Islamic Cleric urges govts to address youth

The Chief Imam of Uwani Islamic Centre, Enugu, Sheik Abdul Isola, has urged government at all levels to urgently address the issues of youth unemployment and idleness.

Isola, also the Chief Missioner of the centre, made the call in a sermon during the Eid prayer at the centre on Thursday.

The cleric called on government to create enabling environment that would stem all forms of youth restiveness in the country.

According to him, there is need to invest more in projects and programmes targeted toward the youth for us to have lasting peace.

“It is unfortunate that neglect of the youth started even from their very family homes, villages/communities and the larger society.

“This neglect has escalated the current level of insecurity we have today.

“It is clear to everyone that majority of Nigerian youths presently are passing through lots of hard times, which were not there previously in our own days as youths.

“However, there are windows to remedy this situation by all levels of government having youth-focussed leadership programmes meant to create sustainable jobs for them.

“The idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop. We must urgently engage them as many as possible,’’ he said.

The cleric also advised Muslim faithful to continue to abide by all the lessons of Ramadan and continue in their daily prayers and supplication.

Isola also prayed for the peace and progress of the country as well as Almighty Allah’s protection on the leaders.

Supreme reports that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar observed by Muslims as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection and assisting the needy.

The celebration of Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and its fasting and other religious activities.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is a compulsory obligation for all adult Muslims.