Nigerians have been advised to engage in critical thinking and responsible decision making in order to fast-track the development of the nation.
Prof. Muritala Kareem, a lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, gave the advise on Monday in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kareem spoke at a quarterly lecture organised by the Criterion, Association of Muslim Women in Business and Professions, Oyo District.
The lecture is titled “Islamic Perspectives on Positive Thinking and Capacity Building: Critical Thinking and Self Appraisal Skills for Success in Life and Hereafter”.
According to Kareem, many Nigerians now regret their actions due to some critical decisions taken impatiently.
The don, who’s the event’s guest lecturer, said that patience, positive thinking, and contentment with prayer were vital for peaceful coexistence in society.
“If you think critically but positively about other human beings, and are content with what God has given you, you will not hurt your fellow human beings, and there will not be any chaos in society.
“A lot of Nigerians are facing challenges in their daily activities because they are not patient; think critically before taking decisions and don’t have a negative mindset about others,” he said.
He said that patience, contentment, prayer and having a positive mindset about others would resolve many of the challenges confronting individuals in Nigeria.
“Appraising yourself and seeking knowledge will give you the opportunity to correct your wrongdoings and be closer to God,” he said.
He further called on Nigerians to always live with the fear of God and shun internet fraud and cheating others.
He noted that everyone would surely reap what he or she had sown, either positively or negatively.
The event’s host, Alhaja Anifat Olubode, called on Muslims to always be positive-minded, satisfied with what they have and grateful to God.
Olubode further urged them to refrain from imitating people who could influence them badly and continue to be prayerful to overcome their challenges.
Earlier, the Ameerah of the Association, Prof. Morufat Balogun, said the lecture was set to address issues of inferiority complex, mental health challenges and other negativities in society.
Balogun said the lecture aimed to sensitise Nigerians on the importance of contentment.
According to her, everyone has at least one blessing from God that can be improved.
She said Islam prescribed the handling of all circumstances with prayer.
The association’s Chairperson of Dawah Committee, Alhaja Sakirat Ibrahim, called on Muslims to trust in God and believe that only He could help them overcome their challenges.
Ibrahim urged them to focus on things beneficial to humanity in general to earn their reward on earth and the day of judgment. (NAN)
