IN a bold call to action for community engagement in food production, the Council of Imam and Alfas of the Eti-Osa Muslim Community has called on imams and Muslims in the area to embrace homestead and backyard farming as vital steps toward achieving food sufficiency and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the society.

The call was made by various speakers during the 6th Annual Imams and Alfas Conference held at the Eti-Osa Islamic Centre, Lagos, Thursday. Among the notable speakers were Prof. I. O. Uthman from the University of Ibadan, who addressed the topic of Sharia on GMOs and Cross Breedings, alongside Chief Mustapha Okunmoyinbo, an agriculturist known as Baale Alasia, who discussed the pros and cons of GMOs and cross breeding. Mr. Kalamu Musa from the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture presented on practical backyard farming techniques.

The speakers unanimously underscored the importance of establishing homestead and backyard farming practices, urging community members, including Imams, to engage in these initiatives to promote food sufficiency. Prof. Uthman elaborated on the Sharia perspective regarding GMOs, stating, “If something that is haram is added to something that is halal, it renders the entire product haram.”

He emphasized the necessity for Muslims to be vigilant about their dietary choices, ensuring they align with Sharia principles. Princess Rashida Abiodun Adu the chairman of the Iru Victorial Island, Local Council Development Area (LCDA), highlighted that food sufficiency is a critical component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She praised the Council for addressing this significant socio-economic issue, encouraging participants to pursue private farming even on a small scale at home. She urged other organisation to do same and enlighten people on the need for homestead farming in order to boost food sufficiency.

The event was wholly sponsored by Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams, Member, representing Eti-Osa Constituency 1, Lagos State House of Assembly. Hon Adams commended the Council for its dedication to uniting Imams through the annual conference, pledging his continued support for both the mosque and future conferences, just as he emphasized the importance of community collaboration in addressing food security challenges.

The conference recommended active participation by all and sundry in backyard farming initiatives and reinforcing the message that sustainable food practices are essential for the community’s well-being and adherence to Islamic principles.