Apelogun Urges Media Professionals To Uphold Integrity, Hope Amid Economic Challenges
The Asiwaju Adinni and Amir Hajj of Ogun State, Alhaji Ambassador Samsudeen Adebayo Apelogun, has called on media professionals and Nigerians at large to uphold integrity, sustain hope and strengthen compassion in the face of prevailing economic challenges.
Alhaji Apelogun, who is also the President of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), made this call in his Chairman’s Address at the 2026 Ramadan Lecture organized by the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Ogun State Chapter.
The Asiwaju Adinni was represented at the event by Imam Mikhail Adesanya, the Eketa Adinni of Remo Kingdom.
The lecture, themed “Fasting Beyond Hunger: Sustaining Hope and Integrity in an Era of Economic Inflation,” drew eminent personalities from across the state, who are, the Mother of the Day and Ogun State governorship aspirant, Distinguished Senator Iyabo Obasanjo; Alhaji Nurudeen Olaleye, the Alawo-Erin of Egbaland; Mogaji Kola Olootu, Chairman of the FIBAN National Transition Committee, represented by its Secretary, Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo-Oladunni (Imalian Boy); and former FIBAN National President, Desmond Nwachukwu, who also represented the General Secretary of RTEAN, Ogun State, Alhaji Abdulkabir Tiwalade Akingbade; and the Chairman of FIBAN Ogun State, Hon. Chief Olalekan Shoyinka (Ayinla Egba), who was the Chief Host.
In his address, Apelogun emphasized that fasting during Ramadan goes far beyond abstaining from food and drink, describing it as a spiritual discipline aimed at attaining Taqwa (piety) and moral consciousness.
Quoting Qur’an 2:183, he reminded participants that fasting is prescribed to develop righteousness and self-restraint, noting that in times of inflation and economic hardship, Ramadan teaches resilience, empathy, and social responsibility.
“Hunger during fasting is temporary, but it awakens us to the daily struggles of the less privileged. It softens our hearts and strengthens our commitment to social responsibility,” he stated.
Citing a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as recorded in Sahih Bukhari, he stressed that fasting without integrity is incomplete, warning against falsehood, dishonesty, and unethical practices, especially in difficult economic periods.
Addressing media practitioners directly, the ACOMORAN President described integrity as their greatest capital.
“In times of uncertainty, the public depends on credible voices. Upholding honesty in reporting, fairness in analysis, and responsibility in communication is not only professional duty but an act of worship when done sincerely for Allah,” he said.
Referencing Qur’an 65:2–3, he assured participants of Allah’s promise of provision and relief for those who remain steadfast and God-conscious, affirming that while markets may fluctuate, Allah remains Ar-Razzaq — the Ultimate Provider.
He outlined three critical lessons of Ramadan for contemporary society: sustaining hope in Allah’s divine plan, maintaining integrity in personal and professional dealings, and showing compassion by supporting the vulnerable.
“The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others,” he added, urging participants to use their platforms and influence to promote unity, ethical conduct, and societal development.
He concluded with prayers for the acceptance of fasting, divine forgiveness, economic ease for citizens, and continued success for FIBAN Ogun State in promoting responsible and ethical broadcasting.
The Guest lecturer of the day, a renowned Islam scholar, Sheikh Abdulfatai Raji As-Thaqofy, while highlighting the benefits of fasting, he disclosed that, some animals that, human beings use for medical benefits were given power their power by God through fasting as sacrifice before they can be useful for mankind.
He added that, human beings were only see religion aspect of fasting and a way of obeying one of the commandments of Allah, but science later discovered the benefits of fasting in human health, and medical doctors are also prescribing it for their patients if required.
He implored Muslims Hummah to see fasting, most especially during Ramadan as a thing that mostly benefit them than religion aspect of it.
The Ramadan lecture served as a platform for spiritual reflection and renewed commitment to moral excellence among media professionals and the wider Muslim community in Ogun State.
