The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has announced that the legislative arm is considering passing a law to curb street begging in the state.
Obasa made this statement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria at the launch of the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation in Lagos.
The event was sponsored by Lotus Bank.
The foundation aims to empower underprivileged Muslims and alleviate poverty through the promotion of Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf. Obasa explained that the proposed law would enable the state government and organizations like the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation to regulate aid soliciting.
According to him, the law would also ensure that donations reach those in need without them having to beg on the streets. He emphasised that the increasing number of beggars in Lagos necessitated this regulation.
“We are looking at how we can manage such situations to stop beggars from parading the streets of Lagos begging for alms.
“Following such legislation, anyone caught begging on the streets or aiding such, particularly among children, would also be sanctioned according to the law,” Obasa said.
During the foundation’s launch, Obasa emphasized the benefits of Zakat, noting that it helps both the givers and the recipients by eliminating 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.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the foundation, Sheikh Sulayman Nolla, highlighted the foundation’s mission to unite all Muslims in Lagos.
