Alhaji Aliyu Bala-DEDA, Chairman, Katsina Local Government Graveyards Maintenance Committee, has appealed to well-meaning individuals to support graveyard maintenance in the state.
Bala-DEDA made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Katsina.
According to him, the call for assistance is rooted in the observation that graveyards often lack the necessary attention and resources from individuals who can help.
“Graveyards are our permanent homes, but we value our houses more than we value the graveyards.
“Most individuals don’t want to hear about death or graveyard maintenance,” he said.
Bala-DEDA emphasised on the impact of neglecting graveyard maintenance, particularly during the rainy season, while calling for urgent attention on the situation.
He also said that erosion and deterioration of graves not only disrespect the deceased, but also pose security risks and desecration of the resting places.
“That is why we are calling on people to contribute to maintain graves of our brothers and sisters, to guard them against criminals and animals,” Bala-DEDA stressed.
With approximately 27 graveyards in the Katsina metropolis and its environs, requiring maintenance, he said the scale of the task became evident.
Bala-DEDA maintained that essential working tools such as wheelbarrows, shovels, diggers, and other materials were crucial for maintenance.
“Most of these materials are lacking in our graveyards, people bring them from their homes whenever there is need,” he said.
According to him, the committee has an account number, through which individuals can send their contributions, but the responses are not encouraging.
“I can remember when I went to meet someone to solicit assistance, he expressed anger and said all sort of words.
“He refused to give single kobo and after some weeks, we received the news of his death.
“The person was buried in the graveyard he failed to assist, despite the huge wealth he accumulated,” the chairman said.
Bala-DEDA further reminded that the only legacy one could leave to his children is education, urging people to prepare for their life after death through donations. (NAN)