The Abuja Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed deep concern over alleged Christian evangelism activities being disguised as empowerment programmes in public schools along the Nyanya-Karu axis of the Federal Capital Territory.
In a joint statement signed by Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen, Chairman of MURIC Abuja Chapter, and Lukman Laleye Babalola, the Chapter’s Public Relations Officer, the Islamic rights group called on the Muslim community to adopt proactive measures to address what it described as subtle proselytization efforts targeting vulnerable Muslim students.
The statement, released on Sunday, emphasized the urgent need for the Ummah to develop a strategic and sustainable response by empowering Muslim youth with life-changing vocational skills under a new initiative tagged “1 Youth, 1 Skill.”
“We must not fold our arms while our youth are exposed to veiled evangelism under the guise of empowerment. Establishing Skills Acquisition Centers in every Jumu’at Mosque across Abuja will equip our youth with the tools to become self-reliant and resilient,” the group stated.
The proposed initiative aims6 to tackle socio-economic challenges faced by young Muslims, reduce vulnerability, and promote self-sufficiency within the Muslim community.
According to MURIC, the “1 Youth, 1 Skill” project is expected to:
Empower Muslim youth with practical and income-generating skills.
Deter exploitation and dependency on external support systems.
Foster long-term community development and reduce social vices.
The group further appealed to Muslim organizations, community leaders, philanthropists, and mosque committees to partner in actualizing the vision by contributing resources, expertise, and facilities to support the establishment and running of the centers.
“This is a clarion call to protect the identity and future of our youth. Empowerment is not a privilege it is a responsibility we must all share,” the group added.
MURIC Abuja also announced that consultations are ongoing with stakeholders to begin pilot phases of the project in selected mosques within the territory.
