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, the Wazeer Muslimeen of Oyo State, made this call at the weekend while speaking at the Anwar-ul Islam College Agege Old Students’ Association (ACAOSA) 11th Annual Ramadan Lecture. He noted that Islam has time-tested and trusted principles that, if duly adopted, could help the country overcome its numerous challenges.
Speaking on the topic “Islamic Panacea to Contemporary Economic and Social Challenges in Nigeria,” he pointed out that an Islamic solution would require the government to reduce the level of capitalism in the country and address the widening gap between the rich and the poor.
The Islamic scholar appealed to President Tinubu to increase efforts in food production to earn prayers for himself and his government, lamenting that the poverty level in the country was too high.
*”The Islamic solution is for the government to eradicate or reduce the level of capitalism that is going on in the country. We need to close the gap between the rich and the poor.
“The poverty level is too high, and we are appealing to President Bola Tinubu—we know he is doing his best.
“He met the country in a dilapidated state and has made significant efforts to put it back on track.
“However, we still urge him to prioritise food production so that the masses will eventually pray for him and his government,”* Akeugbagold said.
Speaking further, the Islamic cleric linked prevailing social decadence to parental failure but affirmed that Islam provides solutions not only to political and economic challenges but also to social problems in Nigeria.
According to him, Islam is founded on the principles of love, trust, justice, equity, sharing, mutual respect, care for the poor, and participatory governance—values whose absence has hindered the nation’s growth.
Akeugbagold explained that Islam, through the principle of Zakat, offers a solution to poverty and inequality. However, he lamented that division, hatred, and capitalism had prevented Islamic solutions from effectively working for the nation.
The President-General of ACAOSA Global, Dr Abdulfatai Afolabi, stated that the lecture was carefully chosen to address the country’s pressing realities. He emphasised that Islam offers a divine solution rooted in justice, equity, and ethical governance.
“In a world fraught with economic hardship, social unrest, and moral decay, Islam provides a divine solution grounded in justice, equity, and ethical governance,” Afolabi said.
Reflecting on the sacrifices and contributions of Nigeria’s founding fathers, Afolabi described the gathering as a sacred assembly of intellectuals, believers, and torchbearers of Islam, united in the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and faith promotion.
The National President of the Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, Alhaji Mubashir Ojelade, in his goodwill message, applauded the old students for their contributions to the school’s growth and development.
Similarly, Justice Ibrahim Olorunnimbe, one of the Fathers of the Day, commended the organising committee, stating that Islam provides divine remedies for the nation’s challenges.
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He noted that the country was experiencing a fundamental period of change and urged all Nigerians to “work hard, pray, and do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of our fellow men,” stressing that it was the duty of all citizens.
Chief Kessington Adebutu, also a Father of the Day and represented by Aare Kola Oyefeso, stated that Ramadan was not only about abstinence from food but also about love and helping others.
Adebutu, who donated N10 million to ACAOSA, commended the association for its countless contributions to society.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Tijani Folawiyo, represented by Imam Abdul-Hakeem Kosoko, praised the association’s various interventions and pledged N5 million to support ACAOSA’s growth and development.
Meanwhile, the Founder and Al-Imam of Sofwatul-Amaanah Islamic Foundation of Nigeria, Sheikh Jumah Ahmad, has called for harmony among government arms to improve citizens’ lives.
Ahmad, the guest speaker at the Abdulwahid Islamic Foundation’s 16th Annual Ramadan Programme titled “Governance and Humanity,” made this appeal in Lagos.
Speaking on the principles of Islamic governance, Ahmad emphasised consultation, justice, and public interest, stating that governance for humanity is both the creation and purpose of God.
According to him, governance unites humanity in pursuit of a common purpose and agenda for creation, adding that an ideal situation would see all government arms cooperate to improve human conditions.
The Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Dele Oshinowo, stressed that both leaders and citizens must act with humanity and instil these values in children.
Oshinowo, represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Bashir Omogbolahan (Elewedu), donated N400,000 to support the foundation’s work for the needy.
Additionally, the foundation has empowered 10 Asalatu groups with N200,000 to support members seeking loans for small businesses.
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