About 4 years ago, I delivered a presentation on the importance of living a life of impact, selflessness, and service to humanity.
 
In that presentation, I emphasized that we should not be driven solely by greed or personal interests. Rather, we should always consider how our actions affect others and strive to be useful to society. I believe that true success is not measured merely by personal wealth or achievements but by the positive impact we make in the lives of others.
 
I encouraged people to think beyond their immediate families and to extend their support, care, and goodwill to their extended families, communities, and the many individuals they encounter throughout life. Every one of us has a responsibility to contribute positively to society and leave behind a legacy that benefits future generations.
 
Drawing inspiration from a song by a respected Islamic scholar, I reflected on the fact that many people who have passed away are still remembered, celebrated, and prayed for today because of the positive impact they made during their lifetime. The song further teaches that there are some people who are still physically alive but have contributed little or nothing to the lives of others. In that sense, they should be regarded as deceased because they have failed to leave any meaningful impact on humanity despite the blessings bestowed upon them by Almighty Allah. This powerful message reminds us that what ultimately gives value to life is not wealth, status, or longevity, but the positive influence we leave behind.
 
During the presentation, I offered prayers and paid tribute to my late Islamic teacher and mentor, Sheikh Abdul Azeez Akeusola Oloruntosin Kaanat, whose traditional Islamic chieftaincy title was Balogun Oniwaasi of Oyo State. He was a man whose teachings, guidance, and personal example had a profound impact on my life and on the lives of many others.
 
As the holder of the chieftaincy title, The Pride of the Righteous of Oyo State, I can confidently say that much of my spiritual upbringing, discipline, and commitment to serving humanity were influenced by the teachings and example of my late Alfa. His legacy continues to inspire many people long after his passing, proving that a life of impact never truly ends.
 
I also challenged both Nigerians at home and those living abroad to ask themselves a simple but important question: "What impact am I making in the lives of people around me and in my homeland?" Living overseas should never prevent us from contributing positively to the welfare, development, and progress of our communities back home.
 
Furthermore, I addressed the responsibilities of parents, particularly those raising children in Western countries. While Western education is important, I emphasized that it should be complemented by strong Islamic education and cultural education. Our children should not only excel academically but should also possess sound moral values, religious knowledge, and a deep appreciation of their cultural heritage.
 
In this regard, I encouraged parents to consider enrolling their children at Attaofeequ Billahi International School, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The school provides an environment that combines quality Western education with Islamic teachings and cultural values, and it also offers boarding facilities for students.
 
My message then, and my message today, remains the same: every one of us should strive to live a life of purpose, service, and positive impact. At the end of our journey, people will not remember us primarily for the wealth we accumulated or the positions we held. They will remember us for the lives we touched, the people we helped, and the positive difference we made in our communities and in the world.