Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, has pledged that his government would continue to foster the religious tolerance and peace for which Lagos is renowned.
The Governor announced this at the Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, the venue of the Launch of a N10 Billion Endowment Fund by the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), saying that significant development can only occur in an atmosphere of peace.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, praised the efforts of religious leaders who have contributed to the peaceful coexistence within the state in order to ensure that Lagosians continue to live in peace despite religious differences.
He lauded the collaboration of the various religious organisations, noting that his government has always benefited from their quick participation in proposing suitable answers to problems.
Nonetheless, he urged the Ummah to continue to pray for the success of the government’s mission to provide leadership under difficult conditions.
The Governor went on to explain that the objective of the launch is to construct an International Resource Centre that would be of enormous use to all Muslims and community members.
Sanwo-Olu said that after the project is completed, it would serve as a centre that promotes the exchange of ideas and the growth of mutual respect within the community.
He said, “The project will create access to resources such as finance and education which is very relevant given the intolerance that has been observed within the country in recent times.”
The Governor also praised the leadership of the MUSWEN for their forethought, generosity, and adherence to the ideals of peace and brotherhood.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, speaking on the next general election in 2023, urged Nigerians to inform, educate, and encourage their family, friends, and others to avoid electoral violence, bad tendencies, and to always pursue peace.
In his remarks, the Chief Host, Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji, Dr. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged Muslims to continue campaigning for a unified Islam and to not let any encroachment, especially during election season.
“Muslims have no business with poverty if we are helpful to one another, there is no need for Muslims to be poor, if we follow the standard of Islam, help one another, pay zakat and follow the directives of Allah,” said the Sultan.
He stated that the International Resource Centre initiative is for the whole Ummah, not just the Ummahs in the Southwest, since it would improve the quality of life for Muslims and non-Muslims alike and hence help a large number of people.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Dr. Sulaymaniyah Adegunwa, stated that the Endorsement Fund will help strengthen the Muslims of the Southwest and leave them with a legacy that will allow them to compete favourably with their peers anywhere in the world.
He stated that the funding would allow MUSWEN to carry out its research initiatives, specified programmes, and projects.
Similarly, in his sermon, the National Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Imam AbdurRahman Ahmad, urged everyone to trade with Allah and invest in projects that cannot crash or drop, but are stable.
He said, “Individuals who want their accounts to be perpetually credited even in the grave should trade with Allah.”