More than 400 participants gathered in Ilorin as the Kwara State Chapter of the Standard Bearers Islamic Organisation (SB) hosted its 16th Annual Symposium. During the event, Islamic scholars, academics, and community leaders collectively called upon young people to take the forefront in restoring trust across all areas of society.

The symposium, which was themed "Brave the Tempest: Build the Trust," took place at the FOMWAN Multi Purpose Hall on Fate Road, Ilorin. The event featured several thought provoking lectures that critically examined the expanding deficit of trust in Nigerian governance and, specifically, within the Muslim Ummah.

Delivering the keynote lecture, titled "Trust Deficit in Governance: A Clarion Call," Dr. Haruna Sanusi Lafiagi of Al Hikmah University argued that the current erosion of trust in Nigeria is a reflection of a wider societal decay, rather than being simply a failure of leadership.

According to Dr. Lafiagi: "Nigeria's problem is not mostly leadership; the followers are the main problem. The followers lack trust, and that is the promise of God, you will be given leaders that reflect your society."

He further stressed that the essential qualities of integrity, strength, and trustworthiness must guide both leaders and followers if the nation is to achieve genuine reform and progress.

Also speaking, Dr. Ganiyu Abideen, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, described trust as the lifeblood of human relationships and social stability.

"Without trust, the community will be disconnected," he warned, citing examples of betrayal in financial dealings, family ties, and the public service.

He urged civil servants and youths to restore credibility through honesty and accountability.

In his goodwill message, Alhaji Salihu Gidado, Chairman of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Kwara State Branch, said societal transformation must begin with individuals.

"It is our duty to be trustworthy as a people before we can call out our leaders. I urge the youths to champion this theme, because they are the leaders of tomorrow," he stated.

The Chief Host and Kwara State Coordinator of SB, Imaam Abdulhafeez Adeagbo, explained that the annual symposium aims to promote the core Islamic value of Amanah (trust) as a foundation for community development.

"Our vision is to create an enabling environment for Muslims to practice pristine Islam. Pristine Islam cannot thrive without trust, which is central to faith, governance, and social progress," he said. The Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Habeeb Omokanye of the University of Ilorin, described the symposium as a "wake-up call" for Nigerians to renew their moral commitment to truth and reliability.

He added that rebuilding trust requires "a balance of accountability, god-consciousness (Taqwah), and consistent call to goodness (Da'wah)."

Dignitaries present included the Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), among others.