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In a world grappling with the twin challenges of food insecurity and economic instability, the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation has emerged as a beacon of hope. On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the Foundation hosted its 8th Annual Ramadan Lecture and Special Prayers for the Nation in Abuja. This year’s theme, “Ramadan Lessons on Food Security: Building Nigeria’s Path to Sustainable Economic Growth and National Development,” drew attention to the critical need for sustainable solutions to some of Nigeria’s most pressing issues.
The event was a multifaceted gathering that brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and citizens from various walks of life. It combined Ramadan lectures, national prayers, empowerment programs, training sessions, and an exhibition. The Foundation’s efforts were squarely aimed at uplifting vulnerable groups—widows, persons with disabilities (PWDs), unemployed youth, and the Almajiri community—by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to achieve self-reliance.
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Focus on Sustainable Empowerment
Imam (Dr.) Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan, Founder and Chairman of the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, emphasized that empowerment goes far beyond financial assistance. According to him, true empowerment involves equipping individuals with skills, resources, and opportunities that allow them to sustain themselves over the long term. 
“We are going to empower four categories of people in this hall today,” Dr. Aliagan said passionately. “The widows will be trained and empowered. When you train somebody, you are directly empowering them. We will empower Almajiris. We are going to train and empower people with disabilities and unemployed youth. We pray that Allah will make this happen beyond our expectations.”
Dr. Aliagan encouraged Nigerians to embrace modern agricultural practices such as smart farming, which leverages technology to optimize food production. He argued that self-reliance in food production is essential to combating poverty and ensuring food security.
The Role of Leadership in Food Security
The event featured notable speakers who highlighted the importance of food security as a cornerstone of national development. Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by Deputy Director Audu Ayuba Mayo, underscored the urgency of addressing food insecurity.
“Food security is not just an economic or agricultural concern; it is a fundamental aspect of national development and social stability. A well-nourished society is a productive one, and ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food is essential for national growth and peace,” Issa-Onilu stated. 
He urged all stakeholders—government agencies, private organizations, religious institutions, and citizens—to support local farmers, reduce food waste, and adopt responsible consumption habits. The NOA, he added, remains committed to mobilizing Nigerians to embrace behavioral changes and policies that protect the most vulnerable.
Youth Engagement and Crime Prevention
Representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, CSP Faruk U. Dange highlighted the connection between youth engagement and crime prevention.
“An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. If the youth are engaged in productive activities like agriculture, they will have no time for crime. We must involve them in food production while also ensuring their safety,” he said.
Dange also called for greater collaboration between citizens and security agencies, emphasizing the importance of providing timely information to combat crime effectively.
Small Steps Toward Big Changes
Dr. Oyeleke Rasaq, a retired director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, advocated for small-scale agricultural initiatives that can make a big difference. He suggested that Nigerians grow their own food, citing snail farming as an example of an affordable and effective way to enhance food security without significant financial investment.
“The solution is for each and every one of us to learn how to farm on our own without serious capital. You can do farming in your respective homes. You can do what we call snail farming and others,” he advised.
Dr. Aliagan echoed this sentiment, urging NGOs, private individuals, and the government to support agricultural empowerment programs that promote self-reliance and reduce dependency.
A Vision for a Food-Secure Nigeria
Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Mr. Salman Salman, commended the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation for selecting such a timely and important topic.
“Now that food security has become an issue the world over, it is essential that we put our acts together to ensure that we provide for those who are less privileged,” Senator Mustapha said.
He reiterated the importance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call to “produce what we eat and eat what we produce,” emphasizing the need for increased investment in local food production.
A Holistic Approach to Empowerment
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing innovative agricultural products and practices. Vendors and farmers engaged in buying and selling activities, demonstrating the potential for practical agricultural engagement to drive food security.
As the event drew to a close, Dr. Aliagan made an impassioned appeal to wealthy individuals and corporate organizations to invest in empowering Nigerians through sustainable agriculture.
“The more they give, the more they are expected to give,” he said, highlighting the multiplier effect of generosity and investment in human capital.
With prayers for national peace, economic prosperity, and food sufficiency, the event left attendees inspired and motivated to take practical steps toward self-reliance and communal support.
A Call to Action
The 8th Annual Ramadan Lecture organized by the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation exemplified the essence of Ramadan—compassion, sacrifice, and collective responsibility. Beyond charity, the Foundation’s approach demonstrated the critical role of empowerment, education, and policy engagement in addressing food insecurity and economic challenges in Nigeria.
As the country continues to grapple with rising food prices, unemployment, and security concerns, initiatives like this offer a roadmap for a self-sufficient and economically stable Nigeria—one where every citizen has the means to feed themselves and contribute meaningfully to society.
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