Ramadan: Customs CG calls for empowerment of less privileged

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has called on Muslims to use the Ramadan period to support and empower the less privileged in the society.

Adeniyi made the call on Thursday evening in Abuja at the Al-Habibiyya Mosque breaking of fast (Iftar) and daily feeding of about 2, 500 fasting Muslims and less privileged.

He described the initiative as a reflection of Islamic teachings on caring for the less privileged, while calling on other organisations to emulate the laudable gesture.

“This is an injunction of Almighty Allah. This is what we should do during fasting; care for those that are less privileged through programmes like this.

“We should have more of these in different parts of the country because many people are fasting and wondering how they will break their fast.

”It is the reality of our times, and more Nigerians should be encouraged to undertake this noble cause in a disciplined manner,” he said.

The customs boss commended Al-Habibiyya for the orderliness in the feeding programme, stressing the need for Nigerians to embrace discipline, orderliness, and structured planning in their daily activities.

“There was a time in this country when we ran campaigns about doing things in an orderly fashion.

“We need to get back to that because it helps. Imagine how easy we  handled over 2,000 people in this little space because it was properly planned,” he said.

The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyya Mosque, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, said that the feeding programme was organised every Ramadan to support the less privileged, regardless of religious belief.

“It is important that we show support to the less privileged, that is why we organise this feeding programme on a daily basis throughout the Ramadan period.

“When the less privileged are supported and empowered there will be peace and unity in the society,” Adeyemi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by Islamic scholars, faith-based organisations and Muslims from various backgrounds. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman