LEMU calls for transparency, building non-sectarian Ummah at 7th AGM
* Achieves key projects, targets expansion of schools, solar upgrade
The Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) on Sunday, September 14, 2025, held its 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Vice Admiral Jubrilla Ayinla Hall, Lekki Central Mosque, Lekki, Lagos, with a renewed commitment to building a non-sectarian Ummah.
The meeting brought together distinguished Muslim personalities, religious leaders, executive officers and board of trustees (BoT) members of Lekki Muslim Ummah, who reaffirmed support for the organisation’s mission of unity, transparency, and service.
The meeting was presided over by a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Engr. Raji Adeniji, representing the Chairman of BoT, Vice Admiral Jubrila Ayinla.
The major highlights of the AGM included the commissioning of the second phase of staff accommodation – comprising six additional rooms, and presentation of the 2024 financial report and financial statements, which showed significant growth in donations from N251 million in 2023 to N322.8 million in 2024 – an increase of about 29 percent.
The positive trend, stakeholders said, reflected stronger donor engagement, improved fundraising strategies, and heightened awareness of LEMU’s impact.
In his address, the President of LEMU, Dr. Abdul Ganiyu Olusola Labinjo, welcomed members to the gathering and expressed gratitude for their commitment.
He noted that the Ummah continued to build on a strong foundation with deliberate efforts toward organisational structure, transparency, and inclusiveness.
Dr. Labinjo emphasised the importance of youth participation, saying that deliberate programmes were being developed to involve young people in the administration of the mosque as well as in activities tailored to their spiritual and social interests. According to him, “The absence of youths in the masjid today portends the absence of Islam in our community tomorrow.”
He praised the performance of the various committees, highlighting their contributions during the period under review. The Zakat Committee, chaired by Alhaji Yunis Saliu, was commended for ramping up collections and disbursements with particular emphasis on empowerments.
The Zakat Committee disbursed ₦99 million in 2024 compared to ₦85 million shared in 2023 with about 60%, amounting to ₦63 million spent to support micro and small businesses with the aim of empowerment and reduction of crime rate in the society.
The Welfare Committee was lauded for mitigating hardship and providing succour, while the Da’wah Committee, under Imam Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, continued its quarterly outreach programmes and the Annual Imams’ Conference.
Dr. Labinjo also applauded the Ramadan Committee for innovations in Ramadan and Itikaf activities, as well as daily provision of iftar.
He also disclosed that the three major projects approved at the last AGM – external painting of the mosque complex, procurement of a new school bus, and acquisition of a 100kva generator – had all been accomplished.
Looking ahead, Dr. Labinjo revealed plans to upgrade the mosque’s solar inverter system to reduce reliance on the national grid, noting that the organisation’s electricity bill had risen to ₦3 million monthly.
He also stressed the urgent need for physical expansion of LEMU schools, which he described as “Impossible in our current location,” urging creative solutions to address the challenge.
He acknowledged the resignation of Alhaji Adeniji Kazeem (SAN) as Chairman of the Board of Governors of LEMU Schools following his election as National President of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria.
While describing his exit as a setback, Dr. Labinjo welcomed the appointment of the immediate former President of Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Alhaji Niyi Yusuf as the new Chairman, expressing optimism that he would help move the schools to greater heights.
Dr. Labinjo further disclosed that the current Executive Committee, which had served two terms of two years each, would bow out by July 2026.
LEMU, a flagship of the Muslim community in Lagos: BoT Chairman
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Vice Admiral Jubrila Ayinla (rtd), represented by Engr. Raji Adeniji, described LEMU’s growth over the past year as exponential, attributing its successes to the commitment of members and the administrative dexterity of the Exco.
He noted that LEMU had become a flagship of the Muslim community in Lagos, with its Zakat and Sadaqah Committee leading poverty alleviation initiatives across the state, while its Welfare Committee, Women Forum, and Youth Committee continued to make significant contributions to charity, health, and community development.
Vice Admiral Ayinla also praised the educational strides of the LEMU Schools, which had reviewed and upgraded curricula to provide a more robust learning experience.
He lauded the Da’wah Committee for sustaining vibrant programmes and commended Dr. Labinjo and the outgoing Exco for their “Phenomenal expansion, infrastructural upgrades, and strategic vision” which, he said, had left “A lasting positive legacy.”
