How Lagos sustains religious tolerance – Sanwo-Olu’s aide

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Abdullahi Jebe, has shared insights into how the state government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has maintained peace and religious harmony in Lagos.

Speaking with journalists in Ikeja, Dr. Jebe explained that the state’s development strategy, first established during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as governor, has been further refined by subsequent administrations.

Having previously served as the Senior Special Adviser on Religious Matters under both President Tinubu and former Governor Babatunde Fashola, Dr. Jebe emphasized that the effective coordination of religious groups in Lagos has been crucial in fostering unity.

He highlighted that the state government, through his office, has cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders via the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), which has offices across the state.

This collaboration has ensured peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, thereby contributing to the overall religious harmony in Lagos.

According to him, “In the past, whenever the government wanted to reach out to religious bodies, it used to deal directly with the heads of religious organizations through the five divisions of the state. When Babajide Sanwo-Olu came into office, he extended the reach beyond the divisions and ensured that everyone benefitted from the government’s initiatives. This was made possible because the state already had their records and numbers.

“Leaders in these five divisions are headed by the Chief Imams, and there are other Islamic organizations, Muslim scholars, Islamic teachers, and Arabic schools that are now incorporated into the system whenever opportunities from the government arise.”

He noted that the recent distribution of food palliatives by the state government to religious associations was allocated among the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas according to the quota system within the divisions of the state.

On the success of Hajj operations in recent years, Dr. Jebe commended the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu for its numerous interventions to ease the burden of pilgrims traveling to the holy land of Makkah.

He stated: “President Tinubu attended the Lesser Hajj in 2000 and in 2001. During the exercise, he observed the challenges faced at Mount Arafat, addressed the feeding issues for pilgrims that year, and also paid for the Ihram clothes for them.

“President Tinubu set a platform of support for pilgrims during the Hajj exercise, which was followed by initiatives from other governors. Sanwo-Olu’s magnanimous interventions have since transformed pilgrimage experiences in Lagos State.”

He explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu financed the rams slaughtered by the pilgrims, facilitated visits to religious sites in Medina and Makkah, provided Ihram clothes, and ensured adequate feeding for pilgrims at Mount Arafat.

Dr. Jebe, however, urged Lagos residents to continue supporting government programmes and policies.

He also challenged religious leaders to emphasize good parenting and quality child upbringing among their followers to ensure the development of both the state and the nation.