Cleric advocates equitable distribution of wealth

EQUITABLE distribution of wealth has been advanced as one of the ways to end social injustice and corruption.

A cleric, Ustaz Abdus-Semih Hamzah, at an empowerment programme of Al-Nusi Imran Foundation, held in Abeokuta, noted that concentration of wealth in the hands of individuals was a cause of insecurity, corruption and social injustice in the country.

The foundation, a non-governmental, non-religious and non-profit organisation, is being promoted by the Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, in memory of his parents.

Quoting from the Holy Qur’an, the cleric explained that it is imperative for well-to-do people in the society to share their wealth with the poor if the world must experience peace.

“The more wealth we acquire, the more the tribulation in this world and hereafter. Wealth accumulation is not encouraged in Islam. Those who accumulate wealth believe that the more their wealth the longer they live.

“When the wealth in concentrated in the hands of a few, there will be corruption, insecurity and social injustice in the land. The world will not experience peace until wealth is equitably distributed,” he said.

Earlier, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the foundation, Alhaji Elias Banmeke, said the quarterly empowerment programme was designed to help the needy.

Banmeke explained that the last edition for 2017 would be held between October and November, noting that 12 persons benefitted from the last exercise held in June.

Sixteen successful applicants were empowered with items ranging from sewing machine, interlocking machine, high tension aluminium ladder, grinding machine and welding machine, while others went away with cheques to boost their businesses.