Obasempire reports that Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has stated that the legislative body is contemplating enacting a law to oversee alms solicitation within the state.
Mr. Obasa made these remarks during an interview on the sidelines of the launch of the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation in Lagos.
He emphasized the necessity for such legislation, highlighting the launch sponsored by Lotus Bank in Lagos.
The foundation aims to empower underprivileged Muslims and alleviate poverty through the promotion of Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf.
Mr. Obasa clarified that the proposed legislation would grant authority to the state government and organizations like the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation to oversee aid requests.
He added that the law aims to ensure donations directly benefit those in need without resorting to street begging, citing the increasing number of beggars in Lagos as a driving factor for 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,” Mr Obasa said.
Speaking on the foundation’s launch, Mr Obasa 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 less privileged.
“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.
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