By JIMOH Habibullahi (Sane Climer Advocate & Community Builder)
The gruesome murder of a young lady, Hafsoh, by a young guy named Abdulrahman, has left me shaken and wondering: what has become of our city? How did we get to this point, where our youth, once the epitome of Islamic moral excellence, now succumb to the allure of wealth and fame through heinous means?
The memories of many young and old, bright lives lost in many similar incidents still linger. We owe it to them to confront the reality that Ilorin’s Arabic schools, once bastions of Islamic scholarship and moral discipline, now struggle to produce young scholars who embody these values.
I vividly remember when Dr. Yahya Oloriegbe publicly condemned the outrageous actions of scholars who prioritize wealth and how it was met with resistance from some top scholars, who saw it as a personal attack. But we mustn’t be hypocrites. We must acknowledge that some of these Arabic institutions and scholars seem to be breeding grounds for young men who prioritize wealth and fame over integrity and hard work.
The glorification of wealth on social media has contributed significantly to this decay. Young people now measure success by their ability to flaunt luxury, regardless of how it’s acquired. This mentality has led to a wave of crime, pushing Ilorin further from its moral foundations.
We must take collective action to reclaim our city’s lost glory. I recommend:
Arresting and prosecuting any scholars who promote or encourage human sacrifice or related crimes.
Making skill learning and acquisition mandatory for graduation from Arabic schools, such as Hidadiyah and Zanawiyyah, emphasizing the importance of hard work and integrity.
Encouraging parents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or behaviors, fostering a culture of accountability.
Establishing a directorate for Islamic lecture propagation and enforcement under the Kwara state Shariah court .
The time for change is now. We must work together to revive Ilorin’s moral heritage and ensure that our youth inherit a city that values integrity, hard work, and compassion (Emirate oni baje o).
May Almighty grant eternal rest to Hafsoh and those we’ve lost to similar occurrences.
