……Islamic Leaders Offer Special Prayers, Pledge Support for Cleaner Environment and Youth Reorientation.
Emmanuel Ikpeama
The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has called on Islamic leaders to take a leading role in promoting peace, strengthening community security and combating the growing menace of drug abuse among youths, describing religious institutions as indispensable partners in nation-building and grassroots development.
AKOD made the appeal while hosting members of the League of Imams during their monthly prayer meeting at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, where the clerics offered special prayers for the peace, security, stability and continued progress of Ikeja, Lagos State and Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman stressed that ensuring the safety of lives and property requires the active participation of every stakeholder, particularly religious leaders whose influence extends to families, communities and the younger generation.
He described Ikeja as one of Lagos State’s most strategic local governments, being home to the Lagos State Government House, the renowned Computer Village, as well as the local and international wings of the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
According to him, the council’s strategic importance makes it imperative for residents to remain vigilant and work hand in hand with government and security agencies to safeguard the area against criminal activities.
AKOD also expressed concern over the increasing challenge of drug abuse and youth restiveness, urging the Imams to intensify moral teachings and community sensitisation aimed at steering young people away from substance abuse, cultism and other social vices.
The Chairman further appealed to residents to embrace environmental responsibility by desisting from indiscriminate waste disposal, noting that a clean environment is essential to healthy living and sustainable development.
He reaffirmed that the council’s environmental task force would continue to enforce sanitation regulations against offenders, while assuring residents that government is collaborating with relevant agencies to address waste management challenges affecting parts of Lagos State.
“Our collective responsibility is to build a peaceful, secure and healthy Ikeja. Government cannot do it alone. We need the support of religious leaders, community stakeholders and every resident to make our local government a model for others,” AKOD said.
Speaking on behalf of the League of Imams, the Chief Imam of Ikeja Central Mosque, Alhaji Kamorudeen Adeola Ilo, commended the Executive Chairman for his proactive leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of the people.
He assured AKOD of the League’s continued cooperation, pledging that Imams across Ikeja would intensify campaigns against drug abuse and other social vices through regular sermons, counselling and community engagement programmes.
The Chief Imam also offered prayers for divine guidance, wisdom and greater success for the AKOD administration, expressing confidence that the Chairman’s policies and programmes would continue to deliver meaningful development, peace and prosperity for the people of Ikeja.
