Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 disbursed the sum of N5,599,000 to 80 beneficiaries in Sokoto state.
The disbursement is the first of its kind by the Foundation in the northwestern state reputed to be the seat of the caliphate, Muslim News findings have revealed.
The beneficiaries included students, sick persons, the poor, debt-ridden people, among others, who need education support, health assistance, economic empowerment, debt relief and accommodation.
Jaiz Foundation had in the last few weeks committed the sum of N21,748,025.25 Zakat fund to support 243 people across states such as Lagos, Ondo and Bauchi.
The disbursement was done in partnership with Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment Commission (SOZECOM) which screened and selected the beneficiaries.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, it was the sum of N7,123,025.65 that was originally earmarked for the zakat disbursement project in Sokoto.
He, however, explained that prior to the ceremonial disbursement, N1,524,025.65 had been expended to 4 persons, inclusive of administrative and logistics arrangements of the management team.
Giving a breakdown of how the remaining N5,599,000 was distributed among the 80 beneficiaries at the ceremony, Imam Shuaib noted that 15 persons were empowered with 15 grinding machines that summed up to N975,000.00.
“Another set of beneficiaries went home with 10 sewing machines put at N750,000.00 while 10 other beneficiaries were empowered with another 10 deep freezers for their various businesses at a total cost of N1,900,000.00. On medical intervention, 41 beneficiaries were supported with N1,724,000.00 while 3 students benefitted from N170,000.00. One person was relieved of a debt burden with N80,000.00.”
The CEO acknowledged Nigerian Muslim individuals and corporate organisations who contributed to the Zakat fund collection.
According to him, “Zakat is a potent and effective Islamic social finance instrument that is capable of eradicating poverty and deprivation in our community. It has been tested, confirmed and trusted as a tool to provide financial inclusion of the unbanked, income redistribution, and closing the gap of inequality among the rank and file of the community.
“Zakat just like Waqf and Sadaqat are Islamic social finance instruments that faith-based Islamic organisations can deploy to mitigate the social problems of the poor and needy in our community. It is important to mention that organisations like SOZECOM and Jaiz foundation have been utilizing these instruments to bring succor to distressed people as well as relief to those in difficulty. In short, these instruments are capable of actualising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Nos. 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender equality), Clean Water and Sanitation) and 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth) among others.”
In his own remarks, the Chairman of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, Mallam Adamu Bello said the foundation is deeply pained and concerned about the plight of the poor, needy and vulnerable living in Nigeria.
“Distinguished brothers and sisters, it is no longer news that the cost of food items, access to quality health services and decent accommodation have become tall dreams for the poor and needy in the country,” he added.
“We believe that true happiness, peace and security will permeate our society only when each and every one of us gives back happiness to others. In order to achieve this, Jaiz Foundation is distributing N7,123,025.65 (Seven Million One Hundred and Twenty-three Thousand Naira and Sixty-five Kobo) to over 80 beneficiaries present here to cushion the effects of the poor economic situation which has compounded the already difficult living conditions of the less privileged and vulnerable persons amongst us.”
He congratulated all the beneficiaries and urged them to make good use of the Zakat funds and items they have received.
While speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman SOZECOM, Mallam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki Sadaukin Sakkwato said the beneficiaries were screened and selected from different districts and requests submitted to the commission for assistance based on the four focus areas of the collaboration.
Mallam Maidoki further noted that in addition to the Zakat fund, 15 grinding machines, 10 each of sewing machines and deep freezers, scholarship to three students, debt payment of one person were provided to the tune of Five Million, Five Hundred and Ninety-nine Thousand naira.
The beneficiaries cut across needy patients requesting general and orthopaedic surgery and orphans and other categories of less privileged in the society.
Mallam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki therefore, on behalf of the people of the state, appreciated Jaiz Foundation for the concern shown to the plight of the beneficiaries of the Zakat and items distributed.
In his speech, His Eminence, the sultan of Sokoto, ably represented by Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu appreciated the gesture and called on the beneficiaries to make best use of it.
Prof Junaidu then assured of His Eminence’s continued support for any move aimed at promoting the wellbeing of the people.
In a vote of thanks, one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Eke Ugochi, a christian lauded SOZECOM for always considering the deserving needy for assistance regardless of their religious affiliations.
Eke assured of proper utilization of the lifeline in order to become financially self-reliant.
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