An association of Muslim men in business and the professions, The Companion, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently find a lasting solution to hunger and mass poverty ravaging ordinary Nigerians.
The National Ameer of the group, Kamil Olalekan, made the appeal while declaring open 2023 Dawah Holiday Programme (DPH), held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Ede, Osun State.
Olalekan also enjoined government to do everything within its reach to checkmate the astronomical increase in prices of food items, other goods and services.
He charged government on the need to review salaries to reflect the inflationary rate, just as he implored them on prompt payment of salary.
“I hereby call on the government to put more efforts and implement policies that will not only reduce hunger and poverty in the land but also checkmate astronomical increase in prices of goods and services.
“The spending on social investment must be increased substantially in 2024 to include free feeding for extremely poor and vulnerable citizens for six months. Salaries must also not only be paid promptly, they should be reviewed to reflect the inflationary rate,” he said.
While urging children and youth to be moderate in spending considering the current economic reality, the national Ameer of The Companion said children must be contented with whatever their parents were able to provide to them.
He said, “I wish to reiterate that this year DHP is holding at a time when Nigeria economy is facing multiple challenge and virtually all citizens are affected in one way of the other.
“The removal of oil subsidy and devaluation of the naira has increased the hardship faced by Nigerians. This period therefore, calls for frugal spending and complete avoidance of waste in line with the teachings of Islam.
“I call on our children and the youth in general to be considerate in their demands on their parents in this hard time and be contented with what their parents are able to provide for their upkeep in this austere time”
Reacting on the removal of universities and tertiary institutions from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), Olalekan described the decision of the president as a right step in the right direction.
He however, urged management of tertiary institutions to reciprocate the gesture with prudent and financial management.
On the theme of the year’s DHP programme: “Towards a Striving Ummah”, Ameer said it was carefully chosen in recognition of the rapid changing local and global environment where the pace of change is fast, sometimes confusing, deceitful and challenging especially for Muslim youths whose goal is to earn the pleasure of of Allah and achieve success in this world and in hereafter.
The guest lecturer, Taofeeq Adekunle Abdul-Hameed urged Muslim Ummah to be humble with whatever blessings Allah has bestowed upon them.
