By Felix Kuyinu
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, has disclosed that the legislative arm is proposing a bill to prohibit alms begging in the state.
Obasa stated that the bill, when passed, will empower the less privileged and alleviate poverty.
The Speaker, in Lagos, made the declaration during the launch of a support program organized by a Group, Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadagah Foundation, which is to be facilitated by a firm, Lotus Bank.
“It has become necessary for this legislation due to the rising number of beggars in Lagos,” stated Obasa.
“It aims to empower less privileged Muslims and alleviate poverty by promoting Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf.
“The proposed law would empower the state government and foundations like the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation to regulate aid soliciting.
“The law will also ensure donations reach the needy without them having to beg on the streets.
“We are looking at how we can manage such situations to stop beggars from parading the streets of Lagos begging for alms.
“Following such legislation, anyone caught begging on the streets or aiding such, particularly among children, would also be sanctioned according to the law,” Obasa said.
Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Kafilat Araoye, decried the existence of street begging. She stated that with the economic challenges faced in the society, the firm is aiming at giving support to the Foundation to ensure the eradication of the act.
Araoye stated that there is need to provide lasting solution in combating the situation rather than providing temporary palliatives.
Sheikh Sulayman Nolla, a leader of the Foundation, hinted that the group’s target of unifying all Muslims in Lagos is taken in high regard. However, he noted that the exercise will be carried without religious differences. According to him, the support initiative is aimed at bringing the gap between the rich and the poor.
He said, “Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, requiring eligible Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth annually to aid the poor.
“It is typically 2.5 per cent of a Muslim’s total savings and wealth above a minimum amount, or “nisab,” each lunar year.
“Sadaqah is a voluntary charitable act, while Waqf is an Islamic endowment of property for charitable or religious purposes.
