Tambuwal tasks northern govs on street-begging

By Sidi  A. Umar
Sokoto

Sokoto state Governor, Barrister Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged Northern governors to take decisive action and common approach to ban street begging in the region, pointing out that Islam “abhors begging.”
The governor made the call at the weekend media chat organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture as part of activities to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebrations and two-year anniversary of his administration in the state.

Tambuwal noted that the issue, which had become endemic in the region, was being discussed at the Northern Governors’ Forum to find a possible lasting solution.
According to him, the almajiri syndrome is alarming, especially in the core North, “and unless we rise to the social challenge it will continue to thrive with negative consequences on the future of  kids being used which made so many of them see it as a lucrative business.”

“We are doing everything possible in Sokoto in collaboration with the Sultanate Council and other scholars, clerics and traditional rulers to tackle the menace,” he said.
He said the menace was quite disturbing, though noted that Islam encouraged helping one another, particularly the needy neighbour, but did not encourage begging.
“Some of them have investments elsewhere from the proceeds they get in token amounts. Most annoying thing is that they see us as fools for giving them. It has to be stopped.”

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