Lagos Deputy Governor says sacrifices, prayers needed for a Greater Lagos ... As LASG hosts Muslims at Eid Ul Adha

By Cornelius Kayode

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has underscored the importance of prayers and sacrificial life style in order to attain the Greater Lagos vision being championed by the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. 

The Deputy Governor spoke at the Lagos State Year 2023 Eid-el-Kabir Celebration, held on Sunday at Lagos House, Ikeja with the theme: “Indeed, I will Make You A Leader of The People,” Quran 2: 124.

He said that Eid-el-Kabir festival is held in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim and his family’s devotion to obeying Allah’s command, adding that the celebration also indicates the completion of Arafat rites by Muslim Pilgrims in Makkah, thus signifying the perfection of Islam.

While making reference to the life of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, Dr. Hamzat said that both Muslims and non-Muslims alike owe it a duty to intercede on behalf of their leaders, saying that the task of administering a cosmopolitan State like Lagos requires the support of those being governed. 

He said: "We all must sacrifice individually and collectively to move Nigeria forward. Our ability to gather in our different places of worship is because our society is peaceful. " It is on this note that I covet your prayers for this administration and for Nigeria as a whole because for us to continue to perform our religious activities, there must be peace in our society. " the Deputy Governor stated.

Speaking on the theme of the event: “Indeed, I will Make You A Leader of The People,” the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said that the theme is particularly instructive as it places emphasis on the fact that one cannot become a leader without being faithful, available, and teachable.

She averred that Almighty Allah rewarded Prophet Ibrahim with a leadership position after he passed the test of being faithful to God’s command, being available to carry out the instruction, and having a teachable heart that is receptive to learning.      

 Dr. Sanwo-Olu said that “As we bask in the euphoria of this celebration, let us be reminded of the obligation on us to be indeed faithful, available, and teachable in the Lord and also pass this on to our children so much so that they are made to know and appreciate the need to equally be faithful to Allah’s commands.“This should, therefore, serve as a consistent reminder to be above board in terms of our relationship with Allah, and also embrace peace, unity, and honesty as we interface with people out there.Let us also continue to commit our leaders and dear country in our prayers, and be faithful in performing our civic obligations,” the First Lady pleaded. 

The Guest Lecturer at the event who is also the Chief Imam, DaaruNaim Central Mosque, Alimosho, Lagos, Sheik Imran Abdul Mojeed Eleha noted that the prosperity of Lagos lies in the hands of both leaders and the followers, maintaining that there must be a balance in the expected responsibilities of both parties.

According to him, followers must pray for their leaders and obey the laws of the land, the same way leaders must exemplify Godly attitudes expected of true leaders .He advised political leaders especially legislators to make laws that align with the dictates of the Holy Quran instead of making laws for self benefits or to intimidate the less privileged.

The occasion was attended by dignitaries, Islamic clerics, the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Lagos State Chapter and other top government functionaries.