Lagos Assembly Considers Law to Ban Street Begging, Empower Zakat Foundation
The Lagos State House of Assembly is considering a law to curb street begging in the state, according to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Obasa made this known in an interview with newsmen at the launch of the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation in Lagos.
The proposed law aims to empower the state government and foundations like the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation to regulate aid soliciting and ensure that donations reach the needy without them having to beg on the streets.
Obasa noted that the rising number of beggars in Lagos necessitated the regulation.
We are looking at how we can manage such situations to stop beggars from parading the streets of Lagos begging for alms,” Obasa said.
“Following such legislation, anyone caught begging on the streets or aiding such, particularly among children, would also be sanctioned according to the law.”
Obasa also highlighted the benefits of Zakat, which helps both payers and beneficiaries by eradicating poverty.
“It is important for anyone blessed by God to reach out to the underprivileged. This should start from the immediate family and extend to every other member of society.
The essence is to make everyone equal, or at least to move people from poverty and make them feel comfortable,” he added.
Sheikh Sulayman Nolla, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the foundation, emphasized the foundation’s goal of unifying all Muslims in Lagos.
The foundation, launched with the support of Lotus Bank, aims to empower underprivileged Muslims and alleviate poverty by promoting Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf.
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