In this interview conducted by Sodiq Lawal and Tijani AbdulKareem from Dpath To Jannah Media Hub, the new Amir of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN)Lagos, Kamoldeen Abiona speaks about his plans for the Muslim students and lots more.
D2J Media Hub: Can we meet you?Â
Amir: My name is Kamoldeen Abiona. I am the newly appointed Amir of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit. I was born in Itire, Surulere. I had most of my education in Lagos.
I love teaching and I am passionate about mentoring the young ones, especially in the areas of academic excellence, spiritual uplift and personal development.
D2J Media Hub: You recently emerged as the Amir of MSSN Lagos. How did you feel about it?
Amir: Hmm… How did I feel? It was not only shocking, though there were feelers from the interview at the Electoral Committee (Shurah). On appointment, there were mixed feelings. It was expected and unexpected. Expected in the sense that Allaah appoints whomever He wishes, hence the destiny. But unexpected because I’m not unaware of many other members who are more capable, dedicated and competent than I am whom I know are fit for the job. More so, I have thought of taking a break having served in the state hierarchy for ten consecutive years in various offices. The position of the Amir is that which comes with sacrifice, commitment, and resilience and is time-consuming. In all, I pray Almighty makes the task easy for me and other officeholders, as it is taking responsibility for millions of Muslim students in the State.
D2J Media Hub: As the new Amir, What are your plans for the Muslim students in Lagos State?
Amir: Firstly, it is noteworthy that the task is not that of an individual, but a team. As I’m elected the Amir, other brothers and sisters are as well selected as officers for their respective offices. Hence, this position is not as it used to be in our democratic politics and governance where the President, Governor or Chairman has his sole agenda.
The work in an organisation like ours is a collective one. I’ve only been appointed to be the team lead. Therefore, to act in this capacity effectively and efficiently, it’ll be in collaboration with other executive members, cooperation with leaders of the organisation at all strata and consultation with stakeholders especially past leaders of the Society.
In addition, I plan to ensure that we intensify more efforts into the successes we met on the ground, sustaining the good legacies of our predecessors and strengthening our branches and membership base.
D2J Media Hub: What different thing do you wish to do that will stand unique in MSSN Lagos?
Amir: There’s no one thing in particular but in-sha’a Allaah, we should be focusing on strengthening our bases by reaching communities through grassroots mobilisation. Attention will be on improving the quality of the weekly gathering (the Usrah) at all levels, monitoring the effective school coordination, reviving the extramural classes (EMCs) in our Area Councils, and intensive student-counselling support and career development. We will as well look into retaining members to enhance the manpower for the mentorship of the young members.
D2J Media Hub: Leadership is full of challenges. How did you intend to deal with any challenge that may confront you?
Amir: Challenges are meant to make us stronger and gain more experience. I’m not holding this office alone, as I stated earlier. I have a cabinet with strongminded and dedicated officeholders, who are enthusiastic to combat challenges. I won’t also hesitate to seek guidance from the leadership of other hierarchies. Past leaders, who are my predecessors, without a doubt would have faced some of those challenges or those similar; I’ll be ready to consult and learn from their wealth of experience. Consultation is an integral part of leadership in our Islaam. I will also try to apply the problem-solving skills, strategic thinking skills I have acquired over time and timely provide solutions to challenges we may encounter.
D2J Media Hub: Have you attained any position before in MSSN? If yes; share your experiences.
Amir: Yes, I have been playing active roles as a member since my secondary school days when I was Imam/Missioner. And after secondary education, I was part of those mentored and coordinated various secondary school branches. I tutored and later managed the Extra-Mural Classes at my Area Council.
I’ve served MSSN in various positions such as Welfare Officer, Public Relations Officer, Director of Studies and General Secretary at the Higher Institution Branch, Central Branch and Area Council. I was also a two-term Amir of an Area Council.
I’ve been in active and continuous service since 2003. To date, that’s more than 20 years of holding different positions in MSSN. I believe the over twenty years of service will assist my proficiency in this recent appointment.
