Murthadoh Muhammad

September 27, 2025

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), B-Zone, held its 24th Annual Symposium on Saturday, 27th of September 2025, bringing together leaders, scholars, and community members to discuss one of Nigeria’s most pressing issues: “Managing a volatile economy for internal peace and security.”

The event, which took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre in Fajuyi, Ado-Ekiti, started at 10:00 AM with a message of clarity: “a struggling economy is a direct threat to the safety and peace of the nation”

The event was thoughtful as the keynote speaker, Senator AbdulGaniyu Babafemi Ojudu, a former Special Adviser to the President, gave a speech. He explained that when the economy is unstable, it creates a chain reaction. “A hungry man is an angry man,” he stated, pointing out that the daily struggles faced by Nigerians from poverty to unemployment are the root causes of rising crime and insecurity. He urged everyone, from government to ordinary citizens, to work together to rebuild the country, emphasizing that “we have no other place we can call our home other than Nigeria.”

The symposium then featured two main presentations.

First, Professor Femi Saibu from the University of Lagos spoke on the “Renewed Wave of Internal Aggression.” He described how social and economic inequalities make people feel left out and angry. This frustration, he argued, can boil over into aggression that threatens our collective peace. Professor Saibu stressed that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders, government, community leaders, and citizens to fight these inequalities.

Then Dr. Musefiu Adeleke from the Bank of Industry presented a sobering look at the Nigerian economy titled, “The Dwindling Fortunes of the Nigerian Economy Amidst Escalated Conflicts.” He discussed the severe impacts of ongoing conflicts on the economy and the major challenges the country faces, especially as we look ahead to the 2027 elections. His talk highlighted the urgent need for smart economic policies to prevent a deeper crisis.

Both speakers agreed that managing the economy is not just about numbers and budgets, it is fundamentally about people’s lives. They suggested that solutions include creating jobs, supporting small businesses, strengthening institutions, and most importantly, having honest and courageous leaders who make decisions for the long-term good of the country.

The event ended with a clear sense of purpose. The message was clear: “while the problems are serious, thWhilee not impossible to solve”. It will require everyone to play their part to ensure Nigeria becomes a peaceful and prosperous home for all.