Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Taofeeq Akewugbagold has voiced his concerns over the scarcity of industrial development in Yoruba land, contrasting it with other global regions.
In a recent statement, Akewugbagold lamented the dominance of religious buildings over industries in the region.
“If you arrive in Mecca, the roads are laid with industries. If you go to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, the roads are laid with industries. Go to European societies, the roads are laid with productive industries,” Akewugbagold wrote.
“But come to Yoruba land, the roads are laid with churches and mosques. The roads between our two largest cities—Lagos and Ibadan—are all decorated with churches and mosques; hardly any industries.”
His remarks highlight a pressing issue: while other regions thrive on industrial growth, Yoruba land remains heavily dotted with religious establishments, potentially hindering economic development.
Akewugbagold’s critique calls for a reevaluation of priorities to foster industrial and economic progress in the region.
