‘Muslims should lead Nigeria’s development agenda’

Muslims have been enjoined to lead and lend a helping hand to the resolution of Nigeria’s development conundrum.

Indeed, the Unilag (University of Lagos) Muslim Community, has called on the faithful to play a leading role in alleviating poverty and in addressing the security challenges facing the country at the moment.

Chairman Unilag Muslim Community, Prof Lai Olurode, in a post-Ramadan message, said: “There is so much poverty in our country, definitely, government is overwhelmed. Poverty is over 60 per cent. Insecurity is generalised.

“Muslims are therefore enjoined to take the bull by the horn and lend a helping hand to the gradual resolution of Nigeria’s development conundrum. No matter, our station in life, we all have a role to play in alleviating and in addressing the security challenges facing our country.

“We should try and lift family members from poverty by whatever means possible. We can adopt a child from a poor home and his education or trade. We can also join hands with neighbours so that security levy is paid. Information on security must not be withheld.

“We urge Nigerians of different shades of opinion to remain active citizens as we enter the third decade of our democratization efforts. We must not lose hope but remain prayerful and vigilant in the expectation that no government will knowingly be inflicting punishments on its people.

“Nigerians are urged to continue to reflect the spirit of tolerance and sacrifice which Ramadan represents, especially, in their relationship with government,” he said.

Urging the Muslims to continue the good deeds after Ramadan, he said: “The acts of goodness aren’t Ramadan bound. The poor do not all disappear during Ramadan. Habits and indulgence from which we have abstained during Ramadan should be shunned forever. Our leaders need prayers, especially, President Mohammadu Buhari,” he said.