Notable Muslim organisations in Nigeria have come together to draw the attention of Nigerians and the world to the Israeli genocidal war in Gaza, which has led to the death of over 45,000 Palestinians, majority of whom are women and children.
Led by the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, the pro-palestinian groups over the weekend converged on the Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos to create awareness about the plights of Palestinians and demand an immediate ceasefire in the 14-month long genocide.
Muslim News gathered that the gathering tagged #NigeriaForGaza was the climax of the three-day awareness programme put together by MPAC, a Nigerian civil rights group devoted to promoting the integration of Islam into the Nigerian pluralism, for a positive and constructive relationship between Nigerian Muslims and other elements in the society.
The pro-palestinian groups asked Nigerians, irrespective of their religions to join them in seeking justice for the Palestinians – who have been under Israeli occupation since 1967.
They also called for a complete boycott of companies or brands financing Israel’s crimes through their business proceeds.
Some of the activities at the awareness programme included goodwill messages, panel discussion featuring representatives of different Muslim organisations and distribution of educative materials summarizing happenings in Gaza to the people.
Some of the panellists were Jubril Folami (a renowned broadcaster from Muslim Media Practitioner of Nigeria), Hajia Mutiat Orolu-Balogun (human rights lawyer from Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative), Comrade Qazim Iposun (activist from The Academy), and Hajia Zaynab AbdurRazaq (chartered mediator from Guild of Muslims Professionals), among others.
MPAC praises Palestinians’ resilience in face of pain, suffering
Welcoming participants and collaborating Muslim organisations to the solidarity event held at the popular Lagos relaxation center, the convener, Mal. Kamor Disu said, “Today, we gather as a community to express our outrage, our sorrow, and our solidarity with the Palestinian people. For 75 years, they have endured displacement, occupation, and brutality. Their homes have been demolished, their lands have been confiscated, and their families have been torn apart.
Disu, who is the Executive Chairman of MPAC Nigeria, praised the resilience of the Palestinians, saying despite the pain and the suffering over the years, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality.
“They continue to inspire us with their resilience, courage, and determination”, he added.
Speaking further, the convener said, “As we stand here today, many Muslim organisations and individuals, we stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We stand against the occupation, against the apartheid, and against the oppression. We stand for justice, equality and human rights.
“Throughout this event, we will hear from powerful speakers, enjoy beautiful activities, and learn about ways to take action to support the Palestinian people.
“Therefore, let us come together today with open hearts and minds. Let us listen, let us learn, and let us take action. Let us show the Palestinian people that they are not alone, that we stand with them, and that we will continue to fight for their freedom and their rights. Thank you for joining us today. Together, we can make a difference”, he added.
It’s a call against injustice – Dr Salaudeen
A financial expert and one of the participants at the event, Dr. Jubril Salaudeen described the awareness programme as an avenue to sensitise and expose the injustice against the Palestinians, saying that Islam denounces it in all aspect.
According to him, We are creating this awareness to expose the injustice going on in Gaza and calling on every community of truth across the world to join us and stand against injustice.
“The people of Palestine have been under huge apartheid for quite a long time and today we’re learning historical background to it, as well as the consequences of this apartheid and how it relates to the people in Gaza and every part of Abrahamic faith.
“For us as Muslims, Allah has warned us to be careful of injustice either amongst ourselves or other people, irrespective of their faith. That’s why we are here to demand justice and stand shoulders to shoulders with the Palestinian people and bring an end to the massacre,” he noted.
Palestine is part of our body – Activist
Rasheed Saliu, a committee member of MPAC Nigeria, said, “What is happening in Gaza affects every human being, whether you’re a Nigerian or not. It’s a global issue and this is part of our contribution to say the genocide must stop! When a part of your body is in distress, other parts of the body will also be in distress.
“In our religion, it is expected that when your brother is suffering or unable to have a meal, you cannot rest until you assist him within your capacity. That’s the essence of this gathering – to gather support for them, and create awareness.
“Don’t be surprised that some people here don’t know what is going on over there. We want them to be well-informed and boycott brands and companies funding Israeli terrorism in Gaza.
“These are parts of the awareness we’re creating and I hope that all these will sincerely come to a point where everybody will come unanimously to talk against this and make it a reality for the Palestinians,” he added.
A message of hope for Palestine – Amir MSSN Lagos
The Amir (President) of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, Mal. Kamoldeen Abiona delivered a message of hope to the Palestinians, saying despite the genocide and injustices meted against the Palestinians, Palestine will be free (God willing, sooner or later)
Abiona during his goodwill message said the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood of October 7 marked the beginning of hope for Palestinians as many people including the occupation forces didn’t imagine it. It was unprecedented.
Abiona reminded the congregation of the need to boycott products of companies supporting the massacre in Gaza, saying that’s one of the ways of supporting the Palestinian struggle.
The killing spree is unfortunate misuse of power: Activist
One of the participants and a member of MPAC Nigeria, Hajia Azeezah Shobowale considered the gruesome killing spree of innocent people in Gaza as an unfortunate misuse of power by Israel, a nation that in history was also persecuted.
Hajia Shobowale said one would have thought that history embedded in the occupation forces empathy and human rights, adding that it’s unfortunate that they are now responsible for the killing of thousands of innocent Palestinians – especially women and children.
Speaking further, she said, “I believe that what we’re doing in MPAC Today would help create awareness. We can see what has happened in the west. We can see that speaking up against this injustice is the way to go. The Israelis (Zionists) have lied for decades.
“Now that the world has the opportunity to hear the truth, the narrative is shifting. I believe with the little we’ve done, there will be better awareness and it is our hope in sha Allah that you we will help to pressurise the powers behind the massacre, in sha Allah in the very next future. We hope to see a peaceful existence. in sha Allah.”
Why the level of awareness is low in Nigeria: Leader of Academy
Comrade Qazim Iposun, leader of Center for Advocacy, Development and Empowerment of Muslim Community, otherwise known as Academy, expressed appreciation to the organiser for inviting them to the gathering.
He said it’s part of the Academy’s mantra to advocate for the oppressed and support those whose rights have been trampled upon, saying “We are very an glad to be a part of it.”
He, however, expressed displeasure over the low level of awareness in Nigeria, adding it’s far below what is being seen on the global stage.
“Sadly, it’s not because Nigerians don’t know. They are aware but the Christian folks for instance, their faith is premised upon the greater Israel. Hence, naturally the kind of sentiments we get from them is not going to be encouraging compared to countries like the US, UK, where both Muslims and non-Muslims come together for Palestine on humanitarian perspective.
“That’s why it’s important that we as Muslims should champion the course and invite those among the Christians who aren’t fanatical and join the awareness, for the sake of humanity,” he said.
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