Business and Economy
How Islamic Economic Development Model Can Rescue Nigeria Economy – Dr. Hussein Saddam
An Islamic Cleric, Dr. Folorunsho Ahmad Hussein Saddam Hanaaullah Fagba has called on the Nigeria authorities to embrace the Islamic model of economic development so as to bring the country out of its state of economic doldrums. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js"> [adrotate banner="51"]
The University of Ilorin Lecturer, Dr. Ahmad Hussein Saddam while delivering a lecture at the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation 2nd Maolid Nabiyy themed: Islamic Perspectives on Economic Development: Options for Nigeria, said Islam has a vibrant economic framework that can bring any country out of economic lethargy.
He said that, “Zakat is one of the institutions, a very powerful institution that can raise the Muslim world from poverty, even the world from the poverty.
“Zakat is one of the institution that we need to institutionalize. We have not institutionalized it and we are wasting a lot of wealth. Institutionalizing it is by individualizing the payment of zakat.
“In Malaysia, Google, the zakat house in Malaysia you would see it. I don’t think we have a building that is as high as the zakat house in Malaysia. What are they doing there? They pooled all zakat of the Muslim people in Malaysia in that arena and utilize it for the good of the people.
“I assert within myself that if every Muslim within Nigeria who is qualified to pay zakat pay it and we pool it together, it would be more than the 2020 Nigeria budget.
He further said that individual economic activities is a formidable catalyst that can catapult the nation to economic sustenance.
In his narration, he said that, “When prophet Muhammad was growing up, he was a working youth. His zeal to work and develop himself economically led him to working for Khadija, the great merchant.”
“Why did Allah directed our noble prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to go and work? Allah has the power to let him remain seated and everything he want would come around him from now till his death. But it is to serve as an example, the mission Allah has led him to promulgate to be an exemplary leader of that mission. Allah wants him to serve as an example that is why he directed him to work.”
“Anabi Muhammad Rasululah was developed economically. He enhanced Khadija’s business to a great extent. What is important is that every individual must first be developed economically. It is our respective economic development that would be summed up and brought together to develop the nation’s economic. That is the way I see it.”
“Alhaji Aliko Dangote, everybody knows what his business is doing to the economics of this country. Femi Otedola; everybody knows the role his business is playing in the economic development of this nation, likewise every other person that does his/her own business.”
“So without everybody’s economic development the nation cannot be developed because you and I are the nation. Islamic permits individual economic development, that’s why you have to work, you just have to work, because Islam recognize, acknowledge and encourages individual economic development.”
The cleric sighted the past prophets of God as an example in other to support his submission that everybody must eat from his/her handwork.
“Allah said every person; he didn’t say every Muslim – He said every person is to eat from the work of his/her hand. Prophet Dawud as a prophet of God was a blacksmith.”
“Anabi said let each and every one of you carry his hoe, go into the bush, cut trees, pack it, carry it on your back, go and sell it outside and eat out of it. It is better for you than to be asking people, please give me fisabililaha.”
He further continued, “In what I coined as ‘The objective of Islam in human life and Human development’. Individual economic development would develop the nation economy, because it is when you are stabilized economically that you would be able to contribute your quota to the economic development of your nation. Someone who is struggling to eat do not have optimum sense of reasoning, when you are hungry, you do not think of any other thing.”
“How do we develop our country? It is obvious that Islam has good and vibrant facility for economic development.
“It was during Sayidinina Umar (A.S) that the concept of Baitul-mal was giving birth. What is Baitul-mal? It is a public dormitory where zakat and Sadaqat are pooled for the development of the state economy.”
“The role the establishment of baitul-mal plays in life of the Muslim people cannot be over-emphasized.
“Zakat is one of the institution, a very powerful institution that can raise the Muslim world from poverty, even the world from the poverty.
“Zakat is one of the institution that we need to institutionalize. We have not institutionalized and we are wasting a lot of wealth. Institutionalizing it is by individualizing the payment of zakat.
“In Malaysia, “Google, the zakat house in Malaysia you would see it. I don’t think we have a building that is as high as the zakat house in Malaysia. What are they doing there? They pooled all zakat of the Muslim people in Malaysia in that arena and now utilize it for the good of the people.
“I assert within myself that if every Muslim within Nigeria who is qualified to pay zakat pay it and we pool it together, it would be more than the 2020 Nigeria budget.
The Lawyer further called on everybody to be in harmony with one another.
“There is one thing I used to say when am given a chance to talk like this. It is high time we do away with our religious dichotomy. We are cheating ourselves, we are wasting our precious resources and we are destroying our future.
“When a Muslim sees a Christian and develop natural hatred towards him and a Christian would say ‘He’s a Muslim, he doesn’t have anything to do with him.
