Lagos Federal Lawmaker, Commissioner, Others Grace Epe NYCN Ramadan Lecture

• We will continue to support the youths through Programmes Irrespective of Faith – Wale Raji.
• Alaro High School Students, Balogun Taofeek and Abdugafar Mojeed Emerged Quran Recitation & Quiz Competition Champions.

By Babatunde Kaka

The last Friday in the holy month of the year 2021 Ramadan, 7th May, was a day many youths in the Fish Basket of Lagos State, Epe, won’t forget in a hurry as the Ramadan Lecture programme was held in style.

The beautifully decorated Epe LG Council Chambers was a sight to behold as youths from various schools, associations and organizations trooped into the venue in batches.

Notable personalities who graced the event are, Hon Wale Raji, represented by Mr Hassan Bashir SLA, Alhaji Bashir Hassan, Retired MOCPED Bursar, Alhaja Khadijat Hassan, Commissioner 4, TESCOM, Dr MA Shittu, MOCPED Deputy Provost, Dr Abdulkareem Onakoya FNIMC, Otunba Wale Olusesi, SLA to Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, House of Representatives, Mrs Shabi ( ENGINE Girls ), Comrade Nelson, Comrade Don Salami, Comrade Sheriff Kawojue, Comrade Salau Adeniyi Taofeek, Comrade Muhammed Abdul-Azeez (PPC) and a host of others.

The number one youth of the community, Comrade Ladele Ismail, as gathered by Ekohotblog in his opening speech, stated that the lecture topic, ” The Islamic Perspective of Drug Abuse, Internet Fraud and Rape; Implications for Youth Development “, was pertinent to discuss taking into perspective the position of Islam on the societal menace ravaging the youths.

He noted that such acts have been on the rise as every 5 out of 10 youths are guilty of these ugly menaces. He however lamented that, despite the crimes being punishable as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, it is disheartening that the social maladies are on the increase.

Speaking in his address to the youths, Ekohotblog gathered that the Lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Wale Raji (MHR), represented by his Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), Mr Bashir Hassan, urged the youths to eschew social vices that are capable of causing indelible dangers in their lives.

He restated the commitment of the Lawmaker to always support the growth and development of youths in Epe Federal Constituency through various programmes organised by the Youth Council Leadership irrespective of faith. He however urged the Council to balance such programmes with that of other faiths and posited that the society would be a better place if Ramadan holy habits were kept.

In her short remarks, Alhaja Khadijat Hassan, Commissioner 4, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), in her brief address, lamented the high rate of drug abuse, internet fraud, rape and other social vices amongst youths. She challenged the youths to be responsive as there’s a lot to be done to rescue the situation, stating that the nation has hopes of being better.

” If you decide to be law-abiding, if you decide to be humble, if you decide to be committed to Almighty Allah, the future of the country will be better than what it is today. If you decide not to get involved in drugs, in all immoral acts, this country will be better from what it is today”, she stated.

Read Also: Epe NYCN Ramadan Lecture: Cleric Slams Internet Fraudsters, Says Drug Abuse and Rape are Evil.

Also while addressing the youths, Ekohotblog gathered that the former Bursar of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Alhaji Hassan Bashir, expressed delight at the event, stating that it is rewarding. He admonished the youths to do more in guiding the teeming youth population aright.

” I am very much happy that you have embarked on this project, it is worth doing because we are leaving and you the youths are coming behind. I want you to know that what you have done is rewarding. An idle hand is the devil’s workshop so says an adage, In as much as you have decided to come together and enlighten yourselves, you won’t go astray. I urge you to be forward-thinking as regard your future “, he said.

Earlier, the event, anchored by the Epe NYCN PRO, Comrade Mustapha Shittu, featured Quranic recitation. This saw the emergence of Balogun Taofeek from Alaro Senior High school, Ogunrinde Aminat from Odomola Senior High School and Balogun Mubarak from Odo-Obara Senior High School as 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.

Also, the keenly contested Quranic quiz competition which followed thereafter, saw the emergence of Abdugafar Abdulmujeed from Alaro Senior, Bakre Fathia from Odo-Obara Senior and Abd’Salam Rahmot from Epe Girls’ Senior as 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.

Ekohotblog gathered that after the lecture was delivered by the guest lecturer, Dr MA Shittu, Dr BA Onakoya led the special prayer for the youths, after which the Chairman of the Ramadan Committee, Mr Babatunde Kaka, rendered the vote of thanks. The closing remarks and prayers were said by the Epe NYCN General Secretary, Comrade Maruf Odunare, which brought the colourful event to a close.

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