*Kessington Adebutu donates N10m to ACAOSA
A renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold, has urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts towards increasing food production and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor.
Akeugbagold, the Wazeer Muslimeen of Oyo State, made this plea at the Anwar- ul Islam College Agege Old Students’ Association (ACAOSA) 11th Annual Ramadan Lecture on Saturday.
Speaking on the topic, “Islamic Panacea to Contemporary Economic and Social Challenges in Nigeria”, the scholar said that Islam had a time-tested and trusted principles to bring the country out of its numerous challenges, if duly adopted.
“The Islamic solution is for the government to eradicate or reduce this level of capitalism that is going on in the country. We need to level it up the gap between the rich and the poor.
“The poverty level is too high and we are appealing to the President Bola Tinubu, we know he is trying his possible best.
“He (Tinubu) met the country in a dilapidated state. He has tried a lot just to put the country back on the track.
“We are still appealing to him that he should please increase his efforts on food production so that the masses will at last pray for him and for his government,” Akeugbagold said.
Linking the prevailing social decadence to parental failure, the cleric said that Islam had a panacea not only to political and economic but also social problem in Nigeria.
The scholar, who noted that Islam was founded on the principle of love, trust, justice, equity, sharing, respect to one other, caring for the poor and participatory governance, said absence of these had constituted a barrier to Nigeria’s growth.
He said that Islam through the principle of Zakat provided a solution to the problem of poverty and inequality in the society.
Akeugbagold said that division and hatred among Nigerian people, capitalism among other factors had not allow Islamic solutions to work for the nation.
Speaking, Dr Abdulfatai Afolabi, the President-General, ACAOSA Global, said the lecture had been “meticulously chosen to address the pressing realities of our nation.
“In a world fraught with economic hardship, social unrest, and moral decay, Islam offers a divine solution rooted in justice, equity, and ethical governance.”
Commending the sacrifices and contributions of founding fathers, Afolabi described the gathering as a sacred assembly of intellectuals, believers, and torchbearers of Islam, all united in the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and the promotion of the faith.
The National President of Anwar- ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, Alhaji Mubashir Ojelade, in his goodwill remark, applauded the old students for their contributions to the growth and development of the school.
One of the Fathers of the Day, Justice Ibrahim Olorunnimbe, who commended the Organising Committee, said that Islam provided divine remedies for the nation challenges.
“Nigeria is now passing through to a fundamental period. We want to say that all of us must be ready to work hard, to pray, and do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of our fellow men. That is the duty of all of us,” Olorunnimbe said.
Chief Kessington Adebutu, also the Father of the Day, who was represented by Aare Kola Oyefeso, said that Ramadan was not only about abstinence from food but about love and helping others.
Adebutu, who supported ACAOSA with N10 million, commended the association for its countless impacts.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Tijani Folawiyo, who was represented of by Imam Abdul-Hakeem Kosoko, commended various interventions by the association and pledged N5million support for the growth and development of the ACAOSA.
Delivering another lecture on Ramadan and Health, Alhaja Moriam Ottun, Director of Dietetics, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, urged Muslims to take care of what they consume for their health and well-being during and after the Ramadan.
Alhaji Tunde Balogun, a former Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), commended the efforts of ACAOSA’s president-general and the executive members for promoting the ideals of the association’s founding fathers through numerous developmental projects.
Hundreds of alumni of ACAOSA (formerly Ahmadiyya College, Agege) including former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) attended the lecture.
In a related Ramadan Lecture, Sheikh Jumah Ahmad, Founder and Al-Imam of Sofwatul-Amaanah Islamic Foundation of Nigeria, has called for a harmonious relationship among government arms to improve citizens’ lives.
Ahmad, the Guest Speaker, made this appeal at the Abdulwahid Islamic Foundation’s 16th Annual Ramadan Programme, titled ‘Governance and Humanity,’ on Saturday in Lagos.
Speaking on the principles of Islamic governance, Ahmad emphasised consultations, justice, and public interest, stating that governance for humanity is both the creation and purpose of God.
He explained that governance unites humanity in pursuit of a common purpose and agenda for creation.
“We want a situation where all government arms cooperate to improve human conditions,” Ahmad stated.
He further stressed that governance should promote harmony, peace, and the collective interest of the people.
Encouraging Muslims to foster love and respect for each other, Ahmad reminded the audience that Ramadan is not just about fasting, but improving life for humanity.
Dr Issa Jamiu, Founder and Director of Al-Manial Soffy Arabic and Islamic School, also spoke. He affirmed that governance for humanity is a command from God for those in power.
Jamiu, addressing the topic ‘Service to Mankind: The Essence of Islam,’ urged that people remain the focus of governance at all levels.
The Islamic cleric reminded Muslims to uphold humanity in their interactions, both during and after Ramadan, as service to mankind is central to Islam.
“Governance and humanity during Ramadan reflect God’s command. We must help the needy, love our neighbour, and act with humanity, both as rulers and the ruled,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Abdulrazak Aderibigbe, Secretary of the foundation, explained that the theme was chosen in light of current events in Nigeria.
Aderibigbe highlighted the connection between governance and humanity, warning that failing to serve humanity risks missing God’s purpose for governance.
“In nation-building and community development, we must address both government and citizens’ roles,” he said.
The Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, Mr Dele Oshinowo, stressed that both leaders and citizens must be humane, teaching children the same.
Oshinowo, represented by Majority Leader, Mr Bashir Omogbolahan (Elewedu), supported the foundation with N400,000 for the needy.
The foundation empowered 10 Asalatu groups with N200,000 to support members seeking loans for small businesses.