“We have problem because Allah that brought us together has a reason for not making us Umatan Waida (of a single religion or tribe). Allah says he has the power to make you Ummatun Waida (of a single religion or tribe), but I am not doing that.
“Who are we now to questions Allah’s authority for making us different and living together. Why can’t we study Allah and the rationale behind what he has done in our life?
“Let us forget about the prayers I am observing, it doesn’t concerns anybody. It is between me and my God, like, it’s between me and my God, like zakat, it’s between me and my God, the hajj I go to, it is between me and my God – leave a Christian to his church and his worship, but remember it is the same blood that runs in Adam that runs in everybody today.”, he continued.
Maolid Nabbiy is an annual Muslim celebration to mark the birth of the Noble Prophet Muhammad Rasulu Lah (PBUH).
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Nigeria’s Recapitalised Banks Position as Engines of $1 Trillion Economy at London Capital Forum
By AbdulRahman Obaje
With 32 banks meeting new capital requirements and 72 per cent of funds raised domestically, Nigeria’s banking sector emerges from its most significant reform cycle as the primary engine of the country’s capital mobilisation agenda
LONDON — When Nigeria’s banking recapitalisation exercise was announced, the debate centred largely on compliance: which banks would meet the threshold, and by when.
[adrotate banner="51"] At The Africa Capital Forum’s inaugural convening in London on Tuesday, the conversation had moved on entirely. The question was no longer whether Nigeria’s banks could recapitalise. It was what a recapitalised Nigerian banking sector could now do for a $1 trillion economy.
The answer, according to the chief executives who gathered at The Peninsula London alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s UK state visit, is considerable.
Akin Ogunranti, Executive Director of Zenith Bank, set the tone early. “We need to give ourselves credit,” he told delegates. “The fact that over 72 per cent of the capital was raised locally is a major milestone.” That figure carries weight beyond optics. It signals that Nigerian capital markets are deepening, that domestic investors have confidence in the banking sector’s trajectory, and that the foundation for long-term growth is being built from within.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso was direct about what the sector has become. “We are very proud of what the Nigerian banks have been able to accomplish,” he said. “They play a dominant role on the African continent and in the United Kingdom. They are our ambassadors.” Thirty-two banks have now met the CBN’s new capital requirements, and Cardoso described the system that has emerged as categorically different from what preceded it. “The financial system we had is dead and buried. What we have now is a new system that has brought liquidity and transparency.”
The implications for the broader economy were spelled out across the afternoon’s sessions. Yemisi Edun, Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, noted that recapitalisation had directly expanded the credit available to businesses: “The raised capital has created expansion of credits. The new recapitalisation has given more credibility to what we can do as industries.” Segun Alebiosu, Managing Director of First Bank, made the international dimension explicit. “With currency reforms, Nigerian banks will be able to take home bigger transactions. We can do more, and crowd new investments.” He added that Nigerian banks today maintain at least seven operations in the United Kingdom alone.
The scale of Nigerian banking’s continental footprint was perhaps most vividly illustrated by Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, who noted that over 65 per cent of the bank’s revenue now comes from outside Nigeria. “That means that we can do more in Africa,” he said.
That outward reach is not incidental to the $1 trillion economy agenda. It is central to it. Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank, pointed to the restoration of correspondent banking relationships as a structural shift: “The confidence has been restored and corresponding banking relationships will continue to grow.” Those relationships determine Nigeria’s ability to facilitate cross-border trade, attract foreign investment, and participate in the global capital markets at the scale a $1 trillion economy requires.
Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President, framed the government’s position plainly: “The government alone cannot fund this growth. We need to work with partners who will bring the sticky, equity capital.” A recapitalised, internationally credible banking sector is how that partnership becomes possible.
Governor Cardoso closed by placing the banking sector’s transformation within its broadest context. “This is perhaps the first time in many years that we’ve had this level of consistent stability,” he said. “And it is likely to stay on course.”
The Africa Capital Forum was convened by the Central Bank of Nigeria in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and hosted by BBC News Presenter Lukwesa Burak. It was supported by Access Bank, FCMB, First Bank, Goldman Sachs, GTCO, J.P. Morgan, Nigerian Exchange Group, UBA, and Zenith Bank.
The Africa Capital Forum is an independent institutional convening platform dedicated to advancing strategic dialogue on capital mobilisation, financial system development, and investment into Africa. The Forum convenes senior leaders from global financial institutions, development finance organisations, central banks, and the private sector to examine the policy and market conditions shaping Africa’s economic trajectory.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Ododo Lauds Tinubu Over Public Finance Reforms, As Chief Ibori Commissions Kogi Audit House
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening governance systems across the country through public finance reforms.
