By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Chief Imam of the Orishigun Central Mosque, Mustafa Qosim, has directed an impassioned plea towards the Federal Government, urging for electricity palliatives to alleviate the burden on citizens. The appeal was made during the Welift Food Bank Initiative organized by the Agboyi Ketu LCDA, where food packs were distributed to those in need.
Chief Imam Mustafa Qosim’s appeal comes at a crucial juncture as the nation navigates the intricacies of economic hardship. The distribution exercise, orchestrated by Agboyi Ketu LCDA Chairman Mayor Dele Oshinowo, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, was met with gratitude by the Chief Imam. He commended their commitment to assisting vulnerable individuals and those less privileged.
However, as he expressed his appreciation, Chief Imam Mustafa Qosim underscored the importance of program sustainability. He recognized that ongoing support is pivotal in the lives of those who do not have access to affluence. The initiative, he emphasized, should continue to be a beacon of hope for the community.
In addition to expressing gratitude, the Chief Imam seized the opportunity to advocate for a diversified approach to palliatives. Cognizant of the multifaceted nature of economic challenges, he suggested that palliatives extend beyond just food. Drawing attention to the implications of subsidy removal, he put forth the idea of reduced electricity tariffs and debt relief as forms of alleviating poverty.
“If the tariff can be reduced, if all the debts can also be canceled if there are sometimes that we can even give them like from now till December,” he proposed, explaining that such measures could alleviate the burden on the populace. Chief Imam Mustafa Qosim proposed that by offering relief in areas like electricity, the impact of palliatives would be more comprehensive and effective.
He eloquently summarized his appeal, stating, “Not in terms of food only, in terms of some other items, it may not be food, it may be in some other form, so that everybody will benefit, so that everybody will have a rest of mind, even though you cannot satisfy people, so best anyone they take, they will be satisfied. If it’s not 100%, not even 70%, I think even 40%, it’s even enough for them now.”