… Announces opening of Jaiz Bank in Abeokuta
The Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organisation, last Saturday took its zakat distribution initiative to Ogun state, southwest Nigeria, disbursing a total sum of 5 million naira to 29 beneficiaries.
Muslim News gathered that the disbursement ceremony held at Sa’datul Abadiya Organisation of Nigeria Hall, Leme in Abeokuta, was its first in the Gateway state.
Welcoming guests at the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib announced the disbursement of 5 million naira both in cash and items to 29 beneficiaries, noting the thematic areas for the distribution included economic empowerment, medical, and educational support.
How the proceeds were disbursed
Details of the disbursement indicated that start-up kits were provided for 24 persons. The items which worth four million, four hundred thousand naira comprised 8 sewing machines, 2 industrial machines, 4 grinding machines, 2 deep freezers.
Others were 2 generator sets, a washing machine, a phoenix machine, an overlocking machine, and a handbag sewing machine.
According to the CEO, “The remaining 5 beneficiaries will be assisted with the sum of six hundred thousand naira to cater for their medical and tuition fees in different institutions.”
He clarified that one of the beneficiaries requested to collect his items in Lagos and it was granted.
“He collected all the items and seed capital worth One Million Naira (N1,000,000) at the Zakat distribution ceremony held on Wednesday 7th June, 2023 in Lagos.”
…Announces opening of Jaiz Bank
Dr. Shuaib, who said he was delighted to be in the Gateway state, announced the opening of a Jaiz Bank branch in Abeokuta, the capital city.
According to him, the move would “further deepen our penetration in terms of bringing public good to our people in this space.”
He explained that the Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation was established by Jaiz Bank Plc to alleviate poverty, improve living conditions of the less privileged, facilitate access to qualitative education, medical assistance, as well as provide access to Islamic social finance funds such as zakat, qard al-hassan, sadaqah and waqf among others.
“It is in fulfilment of these mandates that Jaiz Foundation is here in Ogun State to put smiles on the faces of some of our people via the zakat fund collected from individual Muslims in the country,” he added.
... Promises to complement govt efforts
Dr. Shuaib said Jaiz Foundation would continue to complement the efforts of the government with the understanding that they cannot alone respond to all the needs of the people.
“Permit me to avail myself this medium to assure you that Jaiz Foundation understands the tough time everybody is going through, especially the difficulties and hardships the vulnerable, orphans and widows among our people are passing through. Most people in the lower strata of the economy find it practically impossible to make ends meet. Most of them are eating from hand to mouth.
“We are also aware that government alone cannot respond to all the needs of the people but also depend on the goodwill of non-profit organizations to complement their efforts. On the part of the zakat payers, they have played their role as stakeholders. We commend and appreciate their usual patronage. We also pray Allah bless their wealth, families and businesses.
“As a responsive and responsible faith-based organization, we assure our people that Jaiz Foundation will continue to intervene positively within its available resources to reduce income inequality, bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots and reduce poverty to its barest level with a view of giving our people a sense of belonging and fulfilment.”
… Significance of Zakat
Dr. Shuaib also emphasised the significance of zakat in Islam, while thanking the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Alhaji Anifowose Rahman Kewulere, and all other partners.
He tasked the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the zakat funds and items given to them.
“Distinguished brothers and sisters, as you are aware, zakat is the 3rd pillar of Islam and one of the instrumentalities of Islamic social finance used to mitigate the challenge of poverty, income redistribution and human capital development of our people among others. It is instructive to note that Allah commands the collection of zakat from those liable to pay as enshrined in the Qur’an as follows:
“Take compulsory alms from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allah for them. Verily, your invocation is a source of security for them; and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower” Q9:103
“Again, Allah identified deserving recipients of zakat in Qur’an 9 verse 60. Other than the eight categories of recipients highlighted in the aforementioned verse of the Qur’an, zakat is not to be given to anyone else. I therefore congratulate all the selected recipients of today’s zakat while I also implore you to deploy efficiently and effectively the zakat items or funds that will be given to you in order to enable you to achieve your goals in the nearest future.
“Finally, we appreciate the local organising committee chairman of this occasion, Alhaji Anifowose Rahman Kewulere and his team for their prodigious efforts and job well executed. We also convey our appreciation to all our guests, the guest speaker and media partners for your support at all times. I pray Allah reward you all abundantly and grant your heart desires.”
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