tranquility in Nigeria, we must love one another. The change we desire must begin with us,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Service of Lagos State, Olabode Agoro, aligned with the cleric’s message, urging Nigerians to care for their neighbours and uphold values that foster collective progress.
Agoro also addressed perceptions about the civil service, describing Lagos State civil servants as diligent and committed professionals who play a critical role in executing government policies and driving development.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Olawunmi Gasper, mni, described the centenary Ramadan Lecture as a historic milestone in the Club’s journey. He noted that beyond being a sporting institution, the Club remains a platform for intellectual discourse, spiritual reflection, and nation-building.
The well-attended event underscored the Club’s enduring legacy and its commitment to fostering dialogue that promotes moral consciousness and national advancement.
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