The Plateau
State Government says it suspended the provision of traditional Eid-el-fitr
rams and gifts because of 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 spoke
during a courtesy visit to him by the Muslim Ummah in Plateau State as part of
activities marking the celebration of Eid-el-fitr.
According to Punch the governor
pleaded with them to sustain their prayers for the recovery of President
Muhammadu Buhari and for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.
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 have 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.
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