Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has enjoined Nigerians to be focused and steadfast in prayers for the nation to successfully overcome its current economic challenges.

Mr Sanwo-Olu gave this charge during the annual Ramadan public lecture (1445 A.H) held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island on Saturday.

The theme of the lecture was: “The Current Economic Situation: Solution from Islamic Perspective.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, advised leaders to come up with policies that would be beneficial for the nation’s economy.

He also urged the people to be patient with government, while stating that society could not afford to be toxic at this time.

According to Mr Sanwo-Olu, the society cannot afford to be toxic as people go to social media to curse which is not the solution.

“The solution is for us all to come together and pray so that things can be better for our country.

“The reality of things is that the withdrawal of subsidy, which we have been used to for decades, will come with challenges.

“So, my advice is that we sustain what we are doing, be prayerful, and be focused and I am sure that very soon things will change for the better,” the governor said.

He agreed that the direction of the present administration was good, saying that things would be tough before it got better.

“My prayer is that Almighty Allah grant our leaders, the strength and fortitude to keep pursuing the right path for the nation to come out of the present situation.

Earlier, the guest lecturer, Sheikh Mujitaba Giwa, urged Nigerians to be patient and be more prayerful as the present economic downturn being experienced was a test from Allah.

He noted that Allah tempted nations that were not truthful and harboured unbelievers who are always committing acts that are considered “ungodly”.

The Islamic cleric cited vices such as men dressing as women, indiscriminate kidnappings, killings, among others.

According to him, the federal government must look at the decentralisation of the management of mineral resources in different parts of the country.

“Allah has blessed the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with different natural resources, so why can’t they permit the states to manage their resources instead of the central government allocating its licences to whoever it pleases?

“Allah tests every nation with five things namely: fear, hunger, destruction of currency, death and bad harvest.

“But any nation that seeks the face of Allah and does his will, He is always ready to heal their land and remove hunger, poverty, and deprivations,” the cleric said.

 (NAN)