By Kabiru Sowuyi
As the Agege Molebi United Forum (AMUF) embarks on a new chapter with its first-ever elected executive committee, it faces a crucial opportunity to become a beacon of hope, unity, and development for the Agege community. Founded by ACP Saheed Olayinka Egbeyemi with a mission to change the negative narratives surrounding Agege, AMUF has made significant strides in humanitarian efforts, educational support, anti-social vices campaigns, and more. However, as the Forum moves forward, it must set its priorities in a way that truly serves the entire Agege population, free from the divisions of politics, ethnicity, or religion.
In recent years, Agege and its environs have grappled with growing concerns around crime, drug abuse, and political thuggery. These issues not only hinder development but also tarnish the image of the community, making it critical for organizations like AMUF to lead by example in fostering peace and unity. As such, AMUF’s role in tackling these challenges must go beyond just providing temporary solutions; it should focus on creating long-lasting change by promoting transparency, collaboration, and mutual respect among residents.
The newly inaugurated leadership of AMUF, under the stewardship of Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajuddeen, has an important responsibility: to ensure that the Forum remains an inclusive platform for all Agege residents. The key to achieving this is resisting the temptation of political partisanship, which has often exacerbated divisions in Nigerian communities. AMUF must remain a non-political, non-ethnic, and non-religious body, focusing purely on the collective welfare of the people of Agege.
While the presence of political figures at AMUF events is understandable, the Forum must be cautious about becoming entangled in partisan politics. AMUF’s mission is too important to be overshadowed by political ambitions or divisive agendas. Agege residents, regardless of party affiliation, deserve a platform where their voices can be heard, and their concerns addressed with fairness and integrity. It is imperative that AMUF sets a precedent for political neutrality, where the focus is on common values, mutual progress, and the betterment of the community.
Furthermore, the Forum must be vigilant against the growing influence of political thuggery and other vices that threaten to destabilize Agege community. AMUF’s campaigns against cultism and electoral violence are commendable, but they must be strengthened through continuous community engagement, education, and collaboration with local law enforcement. The fight against crime and social unrest cannot be won by one entity alone; it requires the collective effort of residents, government agencies, and civil society organizations.
As AMUF continues to grow and gain recognition, its leadership should remember the guiding principle that has driven its success: the power of unity. Agege is a diverse community, and its strength lies in the ability to unite people from all walks of life. AMUF must strive to be a unifying force, ensuring that every Agegerian feels valued and empowered to contribute to the progress of the region.
The challenges facing Agege are not insurmountable, but only if the Forum remains true to its mission of serving the community above all else. By maintaining political neutrality and focusing on collective progress, AMUF can truly become a catalyst for positive change in Agege, setting an example for other communities across Lagos State and beyond.
- Sowuyi, a Social critic, writes from Agege
