The Muslim Congress (TMC), Oyo State, is set to convene its 2026 Annual State Lecture with a charge for Nigerians to embrace ethical leadership, responsible citizenship and collective ownership of the nation-building process.
The lecture, scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, will be held under the theme, “Nation Building Through Ethical Leadership: Taking Ownership of Our Roles.”
The programme, which is expected to bring together Islamic scholars, political leaders, traditional rulers, academics and other stakeholders, is designed to interrogate the nexus between ethical leadership, accountable governance, national cohesion and sustainable development.
One of the major lectures, titled “Enhancing National Cohesion, Sustainable Security and Civic Trust: From Policy to Performance,” will be delivered by the Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Uthman Ibrahim Olatunde.
Another paper, “Ethical Governance, Accountability and Public Trust,” will be delivered by the Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organizations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i.
The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Musibaudeen Olatunji Babatunde, is billed to serve as the keynote speaker, while the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Alhaji (Barr.) Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, will chair the occasion.
The Grand Chief Imam of Ibadan Land, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, is expected to serve as the Spiritual Father of the Day.
Among the royal fathers listed for the event are the Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, Arusa I; the Onigbeti of Igbeti Land, Oba Engr. Bashir Olalekan Abioye, Siyanbola IV; and the Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Adegboyega Sani Tanimowo.
Also expected are the Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), Prof. Wole Abbas, and the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land and Environs, Alhaji Tajudeen Kamarise, as Fathers of the Day.
The distinguished guests of honour include Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District; Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, representing Oyo South; and Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari, representing Oyo North.
Others are the member representing Ibadan Northwest/Southwest Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dhikrullah Adedeji Stanley; a stalwart of the Allied Peoples Movement, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller; and an Accord Party stalwart, Amb. Shakirullah Jimoh Orankan.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Inclusion and Poverty Alleviation, Alhaja Hon. Faosat Ajoke Sanni, and the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Dr (Mrs) Suliyat Ogungboyega, are listed as Mothers of the Day.
The Waali of TMC, Oyo State, Ustadh Idris Muhammed, is the Chief Host.
The annual lecture is expected to provide an intellectual and faith-based platform for examining the responsibilities of citizens and leaders in strengthening social cohesion, public accountability, security and trust in Nigeria.