The annual Ramadan Public Lecture organized by the Muslim faithful of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) took place at the Authority’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa.
During his welcome speech, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, who was represented by Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, the Executive Director of Finance, emphasized the significance of the public lecture as a yearly tradition during Ramadan. He stressed the importance of promoting religious inclusiveness within the agency and encouraged the attendees to heed the message of the day and apply it in their lives.
“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”, he said.
“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 to uphold principles of self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for the needy while also emphasizing the importance of environmental care. He reminded them to refrain from indiscriminate dumping not only during Ramadan but consistently, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between our actions towards the environment and what it provides in return.
The guest lecturer, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Ahmad, the National Missioner of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, urged Muslims to invest in real assets as part of their contribution to combating the economic crisis in the country. In his insightful discourse on the current economic state, Sheikh Ahmad underscored the collective responsibility of citizens. He emphasized the necessity of delving into the root causes of economic challenges and highlighted the crucial role of the Muslim ummah in upholding zakat principles.
“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”, he stated.
Speaking on the matter of fair trade practices, the speaker emphasized the importance of businesses and traders avoiding unjustifiable price increases during festive periods or other special circumstances. He highlighted the detrimental impact of excessive spending, particularly on occasions such as birthdays, as opposed to investing 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 lauded the commendable efforts of the Lagos State Government in implementing food distribution initiatives, particularly amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He advocated for enhanced strategies to effectively combat poverty and hunger, urging prayers for the well-being of the nation’s leader, Mr. President.
Representing the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akiolu, Chief Waheed Yusuf, the Olorogun Agbeje of Lagos, praised LAWMA management for organizing a spiritually enriching event for the community.
Additionally, Alhaja Kafilat Yusuf, the Managing Director of LOTUS Bank, represented by Mr. Abdul Wasiu Popoola, the Chief Digital Officer, expressed gratitude to LAWMA and the Otto community for their strong partnership. She emphasized that the Ramadan lecture would promote unity and love among the people.
Among the distinguished attendees were the Oloto of Otto, Oba Bashir Abisoye Odesanya, members of the Lagos White Cap Chiefs, senior management personnel from LAWMA, and Chief Imams from the Otto community in Ijora-Olopa, among others.
