The Lagos State Government on Monday called for the creation of a data bank for churches and mosques in the state to ensure adequate security in places of worship.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of the Muslim Community and Christian Associations in Alausa, Ikeja.
AbdulLateef said the essence of the meeting was to discuss ways to enhance security in places of worship, as well as foster better relationship between religious organisations and the state government.
He implored the religious leaders to create a web portal to ensure easy collation of data of all existing places of worship, toward ensuring adequate security.
The commissioner urged religious organisations to establish volunteer schemes in communities, which would serve as first emergency responders during disasters, to complement the efforts of existing state agencies.
He said that the initiative, if implemented, would help to provide a more cordial platform for peaceful coexistence among people of different faith.
AbdulLateef said it would serve as a platform where government could easily reach people in different communities with its policies, plans and activities.
Responding, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, President Muslim Community of Lagos State and Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, pledged their support for the initiative of the state government. (NAN)
