The Plateau State Government has explained why it suspended the provision of traditional Eid-el-fitr rams and gifts this year.
It anchored its reason on the prevailing economic recession in the country.
Governor Simon Lalong, who stated this on Tuesday, added that he
planned to resume the practice as soon as “we conquer the financial
challenges occasioned by economic recession.”
The governor also said his administration had secured 15 hectares of
land as a Muslim cemetery in Babale, in the Jos North Local Government
Area.
Lalong made this comment during a courtesy visit to him by the Muslim
Ummah in Plateau State, as part of activities marking the celebration
of Eid-el-fitr.
He said, “May I also use this medium to continue to plead with you to
show understanding with government on the current financial hiccups
being experienced.
“The traditional gifts which have not been forthcoming will be
addressed soon as we conquer the financial challenges occasioned by
economic recession.
“Our pledge to reconsider all these palliatives that we have
suspended will take centre stage as our finances improve. Meanwhile, we
shall continue to put in place structures that will enhance the economic
wellbeing of our people so they can live a meaningful life of economic
self-sufficiency.
“The leadership of the Muslim communities in Plateau and the Council
of Ulammas have repeatedly reminded government of their need for burial
ground, praying ground, the repair of deplorable roads in predominant
Muslim neighbourhoods and the encroachment in the Sarduana Memorial
College on Zaria Road. I wish to assure you that considerable efforts
have been made to address these issues.”
According to him, while efforts were being made to provide the access
roads, the Jos South and Barkin Ladi LGAs had completed negotiation for
parcels of land in the Dadin Kowa and Kok wards for cemeteries.
“The challenge of finance has hindered the full takeover of the land, but the interest has been secured,” Lalong said.
No comments
Post a Comment