Restoration of Christian community’s rights in LSDPC Estate - Punch Newspapers
Dear Lagos State Governor, The Christian community of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation scheme at Isheri North would like to draw your attention to a smouldering religious crisis in the community, which is once again, pitting Christians and Muslims against each other. Some years ago, the corporation allocated a plot of land for the construction of a mosque within the estate, a decision that was fiercely opposed by the residents. The opposition was based on a resolution by residents to make the estate strictly residential, without educational institutions, markets, factories, worship centres or other public amenities, in order to, among other things, reduce traffic, enhance the security of life and property, and avoid overloading existing facilities such as roads and the very fragile electricity network. The start of construction of the mosque almost led to open fighting among residents, as the corporation insisted it had approved the project, while residents said they had not been consulted and that the project contradicted existing resolutions and security requirements. This led to a major religious crisis and a court case, and the issue was eventually resolved with the allocation of plots of land outside the estate wall by the front gate for the construction of a police post, a mosque, a church and a shopping complex. LASG enlists fathers to prevent child abuse Lagos tackling 3.3m housing deficit, says Sanwo-Olu Private investment key to economic growth – Hamzat The mosque was the first to be built, followed by the police post. In hindsight, both serve not just the estate but the entire Isheri North community and people from beyond it.Make PUNCH part of your everyday experience.Add us to your Preferred Sources The Christian community in the estate was surprised to learn that the plot allocated to them had been reallocated to another person. We were alarmed at this development and made our grievances known. Again, LSDPC insisted on having its way. We know this is contrary to what we have seen as the norm in Lagos State, where land is allocated to both religious faiths. The state secretariat has a church and a mosque that serve the workers and people in the surrounding area. The plan of the Christian community was for an interdenominational library and learning centre, and we had started consultations to raise funds for the project, which will serve Christians beyond the community, just as the police post and mosque currently serve the entire Isheri North community. We sent you a letter through your Chief of Staff. As we had not heard from you, we thought that you might not have received the letter. We are therefore compelled to use this forum to appeal to you to restore to the Christian community the same rights granted to the Muslim community. We know the state does not elevate one religion over another. We are shocked by the corporation’s action and again appeal for your immediate intervention to avert another religious crisis. The state and its agencies must be impartial in their dealings with all religious bodies and groups. Dr Bankole Falade writes via [email protected] Kindly share this story:
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
ATTENTION NIGERIANS: You can now comfortably earn US Dollars when you acquire premium domains for as low as $3000 and profit $15,000-$35,000. Ideal for professionals like Entrepreneurs, Doctors, Civil/Public servants, IT Experts, Accountants ETC. CLICK HERE TO START.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.
