More than 200 residents received free medical screening, consultations and medication on Sunday during a combined quarterly lecture, health outreach and fire-safety awareness programme organised by The Muslim Congress (TMC), Ogun State, at the Olowu Palace in Owu, Abeokuta.
The event, themed “Trust and Leadership in Islam,” was held in partnership with Accurate Medical Diagnosis and the Damien Foundation. Participants also received health education and practical guidance on fire prevention.
The Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, commended TMC for pairing religious teaching with practical humanitarian work. He stressed that Islamic propagation should extend beyond sermons to initiatives that improve people’s quality of life. The monarch highlighted the dual importance of addressing spiritual and material needs and described Zakat as a compulsory pillar for eligible Muslims. He reminded those in positions of authority that they would be accountable before Allah and urged them to act with sincerity.
Guest speaker Dr Afiz Oladimeji Musa, Director of the Insight Institute for Islamic and Technical Studies and Deputy Qadi of the Shariah Arbitration Council, Ogun State, described leadership as an Amanah—a sacred trust carrying weighty responsibility. He cautioned against desperation for power, noting that greater authority brings greater accountability.
“Whether you are the President, a governor, a traditional ruler or an ordinary individual, Allah will call you to account for the Amanah given to you,” Musa said. Citing the prophetic teaching that everyone is a shepherd responsible for those under their care, he emphasised that teachers, civil servants, parents, artisans and professionals all exercise forms of leadership.
Musa identified truthfulness, sincerity, justice and competence as essential qualities. He warned that knowledge or honesty alone is insufficient without the ability to perform the role effectively, and urged leaders to welcome constructive criticism. Drawing on the examples of Prophet Dawud and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, he stressed that authority comes from Allah and must be exercised with fairness. Leadership positions are temporary, he added, and every individual will eventually account for their stewardship.
He also underscored family responsibilities, cautioning against taking additional wives without the capacity to meet the associated obligations, and called for greater respect for skilled artisans, encouraging young people to develop practical trades as service to society.
Earlier, TMC Ogun State Waali Dr Jamiu Folarin said the quarterly lecture forms part of the organisation’s efforts to promote Islamic knowledge, moral reorientation and responsible citizenship. He noted that the theme is timely amid public concerns over trust and accountability in political, religious and other institutions. Folarin advocated issue-based campaigns, transparency and informed scrutiny of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while stressing that TMC does not endorse any party or individual.
He thanked Accurate Medical Diagnosis, the Damien Foundation and the Olowu Palace for their partnership and acknowledged the Olowu’s contributions to Muslim unity and humanitarian work. Folarin announced that the programme serves as a prelude to the TMC Ogun State Annual Lecture scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 2026, at Ontec Event Centre, Abiolaway, Abeokuta. Related activities will include special Jumat services and visits to hospitals, homes for vulnerable children, correctional centres and other institutions.
Notable attendees included the Olowu and his wife, Olori Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola; the Chief Imam of Owu, Sheikh Sulaimon Akorede Kehinde; Managing Director of HOB Hospital, Elega, Dr Lukman Adefuye; and the immediate past Waali, Dr AbdurRazaq Ogunmoye, among other Islamic leaders, professionals and members of the public.
