The Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Noulla, has emphasized the need for mosque administrators to prioritize proper documentation, financial accountability, and good governance. He made this call at the third anniversary program of the Mosque Guidance and Development Lagos Initiative (MGDLI), held at the Shamsi Adisa Thomas Central Mosque in Ikeja GRA, Lagos. The event brought together Islamic leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to discuss challenges facing mosques and explore ways to improve their administration.
Sheikh Abou-Noulla stressed that the protection of mosques begins with proper legal ownership of their land. He urged Imams and mosque administrators to obtain necessary title documents before commencing construction, warning that religious institutions are not exempt from laws governing land ownership and development. Citing Surah Al-Baqarah 2:282, he emphasized the importance of documenting deferred financial transactions and applying this principle to mosque property management.
Professor Saheed Olurotimi Timehin, a lecturer at Lagos State University, identified proper documentation, hygiene, and good governance as critical to the survival and development of mosques. He warned that inadequate record-keeping could expose mosque properties to ownership disputes, illegal sales, and losses. Timehin urged mosque administrators to maintain comprehensive records, including land ownership documents, survey plans, and financial statements.
Timehin also emphasized the need for transparency, consultation, and clearly defined responsibilities in mosque administration. He encouraged mosque committees to adopt secure digital systems to preserve important records and make them accessible when needed. According to him, the true greatness of a mosque is not measured by its physical appearance or size but by the quality of worship it supports and its positive impact on the community.
The Chairman of MGDLI, Alhaji Musoddiq Adele Sanni, said the initiative emerged from concerns over mosque demolitions, disputed ownership, and the sale of mosque properties. He explained that investigations into reported cases revealed that individuals who donated land for mosque projects had not completed the legal process of transferring ownership to the institutions. Sanni disclosed that MGDLI had grown to over 20 members from different professional backgrounds.
Sanni called on Muslims to take responsibility for protecting their religious institutions rather than waiting for external intervention. He was supported by Hon Muhammad Oyinlomo Danmole, who advised MGDLI to strengthen its institutional relationships by seeking the backing of the Lagos Muslim Community and government institutions. Danmole expressed optimism about possible collaboration between MGDLI and the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
The event featured a medical outreach, a practical demonstration of mosque cleaning, and a lecture and panel discussion. The gathering provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions and explore practical solutions to challenges facing mosques in Lagos. Key speakers and participants emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and proactive measures to ensure the sustainability and development of Islamic institutions.
Key points
- The Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Noulla, has called for improved documentation and accountability in mosque administration.
- Professor Saheed Olurotimi Timehin emphasized the importance of proper documentation, hygiene, and good governance in mosque administration.
- The Mosque Guidance and Development Lagos Initiative (MGDLI) has grown to over 20 members from different professional backgrounds.
