More than 400 participants gathered in Ilorin as the Kwara State Chapter of the Standard Bearers Islamic Organisation (SB) held its 16th Annual Symposium, with Islamic scholars, academics, and community leaders calling on youths to take the lead in rebuilding trust across all spheres of society.

The event, themed “Brave the Tempest: Build the Trust,” took place at the FOMWAN Multi-Purpose Hall, Fate Road, Ilorin, and featured thought-provoking lectures that examined the growing trust deficit in governance and within the Muslim Ummah.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Trust Deficit in Governance: A Clarion Call,” Dr. Haruna Sanusi Lafiagi of Al-Hikmah University said the erosion of trust in Nigeria reflects a societal decay rather than mere failure of leadership.

According to him, “Nigeria’s problem is not mostly leadership; the followers are the main problem. The followers lack trust, and that is the promise of God, you will be given leaders that reflect your society.”

He emphasized that integrity, strength, and trustworthiness are vital qualities that must guide both leaders and followers if the nation is to experience true reform.

Also speaking, Dr. Ganiyu Abideen, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, described trust as the lifeblood of human relationships and social stability.

“Without trust, the community will be disconnected,” he warned, citing examples of betrayal in financial dealings, family ties, and the public service.

He urged civil servants and youths to restore credibility through honesty and accountability.

In his goodwill message, Alhaji Salihu Gidado, Chairman of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Kwara State Branch, said societal transformation must begin with individuals.

“It is our duty to be trustworthy as a people before we can call out our leaders. I urge the youths to champion this theme, because they are the leaders of tomorrow,” he stated.

The Chief Host and Kwara State Coordinator of SB, Imaam Abdulhafeez Adeagbo, explained that the annual symposium aims to promote the core Islamic value of Amanah (trust) as a foundation for community development.

“Our vision is to create an enabling environment for Muslims to practice pristine Islam. Pristine Islam cannot thrive without trust, which is central to faith, governance, and social progress,” he said.

The Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Habeeb Omokanye of the University of Ilorin, described the symposium as a “wake-up call” for Nigerians to renew their moral commitment to truth and reliability.

He added that rebuilding trust requires “a balance of accountability, god-consciousness (Taqwah), and consistent call to goodness (Da’wah).”

Dignitaries present included the Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), among others.

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