The Plateau State Government has explained why it suspended the provision of traditional Eid-el-fitr rams and gifts this year.

It anchored its reason on the prevailing economic recession in the country.

Governor Simon Lalong, who stated this on Tuesday, added that he planned to resume the practice as soon as “we conquer the financial challenges occasioned by economic recession.”

The governor also said his administration had secured 15 hectares of land as a Muslim cemetery in Babale, in the Jos North Local Government Area.

Lalong made this comment during a courtesy visit to him by the Muslim Ummah in Plateau State, as part of activities marking the celebration of Eid-el-fitr.

He said, “May I also use this medium to continue to plead with you to show understanding with government on the current financial hiccups being experienced.

“The traditional gifts which have not been forthcoming will be addressed soon as we conquer the financial challenges occasioned by economic recession.

“Our pledge to reconsider all these palliatives that we have suspended will take centre stage as our finances improve. Meanwhile, we shall continue to put in place structures that will enhance the economic wellbeing of our people so they can live a meaningful life of economic self-sufficiency.

“The leadership of the Muslim communities in Plateau and the Council of Ulammas have repeatedly reminded government of their need for burial ground, praying ground, the repair of deplorable roads in predominant Muslim neighbourhoods and the encroachment in the Sarduana Memorial College on Zaria Road. I wish to assure you that considerable efforts have been made to address these issues.”

According to him, while efforts were being made to provide the access roads, the Jos South and Barkin Ladi LGAs had completed negotiation for parcels of land in the Dadin Kowa and Kok wards for cemeteries.

“The challenge of finance has hindered the full takeover of the land, but the interest has been secured,” Lalong said.