Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruk Onikijipa, has called on wealthy Nigerians to extend greater support to the less privileged as a means of narrowing the widening gap between the rich and the poor.
The respected Mufti of Ilorin made the appeal during a Ramadan lecture organised by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, in collaboration with the Council of Imams and Alfas in Surulere, Lagos.
Delivering his sermon, Sheikh Onikijipa emphasised that every act of kindness attracts divine reward, stating that “he who pours water on the ground will step on wetland,” underscoring the spiritual benefits of generosity.
He warned that individuals who possess resources but refuse to assist the needy risk divine consequences.
The cleric explained that empowerment initiatives are vital to eradicating poverty, noting that Allah instituted Zakat (almsgiving) as a structured system to reduce hardship.
According to him, beneficiaries of Zakat include the poor, the needy, indigent students, and other vulnerable members of society.
Sheikh Onikijipa also commended Dr Lateefat Gbajabiamila, mother of the Chief of Staff, for her steadfast upbringing of her children, particularly Mr Gbajabiamila, and prayed for her continued good health and prosperity.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Budget, Mr Lukman Oyewole Lawal, who organised the lecture on behalf of the Chief of Staff, described President Bola Tinubu as a leader committed to nurturing and uplifting citizens.
He urged Nigerians to support the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.Mr Lawal highlighted the spiritual and social significance of Ramadan, stressing its teachings on purification, love for neighbours irrespective of faith, unity, and compassion within communities.
He explained that governance rests on three core pillars: infrastructural development, human capital growth, and social protection.
He noted improvements in economic inflows, foreign exchange management, and expanded social protection programmes.
As part of the empowerment drive, beneficiaries received tools and financial support, including mini-buses, freezers, grinding machines, hairdryers, food items, and cash grants aimed at boosting household income.
Fifty households were also enrolled in the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme to improve access to healthcare and reduce financial strain.
Mr Lawal reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding social protection initiatives and called for continued prayers and support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The wife of the Chief of Staff, Mrs Salamot Gbajabiamila, who presented empowerment tools to beneficiaries, urged them to use the items responsibly and cultivate a culture of savings to grow their enterprises sustainably.
Dignitaries at the event included the member representing Surulere Constituency I, Mr Fuad Laguda; Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area, Mr Bamidele Sulaimon Yusuf, represented by his Vice, Muiz Dosumu; representatives of the Oba of Lagos; the Oniba of Iba land; and other notable community leaders.
Written by Taoreed Abdullahi