LAWMA Hosts 4th Annual Ramadan, Emphasizes Cleanliness As A Spiritual Duty Lecture

 

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has successfully held its 4th annual Ramadan lecture at its Ijora-Olopa headquarters, reinforcing the deep connection between faith, cleanliness, and environmental responsibility.

Themed “The Impact of Waste Management in the Environment: The Islamic Perspective”, the lecture was delivered by renowned Islamic scholar, Dr. Abdul Lateef Abdul Hakeem. He emphasized that Islam provides guidance on all aspects of life, including environmental stewardship, stressing that cleanliness begins from the heart and extends to the surroundings. Citing references from the Quran and Hadith, he described waste management as a spiritual obligation, reminding attendees that Allah detests impurity and disorder.

In his welcome address, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of purification, not just spiritually but also environmentally. He noted that Islam places great importance on cleanliness, as reflected in the practice of ablution before prayers. He urged attendees to maintain a culture of cleanliness beyond the holy month, cautioning against reverting to habits that harm the environment.

Gbadegesin also expressed appreciation to Dr. Abdul Hakeem for his insightful lecture and commended LAWMA staff for their unwavering dedication to keeping Lagos clean.

The event served as a reminder that environmental responsibility aligns with Islamic teachings and that waste management is not just a civic duty but a spiritual one, ensuring a cleaner and healthier society.

Renowned Islamic scholar, Dr. Abdul Lateef Abdul Hakeem, delivered an insightful lecture, urging attendees to actively support environmental sustainability by paying their waste bills and maintaining a clean environment. Citing prophetic hadiths, he reminded the audience that Islam enjoins Muslims to be custodians of their surroundings by removing dirt and harmful objects from public spaces. He also referenced Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) teachings on hygiene, particularly during epidemics, highlighting the consequences of unsanitary practices such as urinating in stagnant water, improper waste disposal, and open defecation.

Dr. Abdul Hakeem called for a renewed commitment to cleanliness and purification, stressing that true devotion to Allah includes environmental responsibility. He encouraged the Muslim community to align their daily habits with Islamic teachings on hygiene and righteousness.

In a goodwill message, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Ridwan Akiolu, represented by the Olorogun Agbeje of Lagos, Chief Waidi Olalekan Yussuf, commended LAWMA for its efforts in maintaining a cleaner Lagos. He urged the Muslim ummah to uphold the values of Ramadan beyond the fasting period and remain conscious of their duty to protect the environment.

The lecture underscored the alignment between Islamic principles and LAWMA’s mission, reinforcing that environmental stewardship is not just a civic duty but a divine mandate.

Also, Dr. Abdul Lateef Abdul Hakeem, delivered a thought-provoking lecture, urging Muslims to take an active role in environmental preservation. Drawing from the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he reminded attendees that Islam encourages believers to keep their surroundings clean by removing dirt and harmful objects from public spaces. He also warned against unsanitary practices such as improper waste disposal and emphasized the prophetic teachings on avoiding contaminated areas during epidemics.

The Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Alhaja Kafilat Araoye, represented by Mr. Abdul Rasheed Ajao, encouraged the Muslim faithful to embody the principles of Ramadan in their daily lives and serve as responsible stewards of their environment.

The event also featured special prayers for national and state leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCON), Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and LAWMA’s leadership under Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin.

Dignitaries present included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji; the Chief Imam of Otto, Alhaji Nasirudeen Onitolo; the Chief Imam of Ijora Olopa, Alhaji Abdullah Sanni; LAWMA management staff; and members of the Otto Muslim community, among others.

The gathering reinforced the vital role of cleanliness in Islam and LAWMA’s commitment to fostering a cleaner and healthier Lagos through faith-based engagement.