30 March 2009

As part of its social responsibility efforts, Zain, one of the foremost mobile phone operators in Nigeria, has decided to give back to the society as it has indicated interest to repair streets in Minna township of Niger state.

The regional manager of Zain, Mr Dotun Babayemi, who disclosed this in Minna while on an assessment visit to the state, explained that the mobile service provider will take the responsibility of maintaining the roads and structures from Obasanjo complex to the Mobil petrol station area of Minna town.

He said the project will be segmented into phases, adding that the targeted streets will constitute the first to be worked on.

Babayemi stressed that after completing the first phase, other parts of the town will be focused on with the aim of making the town look good, saying that it will be the company's own way of contributing to service to better the lives of people not only in Niger state but throughout the country.

"Our intention is to commit some funds into developing strategic parts of Minna with a view to make it look good and befitting of a state capital. We intend to also make the place free of refuse dumps as we have made plans to collect all refuse that may constitute hazards to residents", he said.

He said the service provider is ready to partner with the state government to ensure that Minna is kept clean at all times and to also ensure that structures in the state conform with the state's approved master plan.

Reacting to the proposal of the service provider, the state Governor, Dr Muazu Aliyu, applauded their moves, saying that the Niger state government will oblige them with necessary support to ensure a hitch free delivery of their environment friendly gesture.

Al-Habibiyyah Society Launches Zakat Foundation

In another occasion, to redistribute wealth from the rich to the poor, Al-Habibiyah Islamic Society of Nigeria will today in Abuja unveil its Zakat Foundation. A statement signed by the Director and Imam of the Society, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, said the response was in conformity with the third pillar of Islam, Zakat, as commanded by Allah in various verses of the Quran

Adeyemi said despite the fact the Prophet Muhammad practised zakat to alleviate poverty during his lifetime; Muslims nowadays have largely abandoned the institution of Zakat.

Former Grand Kadi of Sharia Court of Appeal, Kwara state, Justice Mohammad Ambali would be the guest speaker at the launch themed, Building the Nation through Zakat. Adeyemi said the concept of the foundation was to sensitize Muslims to pay Zakat as a commandment from Allah and as a pillar of Islam.

"Muslims are not paying Zakat, those who are paying are not happy with the way it is being used and those who want to pay do not know how and where to pay zakat," he said.

He also said Al-Habibiyyah Relief Services and the public presentation of The Muslim, a publication of the society would be some of the highlights of the day.