Zamfara Director of Budget, Hamza Salisu, says there are about 2 million Almajiris in the state.
Salisu spoke on Wednesday in Gusau, at a meeting on Child Development Grant Programme and Strengthening Social Protection System.
The official said available data showed that “there are about two million almajiris across the state which we consider as a big threat to the future development of our dear state”.
Stressing that government has the power to formulate policies to tackle Almajiri issues, he said, “individual levels, groups and associations, must also contribute in sensitising members of the public”.
NAN reports that he urged parents and guardians to take full responsibility of their children to reduce social challenges.
Director Legal Matters, Zamfara House of Assembly, Nasiru Jangebe blamed some Islamic scholars for misinterpreting verses of the Qur’an to defend begging.
Jangebe clarfied that street begging had no relation with acquisition of Qur’anic education, adding that “scholars defending begging in the name of Islam are not teaching the true meaning of the religion”.
On several occasions, the dethroned Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, condemned the Almajiri situation.
He has continued to insist that only free and quality education, as well as good care of the kids, will take them off the streets.
Barely three weeks ago, Sanusi lamented that parents were partly responsible for the menace of children begging for food and alms.
Sanusi warned that beggars would face serious consequences at the end of their lives.
He backed his comment with verses from the Holy Qur’an and Hadith,
“Begging is disallowed in Islam and if you must beg for alms, beg the government not individuals or relatives. It is better for you to cut firewood and sell to earn a living than to beg.
“Those who beg or seek assistance from individuals will be resurrected on the day of judgement without meat/flesh on their faces”, he declared.
