Nigeria’s Islamic Council rallies support, donations for Palestinian victims of Israeli oppression

*With prayer, nothing is unachievable, no challenge is unsurmountable – Oloyede

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has once again expressed its solidarity with the Palestinians, who are helpless victims of the persistent Israeli oppression, persecution and massacre.

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja, signed by Professor Is-haq Oloyede, CON, the NSCIA’s Secretary General, and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Wednesday.

According to Oloyede in the statement titled, “PALESTINE: APPEAL FOR DONATIONS”, with reference number: NSCIA/HQ/PRS/054​​​ dated 14th Jumadal Ula 1445 AH equivalent to 28th November 2023, aides were also sought from well-to-do among the over 100 million members of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah in support of the Palestinian people.

The immediate past Registrar/Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) launched the soliciting of donations in the statement urging Muslims to participate.

He quoted references from the Holy Qur’an and traditions of Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to show how Allah would reward whoever would donate cheerfully and sincerely to the humanitarian programme in aid to the Palestians, who, The DEFENDER gathered, are both Muslims and Christians.

“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned. (Al-Baqarah, 2:245)

“The Muslim is a brother to another Muslim. He does not wrong him, nor surrender him. Whoever fulfils the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfil his needs. Whoever relieves a Muslim from distress, Allah will relieve him from distress on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever helps ease one in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for him in this life and the Hereafter.…(Sahih Muslim 2699),” the NSCIA Secretary General quoted.

The Council prayed for divine intervention in aid of the oppressed Palestinians, the statement said.

“Meanwhile, the Council was recently informed about the noble personal efforts of some groups/ individuals in Nigeria to collect donations for the people of Palestine.

“While the Council welcomes the development and appreciates the efforts and the individuals championing them, it has decided that it is better to channel all assistance towards a reliable destination.

“This is to checkmate those who might take undue advantage of the situation to enrich themselves or mismanage the funds.

“It is also to ensure that donors receive their rewards in full through achieving the purpose of their donations.

Means of donation

“Based on the foregoing, for effectiveness and accountability, we urge donors to send their monetary donations to the designated accounts of the Embassy below:

“1. Domiciliary Account (USD)
Name: Embassy of the State of Palestine
Account Number: 2006113227
Bank: First Bank

“2. Naira Account
Name: Embassy of the State of Palestine
Account Number: 2019442840
Bank: First Bank

“Furthermore, assistance in kind (including ideas and suggestions) should be channeled through the Embassy of the State of Palestine, Plot 346, Diplomatic Drive, Behind UN House, Central Business District, Abuja.”

Appreciating media, others

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs thanked the media and some notable persons for their principled positions “since the outbreak of the deadly and devastating war on the besieged Palestinians in Gaza.”

It, however, urged them to still do more on the side of justice for the oppressed in the part of the world.

“We still urge all people of good conscience to continue to speak up in support of humanity and defiance of tyranny and state terrorism.

“All peoples of faith are enjoined to take advantage of this opportunity to give good loans to God to foster the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity. They should also continue to fervently pray to Allah for the liberation of Palestinians from the yoke of their oppressors and the victory of their resistance.

“We believe that with prayers, nothing is unachievable and no challenge is unsurmountable,” the NSCIA said in the Oloyede’s statement.