Ambassador Isola Champions Family Values at INEC Ramadan Lecture.

According to the release from the media office of the erstwhile High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Isola Sarafa OFR, the serene atmosphere of the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters at Magbon, Abeokuta, was transformed into a sanctuary of reflection, learning, and spiritual renewal on Thursday, March 5, 2026, as the Ogun State INEC Muslim Community successfully hosted its 11th Annual Ramadan Lecture, a gathering that drew eminent personalities, respected scholars, and devoted faithful committed to the moral and spiritual advancement of society.

The annual lecture, which has gradually become a significant intellectual and spiritual platform within the Muslim community in Ogun State, once again demonstrated the power of faith-based dialogue in addressing societal concerns. The event was graced by distinguished personalities including the Administrative Secretary of INEC Ogun State, Mr. Abdulrazaq Agboola; former Chairman of the INEC Muslim Community, Alhaji Abayomi Onisarotu; former Administrative Secretary of INEC, Niger State, Alhaja Rabiat Akinola, alongside other respected dignitaries and stakeholders.

Adding profound spiritual weight to the gathering was the presence of revered Islamic scholars and religious leaders. Among them were the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Fadheelat Sheikh Sa’adallah Alade Bamgbola; the Chief Imam of Oke-Ona Egba, Fadheelat Sheikh Musiliudeen Nosir; and the Chief Imam of Owu Kingdom, Fadheelat Sheikh Sulaiman Yunus Kehinde, who also represented the Chairman of the Day, the Baba Adinni of Owu Kingdom, Alhaji (Dr.) Ismail Adebola Akindele. Their presence symbolized the unity of religious leadership in guiding society towards moral discipline and social responsibility.

The intellectual highlight of the gathering was the thought-provoking lecture delivered by the Grand Mufti of Egbaland and Chief Imam of Gbagura, Fadheelat Sheikh Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun Al-Adaby, whose presentation on the theme “Nigeria’s Social Woes: Individual Families as Major Contributors” resonated deeply with the audience. With scholarly clarity and spiritual insight, the respected cleric explained that the moral strength of a nation is inseparable from the character of its families. According to him, when homes become centres of discipline, faith, and ethical upbringing, society inevitably reflects those values.

He emphasized that many of the challenges confronting Nigeria today ranging from corruption to social indiscipline often originate from the erosion of moral training within the family unit. Therefore, he urged parents and guardians to return to the foundational teachings of faith, responsibility, and upright character, noting that national transformation must begin with personal reform and family discipline.

In a brief but profound message delivered on behalf of the Chairman of the Day, appreciation was extended to the INEC Muslim Community for sustaining a noble intellectual tradition that strengthens both faith and national consciousness. The message commended the organizers for their dedication to using the sacred month of Ramadan as a platform to promote moral reflection, community bonding, and the pursuit of a better society.

The Principal Guest of Honour, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, the Baba Adinni of Ogun State and Baba Adinni of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, as well as Chairman of the Council of Muslim Titled Chiefs (COMTIC), delivered a goodwill message that drew admiration and applause from participants.

In his deeply reflective remarks, the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom commended the INEC Muslim Community for sustaining what he described as a “second-to-none spiritual and intellectual initiative” that strengthens both faith and civic responsibility. He noted that Ramadan is not merely a season of fasting but a divine opportunity for moral reawakening, compassion, and community building.

Ambassador Isola emphasized that the future of Nigeria cannot be separated from the moral values cultivated within the home. He praised women for their extraordinary sacrifices during the holy month, particularly their commitment to ensuring that families are nourished and spiritually supported through the preparation of meals for Sahur and Iftar despite their daily responsibilities. According to him, such devotion reflects the silent but powerful role women play in preserving the spiritual strength of society.

He equally acknowledged the men who shoulder the responsibility of providing for their households, stressing that responsible leadership begins within the family before it manifests in society and governance. A nation, he explained, becomes stronger when its fathers lead with integrity and its mothers nurture with faith and compassion.

Drawing from history and local memory to illustrate the dignity of purposeful living, Ambassador Isola reflected on the legacy of the late Princess Khadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri, fondly known across Egbaland as Cash Madam. He described her as a woman whose life exemplified generosity, influence, and community service, reminding the audience that true wealth lies not only in material prosperity but in the enduring impact one leaves in the lives of others.

He therefore encouraged families to cultivate values of honesty, humility, and service to humanity, noting that a society that raises morally upright children today secures a more stable and prosperous nation tomorrow.

The atmosphere of spiritual reflection reached a moving climax when special prayers were offered for Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR by the moderator of the event, Alhaji Roqeeb Bello. The prayers were later solemnly concluded by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, who invoked divine blessings upon INEC, the INEC Muslim Community, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole, praying for peace, justice, and national progress.

The successful hosting of the 11th Annual Ramadan Lecture was made possible through the leadership of the Chief Imam of the INEC Muslim Community, Imam Habeebullah Abdul Yekeen, alongside the Chairman of the INEC Muslim Community, Prince Akeem Ade Balogun. The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi, served as the Chief Host of the spiritually uplifting gathering.