– Explains why no Muslim heads any of State’s educational districts
By Rasheed Abubakar
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Abdulkadri Obafemi Hamzat says no one should discriminate against any person on account of religion, be it in Lagos State or any part of the country.
Hamzat who gave this warning at the N10bn Endowment Fundraising for the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) on Sunday, raised concerns about the alarming rate of religious intolerance in Nigeria.
The fundraising, meant to build a world-class national secretariat, as well as a resource and entrepreneurial centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, was attended by prominent personalities in government and private establishments.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he said, “We should not deceive ourselves, religion intolerance is still prevalent in our society. We must watch for tolerance in our country.
The deputy governor recalled two instances of religious intolerance in the country, “Let me tell you what happened two months ago. A young man came to my office and told me about one Nigerian bank where he had an interview and was successful. They told him he needs to meet the MD.
“Of course, he came from the US. He met the MD and was asked when he was going to resume. He said he would resume on Monday, In shaa Allah. The man said ‘no, remove the In shaa Allah’. It happened in this country just two months ago,” the deputy governor said.
Besides, he referenced the revelation from one of the survivors of the collapsed building in Ikoyi, Adebowale Sikiru, who narrated how he was rejected and denied employment for being a Muslim.
“The building that collapsed in Gerrard, Ikoyi, we heard what happened. Somebody went for an interview, and he was not chosen because he is a Muslim. So, the discrimination is still there and we must find a way to say it is not the right thing. Nobody should be discriminated against on account of their religion, whether a Muslim or a Christian, or even a non-believer. It’s not our call.”
Dr. Hamzat commended MUSWEN, a non-governmental and non-political umbrella body of all Muslim communities, institutions and associations in southwest Nigeria for their initiative to build a world-class national secretariat as well as a resource and entrepreneurial centre.
He described the initiative as a worthy ambition that will enable youths access finance, education and healthcare services.
“This sort of infrastructural cause that helps to train, educate and provide opportunities for Muslim youths must be commended,” he said.
He pledged that the Lagos State Government will have a clear discussion with the leadership of MUSWEN and see in what areas it could be of support.
Hamzat expressed the hope that MUSWEN will use the project to reduce the rate of intolerance in society.
“It’s a good initiative that hopefully will create access or ability for our youths to have some of the things that are missing today – like access to finance, education and health services.
“Our government appreciates the cooperation it has always enjoyed from different religious organisations and their timely interventions in providing solutions to issues.”
Muslims must embrace excellence to merit appointments
Dr. Hamzat urged Muslims to up their game, stressing that responsibilities can only be given to those who demonstrate the capacity to own them.
“As suggested, our Muslim brothers and sisters must also up their game. For instance, in Lagos, what we did was to break our schools into six zones and make principals permanent secretaries. We call them Tutor-Generals/Permanent Secretaries. It started a long time ago, during the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have six of them, and none is a Muslim.
“So, somebody came to me and said you are in government and none of them is a Muslim. I asked for the list, none of them passed. Then, I asked what I was supposed to do. Will I just give you an appointment just because you are a Muslim? No, we have criteria. The question is what are we doing to assist?”
Hamzat harps on competence
Hamzat charged Muslims to champion the advocacy of competence as the country moves to select new leaders and advised that talks on ethnicity and religion in selecting leaders must be deemphasized.
“We commend the efforts of all religious leaders in ensuring that our people continue to live in peace despite major differences. I think it’s important that we also address why we should be talking about religion when it comes to leadership. What happens to honour? What happens to knowledge? What happens to competence? As Muslims, we must champion the fact that competence is key.
“I will like to appreciate the leadership of MUSWEN for putting this together. I thank those who have contributed generously to this event.” he concluded.
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