The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has called on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for the security of their communities, stressing that safeguarding lives and property should not be left to government and security agencies alone.
Obasa made the call at the 17th Annual Hijrah 1448 A.H. lecture, where religious leaders and security experts gathered to discuss the role of citizens in promoting peace, security and national development.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker challenged citizens to reflect on their contributions to ensuring security within their immediate environment.
“They have told us what should be our responsibility and that of leaders. The question is: what have we contributed to ensure security in our immediate environment? We should be able to create security on our own. There are different associations that we must collaborate with to ensure the protection of lives,” he said.
Obasa noted that security posts exist across local governments but emphasized that citizens must also play their part in maintaining peace and order.
He described the annual Hijrah lecture as a reminder that every individual has a duty to society and urged Nigerians to leave lasting legacies through positive actions that impact their communities.
Chairman of the 17th Annual Hijrah celebration, Hon. Owolabi Ajani, said the occasion was not merely about celebrating rights and privileges but also about fulfilling obligations and contributing meaningfully to national development.
According to him, Islam places great emphasis on peace, justice, accountability and the sanctity of human life.
“The Holy Quran teaches us to obey lawful authority, promote righteousness, preserve societal harmony and work collectively for the common good,” he said.
Ajani urged Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism, uphold moral values, respect constituted authority and reject violence, extremism, criminality and other actions capable of threatening national peace and stability.
He stressed that security should not be seen as the exclusive responsibility of government and security agencies, describing it instead as a collective duty that requires vigilance, cooperation and commitment from all members of society.
One of the guest lecturers, Sheikh Bukhari Ayinla, an alumnus of the University of Lagos, spoke on the theme, “Sacred Covenant of Citizenship: Islam, Security and Our Duty to the Nigerian State.”
He maintained that citizens have an important role to play in safeguarding the country.
“The security of a nation is not the responsibility of security agencies alone. Citizens must also be their own security. The people of a country should not allow their nation to be destroyed,” he said.
Ayinla urged Nigerians to avoid excessive criticism of leaders and instead contribute positively to nation-building, noting that those in authority may not always satisfy every expectation.
Another guest lecturer, Air Commodore (Imam) Lukman Lawal, Deputy Director of Islamic Affairs at Defence Headquarters, Abuja, delivered a lecture on “Ethics of Security and Citizenship in Islam.”
He emphasized the sanctity of human life in Islam, citing Quran 5:32, which states that whoever kills a soul unjustly is as though he has killed all mankind.
Lawal said the government alone cannot solve Nigeria’s insecurity challenges and advised citizens, including activists, to exercise their right to freedom of expression responsibly and without undermining public peace.
He commended the efforts of the military in combating insurgency and banditry, insisting that security remains the foundation of national development.
The cleric also highlighted Islamic teachings on the protection of non-Muslims, noting that Islam values and protects all human lives regardless of religious affiliation.
According to him, Islam equally places great importance on privacy and forbids unlawful intrusion into the affairs of others.
Quoting Quran 49:12, Lawal said believers are instructed not to spy on one another, adding that protecting the privacy and dignity of individuals is an important aspect of Islamic teachings.
Also speaking, Islamic scholar and founder of Sheikh Da’wah, Sheikh Albaarizy, urged citizens to be proactive in addressing security challenges rather than relying solely on divine intervention.
“God needs people to take responsibility. Where action is required, merely calling upon God will not be enough. We all have responsibilities and must remain vigilant,” he said.
Albaarizy encouraged Nigerians to be alert to suspicious activities in their communities and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their families.
He warned that many security challenges had escalated because people ignored early warning signs, expressing optimism that collective action and divine guidance would help address the nation’s problems.
The speakers unanimously agreed that achieving lasting peace and security in Nigeria requires the active participation of citizens, community leaders, religious institutions and government agencies working together for the common good.
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