MGDLI unveils 3-day programme to promote better mosque management
By KEMI KASUMU
With the theme, “Building Better Mosques: Documentation, Good Governance and Hygienic Environment,” the anniversary programme will feature a keynote lecture on “Mosque Documentation and Hygiene: The Foundation for Sustainable Islamic Development.”
The Mosque Guidance and Development Lagos Initiative (MGDLI) has unveiled a three-day anniversary programme aimed at promoting effective mosque administration, good governance, environmental hygiene, healthcare and sustainable development of mosques.
The programme, scheduled for October 30 to November 1, 2026, will take place at the Lagos State Old Secretariat Mosque Hall (Ayinke Hall), Shamsi Adisa Thomas Central Mosque, Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
This was contained in a press release signed by Alhaji Hakeem Bello, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee of MGDLI, Lagos.
With the theme, “Building Better Mosques: Documentation, Good Governance and Hygienic Environment,” the anniversary programme will feature a keynote lecture on “Mosque Documentation and Hygiene: The Foundation for Sustainable Islamic Development.”
According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to equip imams, mosque committees and administrators with practical knowledge of accountability, proper record-keeping, environmental sanitation and the welfare of worshippers.
MGDLI is a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting effective mosque administration, transparency, capacity building and infrastructure maintenance through training, seminars, workshops and collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders.
The anniversary activities will begin on Friday, October 30, with a special Jumu’ah service from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., featuring prayers for the organisation, mosques and the Muslim Ummah.
This will be followed by a medical outreach organised in collaboration with the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The exercise will provide general health checks, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, counselling and referrals where necessary. A media interaction with the organisers is also scheduled for the day.
On Saturday, October 31, activities will focus on environmental sanitation, hygiene and emergency preparedness.
Hajia Owolarafe Haulat, founder of the Haulat Pola Foundation and a mosque sanitation advocate associated with Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, will lead a practical session on mosque and toilet cleaning, sanitation and hygiene from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., MGDLI will distribute 100 first-aid kits to mosques and sensitise recipients on their proper use, health awareness and emergency preparedness.
The final day, Sunday, November 1, will feature a keynote lecture, panel discussion and networking session.
Professor Saheed Olurotimi Timehin of Lagos State University (LASU), an Islamic scholar and Da’wah expert, is scheduled to deliver the keynote lecture between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, a legal practitioner and Muslim community advocate, will chair the occasion.
The panel discussion will feature Hon. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, Alhaji Oladimeji Animashaun, Alhaji Adegbenga Ojikutu and Alhaji Taiwo Olapade, alongside other experts.
A faith-based hospitality and halal networking session, to be anchored by Hajia Maryam Mobolanje Sanni-Awe, founder of Glazing Memoirs, will follow from 1 p.m.
The organisers expressed optimism that the programme would strengthen accountability in mosque administration, encourage proper documentation, promote cleaner and safer worship environments, and improve health awareness and emergency response among mosque administrators and worshippers.
They added that the anniversary would provide an opportunity for imams, mosque committees, Islamic organisations, professionals and community leaders to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore practical ways of improving mosque management.
MGDLI has invited imams, mosque administrators, Islamic scholars, Muslim organisations, community leaders and Muslims generally to participate in the programme.
The organisation also called on institutions, philanthropists and other stakeholders to support its efforts to improve mosque facilities and strengthen Muslim communities.
Reaffirming its commitment to the initiative, MGDLI said its vision remained “Better Mosques, Stronger Communities, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
