…Partners APC Candidate on Youth Empowerment, Skills Education Reform

The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has reaffirmed its backing for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, using a key consultative session to push for structural educational reforms, youth empowerment, and the formal institutionalization of Islamic legal frameworks in the state.

The engagement, held at the Anwar Ul Islam Movement headquarters in Iponri, Surulere, brought together prominent Islamic organizations, scholars, and youth leaders to deliberate on the future of the state with the APC governorship candidate and current Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

Coordinator of the Islamic Research and Training Institute,Sheikh Abdulfatah Abdulmojeed, urged state authorities to establish a Sharia Court in Lagos to cater to the religious and legal needs of the Muslim population.

The MCLS President Alhaji Mohammed Oyinlomo Danmole announced plans for a new vocational training center in Lagos to curb social vices. Concurrently, NACOMYO representative Isiaq Abdulsalam demanded greater political inclusion and economic recognition for young Muslims.

The Criterion representative, Dr. Sherifat Yusuf, advocated for peaceful elections, charging Hamzatwhom she described as a pride of Islam in government to rule with Islamic principles rooted in justice, fairness and inclusivity.

Former President of the Anwar Ul Islam Movement, Alhaji Mubashiru Ojelade, lauded the APC for presenting a candidate who is faithful, highly competent, and broadly acceptable to the electorate.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Hamzat outlined his vision for Lagos while responding directly to the community’s requests:

“ On the establishment of a Sharia Court, Hamzat clarified that any judicial modifications require formal engagement with constitutional authorities and the judicial arm of government.”

Hamzat warned against relying solely on formal academic degrees without practical expertise. “Parents have neglected skills in exchange for education. Education and acquisition of skills must go hand in hand,” he stressed, pledging to realign academic curricula with industry needs to solve unemployment.

Highlighting the breakdown of the traditional family structure, Hamzat expressed alarm over data showing high rates of spousal abandonment. He pledged legislative action to enforce legal child welfare responsibilities on fathers, connecting domestic neglect directly to the rising number of out-of-school children.

To support streamlining’ growing population of nearly 30 million, Hamzat promised targeted support to scale registered MSMEs to 500,000, tax regime streamlinings, and measures to curb brain drain among healthcare and technical professionals.