A renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold, has urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts towards increasing food production and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. Akeugbagold made the plea during the Anwar-ul Islam College Agege Old Students’ Association (ACAOSA) 11th yearly Ramadan lecture.

The scholar, who spoke on the theme: “Islamic Panacea to Contemporary Economic and Social Challenges in Nigeria,” said that Islam had a time-tested and trusted-principles to bring the country out of its numerous challenges if duly adopted.

Akeugbagold, who noted that Islam was founded on the principle of love, trust, justice, equity, sharing, respect to one other, caring for the poor and participatory governance, said absence of these had constituted a barrier to Nigeria’s growth.

He said that the Islam, through the principle of Zakat, had provided a solution to the problem of poverty and inequality in the society. Akeugbagold said that division and hatred among Nigerian people, as well as capitalism among other factors, had not allowed Islamic solutions to work for the nation.

Meanwhile, President-General of ACAOSA Global, Dr Abdulfatai Afolabi, said the lecture had been “meticulously chosen to address the pressing realities of our nation.”

Afolabi, while commending the sacrifices and contributions of the founding-fathers, described the gathering as a sacred assembly of intellectuals, and believers of Islam, all united in the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and the promotion of the faith.

Also, the National President of Anwar-Ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, Mubashir Ojelade, in his remarks, applauded the old students for their contributions to the growth and development of the school.

One of the Fathers of the Day, Justice Ibrahim Olorunnimbe, who commended the organising committee, said that Islam provided divine remedies for the nation’s challenges.

Another Father of the Day, Sir KessingtonAdebutu, represented by Aare Kola Oyefeso, said that Ramadan was not only about abstinence from food but about love and helping others.

Chairman of the occasion, Tijani Folawiyo, represented by Imam Abdul-Hakeem Kosoko, commended various interventions by the association and pledged N5million supports for the growth and development of the ACAOSA.

HOWEVER, in another Ramadan lecture, Sheikh Jumah Ahmad, Founder and Al-Imam of Sofwatul-Amaanah Islamic Foundation of Nigeria, has called for a harmonious relationship among government arms to improve citizens’ lives.

Ahmad, the Guest Speaker, made the appeal at the Abdulwahid Islamic Foundation’s 16th yearly Ramadan programme, titled ‘Governance and Humanity,’ at the weekend, in Lagos.