A renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold, has urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to boost food production and bridge the gap between the rich and poor.
Akeugbagold, the Wazeer Muslimeen of Oyo State, made this appeal at the Anwar-ul-Islam College Agege Old Students’ Association (ACAOSA) 11th Annual Ramadan Lecture on Saturday.
Speaking on ‘Islamic Panacea to Contemporary Economic and Social Challenges in Nigeria’, he said Islam offers time-tested principles that could resolve the country’s challenges if properly adopted.
“The Islamic solution is for the government to eradicate or reduce the level of capitalism in the country. We must bridge the gap between the rich and poor.
“The poverty level is too high. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu, knowing he is doing his best. He met the country in a dilapidated state and has tried to fix it.
“We still urge him to increase his efforts in food production. If he succeeds, the masses will pray for him and his government,” Akeugbagold said.
Linking social decay to parental failure, the cleric said Islam provides solutions not just to political and economic issues but also to Nigeria’s social problems.
He noted that Islam is built on love, trust, justice, equity, sharing, respect, caring for the poor, and participatory governance—values whose absence hinders Nigeria’s growth.
Akeugbagold said Islam, through the principle of Zakat, offers a solution to poverty and inequality. However, capitalism, division, and hatred have prevented its success.
Dr Abdulfatai Afolabi, ACAOSA Global President-General, said the lecture was chosen to address Nigeria’s pressing realities, including economic hardship, social unrest, and moral decay.
“In a world plagued by economic hardship, social unrest, and moral decay, Islam offers a divine solution rooted in justice, equity, and ethical governance,” Afolabi said.
Commending the sacrifices of ACAOSA’s founding fathers, he described the gathering as a sacred assembly of intellectuals, believers, and torchbearers of Islam.
The National President of Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, Alh. Mubashir Ojelade, praised the old students for contributing to the school’s growth and development.
Justice Ibrahim Olorunnimbe, a Father of the Day, applauded the organisers, saying Islam provides divine remedies for Nigeria’s challenges.
“Nigeria is going through a critical period. We all must work hard, pray, and do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of our fellow citizens,” Olorunnimbe said.
Chief Kessington Adebutu, also a Father of the Day, represented by Aare Kola Oyefeso, said Ramadan is not just about fasting but also about love and helping others.
Adebutu, who donated ₦10 million to ACAOSA, commended the association for its numerous contributions to society.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Tijani Folawiyo, represented by Imam Abdul-Hakeem Kosoko, lauded ACAOSA’s initiatives and pledged ₦5 million to support its growth.
Delivering a lecture on ‘Ramadan and Health’, Alhaja Moriam Ottun, Director of Dietetics at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, urged Muslims to be mindful of their diet.
Alh. Abubakar Adenike, Chairman of the 2025 ACAOSA Ramadan Lecture Committee, praised alumni for their support and pledged that the association would continue to thrive.
Speaking with NAN, Alh. Tunde Balogun, former Lagos APC Chairman, commended ACAOSA’s leadership for upholding the ideals of the association’s founding fathers.
Scores of ACAOSA alumni, including ex-Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, and Lagos Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), attended the lecture.