The Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation has disbursed N5 million to 70 beneficiaries in Suleja, Niger State.
Muslim News gathered that the Suleja ceremony made it the third disbursement carried out by the foundation in less than a month.
Recall that the foundation kicked off the 2023 zakat distribution in Lagos on Wednesday, June 8, disbursing N15m to 70 beneficiaries; followed by Ogun State where N5m was disbursed to 29 less privileged Muslims.
The Niger event, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, was meant to cushion the effect of poverty in the area.
While thanking the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim, for according the foundation to use his palace for the disbursement, Shuaib lamented the increasing level of poverty in the country.
He said: “From the northern to southern region, poverty has become a major concern to us at Jaiz Foundation. It is disturbing and appalling to witness the agonies, pains and cries of the poorest-of-the-poor who are unable to put food on the table for their families.
“The deplorable level of deprivation, unfriendly peoples’ economic policy with its concomitant adverse effects on the real purchasing power of the poor has continued to widen the inequality gap between those who are economically better-off and those who are worse-off.
“In view of this ugly situation, Jaiz Foundation is determined to make life meaningful to the less privileged in our community. This is a responsibility that requires all hands to be on deck. We want to assure you that Jaiz Foundation is committed to lend a helping hand to our people in Suleja and beyond. We are not unaware of the level of deprivation raging our community.”
Shuaib said the beneficiaries went home with various items which included 10 deep freezers, 10 sewing machines and 10 grinding machines.
According to him, some indigent students got funds for their tuition fees and educational materials, while others received on health and humanitarian interventions.
He urged the beneficiaries not to take this kind gesture for granted.
“You should all strive diligently to make the best use of the zakat funds and items so that in the coming days, you too will be in a position to help others in need. The foundation will continue to monitor your performances through the evaluation forms that will be administered at different intervals,” he said.