Lagos signs MOU with Niger state to boost food availability

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Niger State to enhance food availability in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure during the 2024 Special Ramadan Prayer organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, held at the State House Mosque complex, Lagos House, Ikeja.

The theme of the event was “Allah Will Not Change the Way of a People Until They Change What Is In Their Hearts.”

The governor recounted that his visit to Minna, Niger State, on Monday with President Bola Tinubu was on food security.

He explained that the agreement signed was on food production and the transfer of food after harvesting to Lagos.

According to him, Minna is into extensive farming mechanisation, so the agreement will ensure food security in Lagos.

“We are building structures, we have the capacity for storage, and we have the biggest logistics hub in the country.”

Speaking on Ramadan, Sanwo-Olu said, “This is a time to be thankful to God for sparing our lives, especially with the current economic hardship.”.

He, therefore, implored everyone, both Muslim and Christian faithful, to love one another and bear each other’s burden in one way or another.

He urged Muslims and non-Muslim alike that as they observe Ramadan and Lent, respectively, they should show love, be compassionate, and co-exist peacefully.

“This is a time to show love and give from our excesses. Also, people should be able to share and feed the vulnerable, and at the end, everyone will come out smiling and live peacefully.”.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Olanrewaju Layode, Commissioner for Home Affairs, implored Muslim Faithful to cater for the less privileged around them as commanded by the Holy Quran.

The commissioner urged on harmonious coexistence devoid of prejudice, hatred, acrimony and bigotry

He charged them with exhibiting attributes of charity and good neighbourliness.

In his lecture, the guest speaker, Dr. Munirudeen Ar-Riyadi, speaking on the topic “Observing Ramadan Like Never Before,"  described Ramadan as a spiritual journey that is obligatory.

According to him, Ramadan is an act of Ibadah, and to be rewarded, one needs to understand its ethics before undergoing it.

“The period of Ramadan is an opportunity to move closer to God in order to enjoy all the benefits of religious activities.

“Ramadan teaches us obedience to our leaders, to those in authority, and also teaches one to be submissive.

“It teaches unity, uniformity, humility, good conduct, and mannerism. It also gives one spiritual security and protects one against evil deeds.,” he said.

Similarly, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou Nolla, urged the people to be disciplined, obey the rule of law, and be good citizens of the country.

Supreme News reports that present at the special Ramadan Prayer were Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Olanrewaju Layode; and a Special Adviser to the Governor on Muslim matters.

Also were Mr. Ahmed Jebe, Head of Service, and Mr. Bode Agoro, Muslim faithful, among others.