A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr Moshood Salvador, has appealed to the Federal Government and government at lower levels to replicate zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam that involves giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need, and come up with programmes capable of lessening the suffering of poor Nigerians.
Salvador made this appeal at the annual Salvador Ramadan Lecture and Zakat held recently at Salvador Towers in Lagos.
He said such a gesture by the government would give hope to the underprivileged and increase the citizens’ patriotism and obedience to authority.
The politician, who described Ramadan as the month of forgiveness, love and compassion, emphasised the need for empathy towards one another.
He said: “This is part of what we have been telling our government to do for the poor. It is important so that whatever you tell the people, they will have hope. Give them food to eat.
“Ramadan is the month of forgiveness, love, taking care of people. It is not until you have N1 billion that you can assist people.
“This was the way I met my father and he had been doing it for the past 27 years.
“All Muslim faithful should think about others. Love is very important. With love among people, we will have a greater Nigeria.”
