Plateau State governments suspends providing Sallah rams and gifts due to poor economic climate

PLATEAU State government suspended the traditional distribution of Sallah rams and gifts during this year's Eid-el-fitr celebrations saying that the unfavourable economic environment made it impossible to do so.

Like most of Nigeria's 36 states, Plateau gives out animals and presents at Sallah to local residents as they celebrate the end of the Ramadan fasting period. This year, however, Governor Simon Lalong, said that the habit had to be suspended but  he planned to resume it as soon as the state conquers the financial challenges occasioned by economic recession.

Governor Lalong also revealed that his administration had secured 15 hectares of land as a Muslim cemetery in Babale, in the Jos North Local Government Area. Speaking while receiving the Muslim Ummah in Plateau State as part of activities marking the celebration of Eid-el-fitr, the governor pleaded with adherents of the Islamic faith to sustain their prayers for the recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari and for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

"May I also use this medium to continue to plead with you to show understanding with government on the current financial hiccups being experienced. The traditional gifts which have not been forthcoming will be addressed soon as we conquer the financial challenges occasioned by economic recession.

“Our pledge to reconsider all these palliatives that we have suspended will take centre stage as our finances improve. Meanwhile, we shall continue to put in place structures that will enhance the economic wellbeing of our people so they can live a meaningful life of economic self-sufficiency," Governor Lalong added.

According to the governor, the leadership of the Muslim communities in Plateau and the Council of Ulammas have repeatedly reminded the government of their need for burial ground, praying ground, the repair of deplorable roads in predominant Muslim neighbourhoods and the encroachment in the Sarduana Memorial College on Zaria Road. He added that while efforts were being made to provide the access roads, the Jos South and Barkin Ladi local government areas have completed negotiations for parcels of land in the Dadin Kowa and Kok wards for cemeteries.