24th June, 2024
Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has charged Muslims in the State to join the government in waging war against drug abuse and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Sanwo-Olu spoke at the weekend at the 2024 Eid-ul-Adha celebration organised by the First Family of Lagos State, held at the State House, Ikeja.
She said in addition to the spiritual perspective of the event, there was need to harp on issues of drug abuse and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence such that everyone could also become state ambassadors against these societal ills.
“We cannot underestimate the havoc which abuse and misuse of drugs have caused to our society especially to our children who are leaders of today and tomorrow. As Muslims, you must increase public awareness about these vices through the Minbars in your various mosques,” she said.
The First Lady added that the outcome of a recent Stakeholders Engagement organised by her office underscored the need for all relevant organisations and religious bodies to unite in the fight against drug abuse.
According to her, the stakeholders engagement which took place few weeks ago, reawakened the consciousness of all participants to the need to increase public advocacy and also take decisive steps to assist those who are already into drug abuse and drug misuse.
In the same vein, Sanwo-Olu said the issue of SGBV also required that all hands must be on deck in the area of continuous advocacy and sensitization at every given opportunity.
She pleaded with all Muslims to support her office to enable it stamp out the menace of SGBV in the state and by extension, the nation, Nigeria, saying it is the right thing to do and the right way to go to protect women and girls and also men and boys.
Sanwo-Olu re-emphasised that SGBV remainsed a crime against humanity and negated the teachings of the Holy Quran, “hence, I encourage everyone here present to always say something when you see something. We must not relent in giving our women and girls a strong voice in the society.
“No girl-child, I repeat, no girl-child or woman should be subjected to the harrowing experience of defilement, rape, domestic violence, and other associated crimes. Never should we allow the culture of silence to thrive,” she warned.
She also emphasised the need for personal hygiene, especially at this very crucial period in view of the recent Cholera outbreak.
“As a Medical Director, I am aware of the contagious nature of this bacteria disease, hence, I urge everyone to be vigilant and take necessary precautions for the protection of ourselves and our family members.
“Maintaining good hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of cholera. Ensure that you drink clean water, wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water, and practice proper sanitation. By following these simple, yet effective measures, we can safeguard our health and the health of our community.
“If anyone experiences frequent stooling, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The Lagos State Government has made provision of free treatment for cholera patients in most government hospitals. Please visit the nearest hospital for prompt care,” she added.
In his presentation, the guest lecturer, Associate Professor Nosirudeen Olajide Onibon, who spoke on the topic, “Leveraging on the gains of Hajj and Eid Ul Adha for building a better society,” stated that hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and there is a link between Hajj and Eid Ul Adha.
He also implored residents to keep their promises, stating that the missing link in any relationship is trust as fulfillment of promises helped to build trust.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, who represented the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event said that the Eid-ul-Adha celebration is about obedience and sacrifice, stating that Nigerians need to learn the act of sacrifice and charity that the season symbolised.
“The lessons are about sacrifice and obedience, so we must use that to sustain our lives and do the right things. We must sacrifice for our nation, state, family and neighbours, as it will make it easy for all us to live together,” he said.
Hamzat enjoined residents to be careful with their hygiene, asking them to wash their hands and promote cleanliness within their environment.