Killings: Islamic Cleric urges Aiyedatiwa to empower security agencies
Chief Imam of Allahu Wahid Central Mosque, Ondo, Alhaji Abdul Rafiu Ajiboye Lagbaji, has appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to empower all security agencies in the state over rising insecurity in the Sunshine state.
Alhaji Lagbaji urged Aiyedatiwa to swing into action to tackle security challenges in the state.
Lagbaji spoke in Akure while delivering the 2025 Ramadan Lecture organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo state Council.
He urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to curtail criminal elements in the state.
Lagbaji, who acknowledged efforts of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to fighting insecurity, condemned rising kidnappings and killings across Ondo State.
He said the primary responsibility of a responsible government was the protection of life and property.
Speaking on the theme: “Islam, Leadership and Good Governance: Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Challenges“, Alhaji Lagbaji said government at all levels mist make conscious efforts to improve economic opportunities, prosperity and equality for all segments of the society irrespective of their religion.
His words, “To move this country forward, we need equity and fairness at the federal, state and local government. Providing economic opportunities for all, including marginal groups, will reduce the propensity for conflict and rivalry.
“Also, there must be religious unity. We must see ourselves as one. Once we acknowledge this, our problem is half solved.”
Ondo NUJ Chairman, Leke Adegbite, urged Aiyedatiwa to adopt necessary security measure to save the state.
He said there woild be no meaningful development with provision of adequate security.
Chairman, Ondo Correspondents’ Chapel, Tosin Ajuwon said the Ramadan Lecture was to help foster religious tolerance as well as promote peaceful coexistence among people of different religious leanings.
“As we fast and pray, we also need a deep reflection, looking through that Nigeria is passing through a fundamental period at this stage. We are all both experiencing the hardship in the country. There is now a wide gap between the rich and the poor as a result of our economic challenges. The poverty level is so high, and hardly could people afford their daily needs. It’s a difficult period and worsening situation in our country
“And Without missing words, this could easily be linked to the type of leadership we have by providing solutions to the numerous problems, including poverty that are confroting us in the country.”
Similarly, the Chairman, planning committee and the state Vice Chairman of NUJ, Hakeem Gbadamosi said the essence of the event was to re-awaken Muslims, particularly during the month of Ramadan, to the teachings of Islam.
“As we embark on Ramadan, the correspondents’ chapel and journalists in the state want to reaffirm our unylelding support for the rights and religious freedoms of all Nigerians. We will continue to stand against any force of division or oppression, as we are committed to promoting peace, justice, and equality for all.
“However, while we observe this month in peace, we must not forget the millions of people fighting and struggling to survive the economic hardship, which led to the choice of the theme for today’s lecture, Ramadan: Islam, leadership and good governance, Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Challenges.”
