....As YABATECH Rector, MTN CFO Among Dignitaries at GMP Convention
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, has called on professionals to actively contribute to solving the pressing challenges confronting Nigeria. Speaking on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 12th annual convention of the Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the monarch emphasized the transformative impact of innovative solutions on society.
Themed ‘Balanced Prosperity: Faith, Wealth, and Global Resilience’, the three-day convention brought together Muslim professionals from across Nigeria to deliberate on critical issues affecting the Muslim community and the nation at large.
Oba Matemilola highlighted the importance of leveraging expertise and collaboration to foster national development, urging participants to integrate their faith and professional skills in driving sustainable change.
The event, a significant platform for intellectual discourse and networking, underscores the role of professionals in shaping a resilient and prosperous society.
Oba Matemilola, serving as the royal guest of honor at the event, urged Muslim professionals to harness their creativity and drive impactful achievements in their respective fields.
In his address, the monarch emphasized the importance of resource management, stating, “Resources, no matter how abundant, mean little if poorly managed. We must move beyond passivity and take charge of our opportunities to ensure they translate into lasting prosperity.”
He called on Muslims to rise to the challenge of effective stewardship, advocating for innovation and strategic thinking as pathways to collective progress.
He further emphasised on the theme of the event and the benefit it will create when the discourse is established.
“This conference theme is a befitting one for the event and I believe it is something we need to discuss more as a people.
“The theme is talking money, physical assets and knowledge, our influence and reach as muslims and how we use all of these to create prosperity for the general community. When we do that, we also give the non-Muslims an opportunity to see the beauty of Islamic systems”, he added.
Muslims should think individually and act collectively, Prof Yusuf says
Professor of Risk Management and Insurance, University of Lagos, Prof Tajudeen Yusuf, stated that Muslims generally should think individually and act collectively.
While expanding on his address about takaful, an Islamic alternative to conventional insurance, Prof Yusuf highlighted risk sharing, usury free transactions and transparency as the major benefits of the takaful concept.
From left: Mrs Omobolanle Akinbami; Guest Speaker/ Founder/Director of Hamdala Autism Foundation Hajia Shelila Ali-Rageh and Executive Director of the Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) Arch Lateefah Olajide during GMP Convention at the Conference Hotel, Abeokuta, Ogun State
He said: “Takaful, derived from the Arabic root word ‘Kafala’(guarantee), is an Islamic alternative to conventional insurance. It is a mutual guarantee built on the principles of Ta’awun (mutual assistance) and Tabarru’ (donation). Takaful is distinct in its structure, objectives, and compliance with Shari’ah principles.”
Using Quran citations, thought provoking questions, and case studies of different countries that have successfully used takaful as a financial aid model during crisis, he further established the balance of the model in meeting demands of economies while adhering to Islamic values.
Linking his address to the theme, the professor added: “Balanced prosperity is not merely a goal; it is a responsibility, faith and wealth. When aligned with ethical principles, can drive resilience and sustainability. Takaful exemplifies this balance, offering a Shari’ah-compliant model that meets the demands of modern economies while adhering to Islamic values.”
Rector YABATECH, MTN CFO admonish participants
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul in his goodwill message enjoined Muslims to embrace the teachings of the holy Qur’an in deciphering actionable strategies to guide their lifestyle.
At the 2024 GMP Convention, Executive Director and CFO of MTN, Modupe Kadri, joined Oba Matemilola in urging Muslim professionals to step forward, make their voices heard, and transform insights from the program into impactful actions. Kadri emphasized the importance of moving from reflection to implementation, aligning with the event’s call to action.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Akeem Oyewale, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, underscored the urgency of the conference theme, shaped by the complexities of today’s world. He noted, “As professionals, we hold the power to ensure that wealth creation and distribution are ethical, inclusive, and beneficial to society. Whether through entrepreneurship or public service, we must champion transparency, support charitable causes, and create opportunities for others to thrive.”
Conclusively, the GMP Convention, running until December 28, serves as an annual gathering for Nigerian Muslim professionals to engage in meaningful dialogues, workshops, and panel sessions led by distinguished speakers from diverse fields. It remains a pivotal platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and ethical leadership.
Source: Muslim News Nigeria
