Ahmadiyya tackles poverty, unemployment through agric

THE Ahmadiya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria has acquired over 100,000 hectares of land for agriculture and agro-allied businesses for the benefit of not only members but all Nigerians.

Speaking at the 65th annual convention of the Jama’at held in Ilaro, Ogun State, the Amir (National President), Dr Mashu’ud Fashola, said the aim was to banish poverty and unemployment.

He disclosed that land had been acquired in different parts of the country for the purpose of engaging people in agriculture and related businesses.

According to him, members in each circuit of the organisation had been directed to acquire at least 10,000 hectares of land for agricultural purposes.

“We in Ahmadiyya are ready to address the question of poverty and unemployment not only among our members but Nigerians through agriculture.

“Through agriculture and agro-allied businesses, our graduates would be working and pay their tuition with the aim of making them entrepreneurs. We don’t want to produce cultists. We want them to acquire skills that will make them employers of labour,” Dr Fashola said.

The religious leader, who noted that agriculture was the only way out of the present economic challenges facing the country, disclosed that with international support, many unemployed youths would be engaged in meaningful employment.

He said the farm would also be part of the Jama’at’s university which kicks off next session.

Fashola explained that the students would be engaged in entrepreneurial skills that would make them employers of labour rather than job seekers.

He explained that the students would be studying and engaging in the agro-businesses to enable them pay for tuition.

Delivering the convention lecture with the theme: “Social, Political and Economic Emancipation through Moral Re-orientation,” a tax consultant and Deputy President (South West) of the Jama’at, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Olatoye, urged world leaders to pursue social justice and accountability as critical factors in achieving global peace.