[Lagos] Group Urges Govt to Intensify Poverty Alleviation

From All Africa Online

Cyprian Aiteobhor

National Council Of Muslim Youth Organi-sations, (NACOMYO), Lagos Chapter, has urged government at different levels to do more, to alleviate masses sufferings.

In a statement signed by the State Coordinator, Alhaji Murtada Balogun, to commemorate this year's Eid-el-Adha, the group said political leaders should redouble efforts on ways and means of tackling poverty.

Balogun described poverty as a great threat to Nigeria's democracy, adding that youths are wallowing perpetually in want admist stupendous affluence. "This is unacceptable, considering the fact that it has pleased Allah to bless this country with abundant human and natural resources.

He advised that the nation's resoures be prudently managed and distributed equitably for the benefit of all, to correct the existing situation in which the population has been split between two extremes of the opulently rich and the abjectly poor.

Balogun commended the anti-corruption drive of the Federal Government, while stressing that the campaign should be transparently executed to erase the perception that only certain categories of persons who do not belong to the president's camp are being singled out for punishment.

He aplauded Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the succesful airlifting of pilgrims from the state, adding that Muslims should continue to display piety and patient virtues, exhibited by prophets Ibrahim and Ismail, whose exemplary conducts gave rise to the festival of sacrifice celebrated today.

While expressing disappointment at the general conduct of this year's Hajj,which made it impossible for about 60 per cent of intending pilgrims to go for Hajj, he said the Federal Government should always display high responsibility to issues affecting Muslims.

He, however, implored those who are unable to perform this year's Hajj to take solace in Allah, as their sincere intention will be rewarded by Him.