The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged those who wish to make donations in cash and kind to the Palestinian cause to do so directly to the country’s Embassy to avoid fraud.
NSCIA stated this on Tuesday in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.
According to the statement, “Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, once again, expresses its solidarity with the Palestinians, who are helpless victims of the persistent Israeli oppression, persecution and massacre. The Council prays for divine intervention in aid of the oppressed Palestinians.
“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.”
The apex Muslim group in Nigeria added that “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
It said further that ” 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.
“The Council uses this medium to appreciate 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. 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.”