The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society has called for adequate measures to empower clerics and scholars as part of measures to strengthen the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.
The National Chief Imam of the society, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, made the call Saturday in Abuja at a two-day “Capacity Strengthening and Empowerment for Imams, Scholars and Women” organised by the society and Mac Arthur Foundation.
The event was to equip imams and women scholars with the requisite skills and expose them to opportunities that could be harnessed for income generating activities.
Adeyemi said that if they were gainfully employed, they would not compromise standards and would also be able to empower others too for the benefit of society.
“If they have legal sources of income and very reliable work to do, their fear of Allah would be there and would also be able to contribute to anti-corruption efforts,” he added.
Adeyemi said the programme was to deepen Al-Habibiyyah’s year-long engagement with imams on the need for them to have profitable economic ventures that would in turn reduce if not eliminate, their dependence on funding from their congregants.
Speaking on the topic, “Necessity of Income Generating Activities (IGA) for Islamic Scholars/Leaders,” the MD/CEO, Comerel Travels-Nigeria, Ustaz Abubakr Siddeeq Muhammad, urged the nation’s leaders to consider competence in appointing people into positions.
He, however urged leaders not compromise standards.
The event was to equip imams and women scholars with the requisite skills they need and exposing them to opportunities that can be harnessed for income generating activities.
Officials of the Nigeria Directorate of Employment (NDE) also discuss “The Role of NDE in Generating Business Endeavors in the Nigerian Society” at the event.
