… MD/CEO says program will promote religious inclusiveness

The Muslim faithful of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA has held its annual Ramadan Public Lecture, at the Authority’s headquarters, Ijora-Olopa.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the Executive Director, Finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, noted that the public lecture had become a yearly exercise during the holy month of Ramadan, to promote religious inclusiveness within the agency, urging the faithful to make good use of the message of the day.

He said, “This Ramadan public lecture is organised yearly by LAWMA, and this is the third year. We saw this lecture as a means of bonding and strengthening ties among the Muslim communities within LAWMA and the Otto community”.

“We have been urged to propagate the message of Ramadan, which dwells on charity and unity. This we have been championing through our annual Ramadan lecture in the community. We have carefully chosen the topic, “Using Islamic Principles to Improve Nigeria’s Economic Crisis; Role of Citizens”, to ensure everyone goes home with the optimism that we all have a role to play in the development of our country. I am confident that the guest lecturer will guide us with his depth of knowledge”, he added.

Gbadegesin urged the faithful that, as they continue to practice self discipline, self- control, sacrifice and empathy for the needy, they must not forget to care for the environment. He admonished the people to desist from indiscriminate dumping not only during Ramadan, but even after, stressing that, what we give to the environment is what it gives back to us.

The guest lecturer and National Missioner of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Ahmad, enjoined Muslims to invest in real assets, as part of citizens’ roles in combating the economic crisis bedeviling the country.

In an insightful discourse on the current state of the economy, Sheik Ahmad highlighted the collective responsibility of citizens, emphasizing the need to dig deeper into the root causes of economic challenges, noting that the crucial role of the Muslim ummah was to uphold zakat principles.

He said that “All mosques and members of the Muslim ummah should comprehend and adhere to the essence of zakat as it is significant in fostering economic equity. We need to encourage interest-free finance within the structured banking system. Let’s invest in Sukook rather than embracing interest-based finance; it is unIslamic.

Addressing the issue of fair trade practices, the speaker called upon businesses and traders to refrain from unreasonable price hikes during festive periods or special circumstances, stressing the negative effects of excessive spending, particularly on occasions like birthdays, instead of in tangible assets.

“Greed and unequal distribution are impediments to economic growth. Therefore, ethical consumption habits should be embraced. People need to invest more and consume less. As citizens, it is important that we heed these insights and collectively work towards a more sustainable and equitable economic future,” he said.

The speaker commended the Lagos State Government for its commendable efforts in food distribution initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, while advocating enhanced strategies to effectively address poverty and hunger. He called for prayers for Mr. President, as the leader of the nation.

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akiolu, represented by the Olorogun Agbeje of Lagos, Chief Waheed Yusuf, commended LAWMA management for organising a spiritual event for the benefit of all.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of LOTUS Bank, Alhaja Kafilat Yusuf, represented by the Chief Digital Officer, Mr. Abdul Wasiu Popoola, appreciated the Authority and Otto community for their robust partnership, adding that the Ramadan lecture would foster unity and love among the people.

Also present at the event are the Oloto of Otto, Oba Bashir Abisoye Odesanya, members of the Lagos White Cap Chiefs, top management staff of LAWMA, and Chief Imams in Otto community, ijora olopa among others.