At UMA Pre-Ramadan Lecture, Hamzat Cautions Muslims On Hazards Of AI
By Idris Bakare
The Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has commended the UNILAG Muslim Alumni (UMA), on its 30th pre-Ramadan lecture, urging Muslims to be wary of hazards posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) while exploring the new technology.
Hamzat disclosed this at the 30th Pre-Ramadan Lecture organised by the University Muslim Alumni of the University Of Lagos, with the Theme ” Transformative Power of Ramadan” held at the J.F Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka on Sunday.
The Lagos deputy governor said one of the core parts of Ramadan is charity, which is known as zakat or sadaqah. “During this holy month, Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of giving and extend kindness and support to those in need. From providing food to the hungry to offering shelter to the homeless, Ramadan’s giving encompasses a wide array of charitable efforts aimed at uplifting the less fortunate.”
“In the holy month of Ramadan, thousands of Muslims around the globe engage in fasting. Sure, the fasting is challenging – going without food and drink from dawn to dusk is no easy feat. But to Muslims, Ramadan is about so much more than just abstaining. It’s a time to purify the soul, practice self-discipline, and most importantly, extend a hand to those in need.
“Ramadan beholds the spirit of giving and charity. Charity during Ramadan, known as ‘Zakat’, emphasizes the importance of helping others. By showing kindness and generosity during this special month, we can make a positive difference in the world. Let’s remember the true spirit of Ramadan and spread love and compassion to all.”
Speaking on the future threat by AI, Hamzat lamented that science no doubt has taken over the entire human lives urging the Muslim Ummah to be conscious and be deliberate in protecting their children from being controlled by the influence of Artificial intelligence.
He also lamented the growing and worrisome attitude of men who now abandoned homes for women to battle with the challenges of raising the children.
Also speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who was represented by Prof Bolanle Obo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics & Research, Bola commended the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, UMA for sustaining the unique tradition in the last 30 years.
She said that that this year’s Ramadhan fast is unique as it starts almost at the same time with the Christian Lent season.
In his welcome address, the President of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, Abdulmumin Alao, said the theme of the Lecture was unique as it highlights the immense benefits embedded in the Holy month so the faithful can prepare to exploit them in full.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, the 9th month of Islamic calendar and pescribed by Allah for the Muslims to fast between 29 to 30 days.
” This Annnaual Pre- Ramadan is just one of our numerous programmes at the University of Lagos Muslim Alunmi. But the only other programmes that I would like to highlight in this address is our scholarship programme under which we support indigent Muslimm post-graduate student to pursue careers in the academia. As an association of intellectual, UMA decided to focus on this specifc area of need when we noticed the huge shortage of Muslkm manpower in the sector.” He said
Also in an effort to ensure its members lived a healthy life, the alumni earlier held free medical check for them.
