By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called for a more coordinated partnership between government and religious leaders, stressing that Imams, Alfas, and Pastors play a pivotal role in shaping public understanding and combating misinformation at the community level.
Speaking at a Capacity Training and Enhancement Workshop for Imams and Ulama in Lagos, organised by the Council of Chief Imams and Ulama with the theme “Enhancing the Partnership of Spiritual Leaders and Government in Nation Building,” the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said messages from the pulpit remain highly influential.
Sanwo-Olu noted that when religious leaders communicate government intentions clearly, citizens better understand policy directions and are more likely to support developmental efforts.
The Governor also expressed concern over the declining religious identity among youths and urged faith leaders to reinforce values that strengthen their religious heritage.
He further emphasised the importance of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in preventing communal conflict and promoting harmony among Muslims and Christians.
Delivering a lecture titled “Promoting Self-Reliance and Economic Empowerment of Spiritual Leaders,” the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Alhaji Jebe Abdullahi Ahmad, highlighted the economic vulnerability of some spiritual leaders and urged a renewed push for their empowerment.
He encouraged Imams to embrace lawful economic activities while remaining committed to spiritual duties, adding that Lagos State’s empowerment schemes such as LSETF offer viable opportunities.
Similarly, National Missioner of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur’Rahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, speaking on “The Imam as the Bridge of Trust between Government and the People,” described clerics as essential partners in policy sensitisation and national development. He said governance becomes more effective when spiritual guidance aligns with public policy.
Earlier, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos and Chairman, Council of Chief Imams and Ulama, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, said the workshop demonstrates the crucial role of faith-based collaboration in promoting peace, progress, and prosperity.
He noted that in a world facing social and economic uncertainties, synergy between religious institutions and government provides a “beacon of hope” for Nigeria’s development.
Leave a Reply