The Muslim community has been encouraged to actively support the federal government’s food security initiatives through backyard farming.
This was the key focus of the sixth annual conference organized by the Council of Imams and Alfas in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
The event, themed “Sustainable Halal Food Security,” aimed to educate Muslims on permissible farming practices and emphasize their role in sustaining the national food chain.
The conference featured three prominent speakers, who provided diverse perspectives in their native Yoruba dialect on food security and agriculture.
• Prof. I.O. Uthman from the University of Ibadan delivered a thought-provoking presentation on “Sharia, GMOs, and Crossbreeding,” highlighting the Islamic perspective on genetic modification and hybrid agriculture.
• Chief Mustapha Okunmoyinbo, an agriculturist, spoke on “GMOs and Crossbreeding: The Pros and Cons,” explaining the advantages and potential risks associated with modern agricultural practices.
• Mr. Kalamu Musa from the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture shared practical insights on “Backyard Farming,” offering guidance on how individuals can grow crops like tomatoes and yams in their homes to complement government efforts.
During his keynote address, the Chairman of the Council of Imams and Alfas, Abdul Baari Afinni, praised the federal government’s efforts to address food security and called on individuals and organizations to contribute meaningfully to the initiative.
He emphasized the importance of the “Own a Garden Initiative,” noting that such efforts would promote self-sufficiency and relieve pressure on national food distribution systems.
Honorable Naheem Adams, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, described the initiative as a unifying force for the community. He commended the council for its impactful work and pledged continuous support for both the program and infrastructural improvements within the Eti-Osa Muslim community.
Similarly, Rasheedat Adu, Chairman of Iru Victoria Island LCDA, applauded the council for enlightening Muslims on food security and halal practices.
She noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to enhance food distribution across the nation.
A major highlight of the event was the practical session on crop cultivation. Attendees were shown step-by-step methods for planting crops such as yams and tomatoes, ensuring they left with actionable knowledge to implement in their homes.
The speakers unanimously stressed the importance of adhering to halal principles in farming, the benefits of favorable planting seasons, and the role of crossbreeding in enhancing livestock productivity.
They urged participants to embrace backyard farming as a means of self-reliance, community development, and support for the federal government’s food security initiatives.