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The Governor who stated this on Tuesday during the official commissioning of the Kogi State Audit House, said the ongoing national reforms in public finance management, institutional accountability, and economic restructuring under his administration have created an enabling environment for states to execute impactful projects that strengthen transparency and improve service delivery.
“We remain fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda and deeply appreciate the support extended to sub-national governments.
Governor Ododo also acknowledge and commended Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, who he described as a respected statesman and distinguished son of Niger Delta, for presence to commission the Audit House.
Speaking further on Chief Ibori, the governor said “Your contributions to governance, leadership, and national development continue to inspire many of us, and we are deeply grateful for your solidarity with the Government and people of Kogi State on this historic day.
“I therefore use this opportunity to specially welcome our visiting dignitaries, Auditors-General from across the Federation, party leaders, members of civil society organizations, development partners, and all friends of Kogi State who have honored us with their presence today.
“Your participation underscores the national significance of this event and the shared responsibility we all bear in strengthening democratic accountability and public sector performance in Nigeria.
“As we mark this commissioning, let this facility serve not only as an administrative center, but as a symbol of our collective resolve to uphold integrity, professionalism, and transparency in the management of public resources.
“It should also stand as a model and inspiration to other states to invest deliberately in institutional frameworks that support effective oversight and responsible governance.
“In conclusion, I reaffirm the commitment of my administration to building systems that protect public interest, strengthen public institutions, and promote inclusive development. The Kogi State Audit House represents a major step in that direction.
“It is therefore my honor and privilege, with gratitude to Almighty God and in recognition of his distinguished service to our nation, to invite His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, to kindly perform the official commissioning of the Kogi State Audit House. The governor said.
While commissioning the edifice, Chief Ibori commended the the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his effort in promoting accountability and transparency in governance through institutional support.
He called on the people of the state to continue to support the programmes and vision of the Governor Ododo administration, saying that this will enhance all round development of the state.
“Let me commend Governor Ododo for his effort in promoting accountability and transparency in governance. I therefore called on all citizens of the state to continue to give their support to the administration, which will enhance all round development of the state.
Speaking earlier, the Auditor General of Local Government, Alhaji Yakubu Adabenege, noted that the commissioning of the Audit House was a dream come through.
Speaking further he said “Someone may ask why the audit house at this time. I have to tell the story for your record and for history. What you are seeing here today is beyond an ordinary building, it’s God’s own project, it is a dream come true.
“From this Audit House, we promise to put our body and soul to support your administration to achieve all its set goals. We shall follow every kobo, every resource deployed to its final intended destination, for you to leave many more lasting legacies for our dear Kogi State. He stressed
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban development, Hon. Taiye Abanika, noted that the Audit House stands as further proof of the Governor’s promise to support critical institutions with the needed infrastructures to enable them perform their responsibilities effectively.
He said It also reflects the governor’s firm belief that accountability and good governance can function effectively, if they are properly equipped and empowered.
“I sincerely appreciate the Governor for his trust in us and for his consistent support in the execution of this and all other projects across the state.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Nupe Natives Of Lokoja Flags Off Cooperative Union To Facilitate Development
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Nupe Natives of Lokoja, has flagged off its CAMPDAVID MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE UNION LIMITED registered with the Kogi State government, aimed at facilitating the development of the community of the native Nupe of Lokoja and her entire residents.
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Twelve other Cooperative Societies are registered to operate under the umbrella union which was launched in Lokoja over the weekend.
The Etsu Lokoja and Chairman, Lokoja Native Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda Shelika – Nyamkpa IV, performed the flag off ceremony during the first General Meeting of Nupe Natives of Lokoja in 2026, organized to showcase their culture and had interactions on how to attract development to their community.
The Royal Father in his speech, said that the Cooperative Union and its other sub-societies would no doubt facilitate people’s zeal to embark on self-help development that would impact on their living standards.
According to the traditional ruler “The newly registered cooperative societies would serve as veritable tools with which our people could utilize to generate funds to enable them embark on self-help projects such as drilling of motorized boreholes for portable water supply, rural electrification and health clinics amongst others.
“The need to complement government’s efforts in the provision of basic infrastructure for improved living conditions of citizens cannot be over emphasized, hence our desire as a people to do the needful”
The Etsu Lokoja used the occasion to call on the younger generation of the community to embrace skills acquisition of vocational enterprises such tailoring, welding, fabrication, carpentry, plumbing, hair dressing and farming among others for self-reliance.
He also disclosed his community’s planned programmes for this new year to include; facilitating of Summer Studies, Medical Outreaches for the less privileged, cultural and political summits.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state for his passion to carry everybody along in his development programmes irrespective of political, ethnic and religious differences.
He reiterated the loyalty of his people to the present administration in Kogi state and assured that the tempo would be sustained.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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