ECONOMIC REVIVAL: SANWO-OLU, CLERICS SEEK SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has enjoined Nigerians to be focused and stand with Almighty Allah in prayer to see the Nation through the present economic challenges.
The Governor gave this charge on Saturday at the Lagos Central Mosque 2024 Annual Ramadan Public Lecture (1445 A.H) with the theme “The Current Economic Situation: Solution from Islamic Perspective”, held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the lecture by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that what Nigerians need presently is to be patient with the government, while he asked the leaders to come up with policies that will be good for the Nation’s economy.
According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, society cannot afford to be toxic as people go to social media to curse which is not the solution, stressing that the solution is for us all to come together and pray so that things can be better for our country.
“The reality of things is that the withdrawal of subsidy which we all used to over decades, will come with challenges. So my advice is that we sustain what we are doing, be prayerful, and be focused and I am sure that very soon things will change for the better”. he said.
While maintaining that the direction of the government’s efforts is good, he added that things will be tough before they get better, praying that Almighty Allah would grant the leaders the strength and fortitude to keep pursuing the right path for the Nation to come out of the present situation.
The Guest Lecturer at the event, Alfa Agba of Lagos, Sheikh Mujitaba Giwa urged Nigerians to be patient and be more prayerful as the present economic downturn experienced is a result of a test from Allah.
He noted that Allah tempts nations that are not truthful and harbour unbelievers who are always committing acts that are considered “ungodly”, citing examples such as where men dressed as women, indiscriminately kidnappings, killings, and so on.
According to the Islamic Cleric, the Federal government must look at the decentralisation of the management of mineral resources in different parts of the country.
His words, “Allah has blessed the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory with different natural resources, so why can’t they permit the states to manage their resources instead of the central government allocating its licenses to whoever they please?”, he asked.
“Allah tests every nation with five things namely; Fear, Hunger, Destruction of Currency, Death and Bad Harvest. But any nation that seeks the face of Allah and does his will, He is always ready to heal their lands and remove hunger, poverty, and deprivations”, the Sheikh added.
