By Abdulquadri Olanrewaju
The Ahmadi Muslim Students’ Association Nigeria (AMSA) has held her Annual Higher Institution Convention (AHIC) at the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.
The convention which was aimed at upholding the teachings of Islam and its propagation was held on Thursday 20th October till Sunday 23rd October 2022.
As part of the pre convention activities, the association held an orientation programme at Olaoluwa Muslim Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti on the 19th October, 2022. The school students were sensitized on the need to achieve success combining academic and moral excellence. The students were encouraged to uphold their morality as they strive to achieve success amidst the misplaced priorities and rife evils in the society. They were similarly exposed to career opportunities in tech as part of the skills they can take part in while still in secondary school.
Courtesy visitations were made to the school Vice Chancellor Ekiti State University Prof. Edward Olanipekun, as well as the dean of student affairs, Prof. Olu Omotosho.
The visitation which was to foster harmonious relationship between the student association and the leadership of the school who has on their shoulder, the responsibility of guarding the affairs of students on campus. Similarly, to extend regard to the respected Vice Chancellor who has the utmost authority as the general overseer in the university, equally hosting the Annual Higher Institution Convention of the association.
At the symposium, the AMSA National President, Mr. Toyyib Alawode highlighted the recorded and numerous number of successes of the association during the year, the likes of series of educational and moral programs, peace and brotherhood uplift events, dignity of labor at strategic locations, physical and virtual orientation programs for secondary school leavers, content writing seminars, quiz competitions, blood donations, public lectures, health programs, courtesy, humanitarian, and welfare visitations.
In his address, the Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Mr. Abdul Roqib Akinyemi who represented the Amir, AMJN, Alh. (Barr.) Abdul Azeez as the Chairman of the symposium delivered his message that AMSA members must be good ambassadors of Islam. They should strive to be the best in all they do. This is also in accordance with Huzur Aqdas (aba) address during his visit to Nigeria in 2008, he added.
The Sadr, MKAN who was also the chief host of the program implored the youths to participate in politics, and as Ahmadi youths, they’re not to be used as tools for criminal acts during the election.
He reiterated that members should engage in the politics of the country while upholding the nizam jama’at (tenets of faith and the community) and also desist from any form of malpractices.
In his lecture the keynote speaker, Professor Moshood Adenrele Fashola, who spoke on “Government and Politics: Youth Involvement as tool for National Development”, implored youths to be united as there is no other way to actualize a government led by the youths.
The renowed scholar mentioned that being politically active doesn’t have to be that one support a particular party; engaging in promotion of sustainable developments is also political.
The representative of the Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Prof. Sulaymon Lanre Adebayo encouraged youths to participate in politics, however, he implored youths to avoid the evils of politics.
He also reiterated that being ethical and moral, without participating in politics, will not effect a national change.
At the end of the event, awards were given to the best unit of the year; University of Lagos, best state of the year, AMSA Niger state and the department of the year, Public Relations.
The convention also featured educative and entertaining sessions including inspiring lectures, games, counsels on marital affairs, competitions, sporting activities to mention but a few.