He urged members to continue supporting the organisation by paying their annual dues and contributing to LEMU’s sustainability. “By and large, the period under review has been splendid in terms of tangible achievements. While we thank Allah for the journey so far, we must all continue to play our part,” he said.
The AGM closed with prayers and renewed calls for unity, accountability, and collective commitment to building a stronger, non-sectarian Ummah as the Dr Labinjo-led administration continues till July 2026.
########
Over-pampering children could spell disaster, experts tell parents at Al-Mu’mināt seminar
* Neglect of healthy diets expose children to lifelong health risks: Family physician
Educationists and medical experts have cautioned Nigerian parents against excessive indulgence of their children, warning that over-pampering could result in psychological, social, and health crises.
This was the central message at the Child Upbringing Seminar organised by the Lagos State chapter of Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations.
The seminar, which focused on the topic; “Between Parental Love and Over-Pampering of Children: Balancing the Equation,” was held at the Da’wah Centre, Ijeshatedo, Lagos.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Hajia Bashirah Rabiu, an educationist and counselor, stressed that while parental love is essential, it must be balanced with discipline. She explained that unchecked indulgence could undo the very essence of parenting.
“We need to parent with love, showing care and making sacrifices. But when love is overshadowed by over-pampering, giving children more than they need, shielding them from realities, and refusing to take tough decisions, it becomes a disaster for the child, the parents, and society at large,” Hajia Rabiu said.
She identified clear signs of over-pampering, noting that children who are constantly indulged often develop entitlement mentalities, lack resilience, struggle with self-control, and cannot face life’s challenges.
“Eventually, such children may suffer depression, become addicted to excesses, or fail to live fulfilled lives,” she warned. “They could grow into selfish adults who lack empathy, waste resources, and even contemplate suicide because they cannot cope with real-life challenges.”
Hajia Rabiu, who was the former Vice Principal (Hostel), Vanguards Academy, Ogun State, further urged parents not to abandon their responsibilities to schools, daycare centers, smartphones, or television.
“Our duty is to nurture, instruct, guide, educate, and discipline – all out of love. We must retrace our steps, set rules, avoid excesses, and raise children who can face life with resilience,” she emphasized.
Neglectof healthy diets expose children to lifelong health risks: Family physician
Adding a health perspective, Dr. Safiyyah Miftah, a consultant and family physician at Isolo General Hospital, described healthy living as an integral part of effective parenting. She explained that neglecting proper diets and lifestyles exposes children to lifelong health risks.
“A healthy diet contains essential nutrients in the right proportions. If we don’t adhere to this, we invite ailments such as obesity, malnutrition, high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes,” Dr. Miftah said.
The family physician also recommended good sleep hygiene for children and parents alike, warning against the dangers of using mobile phones or watching television in bed.
She noted that activities such as drinking coffee, exercising late at night, watching television in bed, and using mobile phones could disrupt sleep patterns.
Dr. Miftah recommended turning off lights and ensuring that the bedroom environment is comfortable (not too hot or too cold) as part of maintaining good sleep hygiene.
Children are sacred trust from Allah: Amirah Al-Mu’minaat
Earlier in her welcome address, the Amirah of Al-Mu’minaat Lagos chapter, Hajia Balqees Abdullah reminded participants – a gathering of Muslim women, that children are a sacred trust from Allah and must be raised with a sense of accountability.
“Our children are amaanah – a big trust from Allah. Raising them is a remarkable journey, and the end goal is the pleasure of Allah. To achieve this, we must provide a nurturing environment, sound education, and clear moral values,” she said.
Hajia Abdullah added that the seminar was deliberately chosen to help parents and caregivers build confident, disciplined, and compassionate children in line with Islamic and societal values.
She also called for prayers for children in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, where many are facing bombings, starvation, and displacement.
The event featured an educative and informative film show for teens; interactive discussions and practical parenting guidance, leaving participants with renewed commitment to balance affection with discipline in raising their children.
######
L-R: Hajia Qudrah Mahmud-AbdurRazaq, Hajia Balqees Abdullah, Hajia Bushrah Ali and Hajia Rabiu (standing)
Sponsored
