* Renders account of stewardship, says over N500m disbursed to 10,389 beneficiaries in eight years
* Senator Shuaib, Mutallab praise outgoing Jaiz Foundation CEO’s good work, meritorious service
One of Nigeria’s leading zakat institutions, Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation has wrapped-up its 2024 zakat distribution ceremony in Abuja where a whopping N39 million zakat proceeds were disbursed to beneficiaries from the 6 area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Muslim News gathered that the grand finale which took place at the Abuja National Mosque Conference Hall also marked the official exit of Dr. Abdullah Shuaib as the Chief Executive Officer, after eight years of meritorious service in making Jaiz Foundation a leading Islamic charity and development organisation in Nigeria.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including the co-founder of Jaiz, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab and Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly; Chief Imam, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, among others.
While 194 beneficiaries went home with cheques of varying amounts, no less than 37 persons were also presented with zakat items including grinding machines, industrial sewing machines, deep freezers, hair dryers, among others for economic empowerment.
Speaking at the 9th distribution ceremony, Dr. Shuaib said the total sum of zakat distributed for the year 2024 was N70,025,894.39 to 507 beneficiaries.
He explained that previous disbursement ceremonies took place in Katsina and Lagos States in the course of the year.
“Few weeks ago, we disbursed N24,631,451.85 to over 150 beneficiaries in Lagos State and Katsina where items such as industrial sewing machines, sewing machines, laptops, deep freezers and whipping/weaving machines, among others were distributed and cheques were issued to several other beneficiaries,” Dr. Shuaib said.
In the same vein, Muslim News gathered that while the sum of N9,225,804.00 zakat fund was disbursed in Katsina, N15,000,000.00 was distributed among various categories of beneficiaries in Lagos.
Revealing more details about the 2024 zakat disbursement exercise, the CEO noted in a PowerPoint presentation, “The analysis of the data reveals that economic empowerment ranked highest with N36,415,000.00, followed by education with N13,013,454 and humanitarian support as 3rd with N3,740,000.00 among others.
“A cursory look at the data in table 2 in terms of allocation by states vis-a-vis percentage allocation and distribution of zakat in figure 2.1 reveals that the FCT ranked 1st with 230 beneficiaries, which represents 56%, while Lagos State came 2nd with 165 beneficiaries, which represents 21%, and Katsina State ranked 3rd with 112 beneficiaries, representing 13%. The administrative and logistics cost for the three states took 10% of the total zakat allocation.”
Dr. Shuaib stated that Jaiz Foundation would continue to deploy its Islamic social finance instruments to alleviate the hardship of the under privileged Nigerians.
“We will also continue to soothe their pains and provide the enabling environment to accomplish the sustainable development goals of the United Nations such as no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, clean water and sanitation, and decent work and economic growth among others,” he added.
“It is no longer news that the hard times are here again. The resilience of Nigerians is second to none. Permit me to reiterate our commitment to wipe the tears of the less privileged and put smile on their faces. We are inspired by the words of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that ‘Whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden from the burdens of the world, Allah will relieve him of a burden from the burdens on the Day of Judgement. And whoever helps to ease a difficulty in the world, Allah will grant him ease from a difficulty in the world and in the Hereafter’. (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 1930)
“The leadership of Jaiz family is fully aware of the tough time most of our people are going through. Despite our great country having the largest economy and population in Africa, most of our people have limited opportunities. The challenge of weak job creation and entrepreneurial prospects creates little or no space for the 3.5 million Nigerians entering the labour market every year. Unfortunately, this trend has led to the ‘JAPA’ syndrome for many workers in search of better opportunities outside the country. Painfully, our country ranks 7th lowest human capital index in the world and the world’s second largest poor population after India (World Bank, 2024).
“We consistently observe the continuous rise in inequality among our people, the low status of state capacity to deliver dividends of good governance, the low level of service delivery, insecurity, infrastructural deficit, constrain access to electricity no thanks to the astronomical hike in the tariff, continuous rise in inflation with its concomitant hike in the prices of staple food items, Nigerians have never had it as terrible as it is currently. The pains and anguish are enormous. The living standards of our people have fallen sharply so much so that 63 percent of persons living within our country are multidimensional poor (NBS, 2023).”
Gives emotional speech, renders stewardship
In his emotion-laden farewell speech, Dr. Shuaib said he would miss every member of the Jaiz family from a close range, adding that he enjoyed his relationship with the rank and file.
“Today, I stand before you with mixed feelings. On one hand, I am pleased to have worked with the great minds and very important personalities present at this ceremony who have shaped my mentality and disposition positively over the last eight (8) years of working under the leadership of Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Mutallab, CON and Mallam (Dr) Adamu Bello, CFR, both former chairmen of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation respectively.
“On the other hand, as I am about exiting the organisation as a full time employee, I know that I would miss members of the Jaiz family from a close range. There will always be a time to begin a journey and a time to end it. Hence, Allah says, “We will alternate those days among people…” (Q3:140). I have really enjoyed my interactions and relationships with the rank and file of the entire Jaiz family.
“Looking back, I am able to say that we have stood strong together throughout the good times when we laughed together and during the trials and tribulations when we cried together. Our hearts bled profusely when we lost two of our eminent and resourceful members of the Board of Trustees – Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Idoko from Enugu State and Alhaji Abidu Yazid from Katsina State. May Allah’s mercy be upon their souls and may He grant them Jannatul Firdaws.
“We will forever be one big family. I hope and pray that one day, we will look back and just smile by saying Alhamdulillah.”
He passed a vote of confidence in the new leadership of Jaiz Bank PLC, saying they will live beyond the expectations of the shareholders and stakeholders.
Dr. Shuaib also briefly rendered account of his stewardship in the last eight years, disclosing the cumulative zakat collected and distributed since 2016 to date stood at N501,807,897, with a total number of 10,389 beneficiaries.
According to him, zakat collection fluctuated for some years, but witnessed steady increase since 2021, underlining the commitment of the management team to improved productivity and efficiency.
“Further analysis of data as shown in table 3 indicates the trend analysis of zakat amount distributed between 2016 and 2024. The analysis of the data with illustration in figure 3.1 and 3.2 reveals a gradual rise in zakat collection and distribution between 2016 and 2017, then a slight decrease in 2018, and followed by a sharp rise in 2019,” the Jaiz Foundation Chief said in a PowerPoint presentation.
“In the subsequent year 2020, it dropped again and then rose consistently from 2021 to date. Importantly, the improved performance indicates the commitment of the management team to continue to improve its productivity and efficiency, and on the other hand, the confidence reposed in the organization by the zakat payers also contributed to the positive performance achieved. Our quest to deepen the impact of the intervention within the years under review also was responsible for the fluctuation and reduction in the number of beneficiaries.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, data in table 4 reveals the zakat distribution trend analysis in thematic areas in line with the mandate of the organization during the past years. Economic empowerment ranked 1st with a total amount of N196.432 million naira.
“This was followed by education with a total amount of N160.219 million naira, while humanitarian support ranked 3rd with a total amount of N45.908 million naira. Therefore, the cumulative zakat collected and distributed since 2016 to date is N501,807,897 while the total number of beneficiaries is 10,389.
“Other thematic areas include medical which ranked 4th with a total amount of N44.934 million naira, admin/logistics ranked 5th with a total amount of N37.383 million naira while accommodation ranked 6th with a total amount of N9.811 million naira. Also, support for da’awah institutions ranked 7th with a total amount of N5.707 million naira and debt-relief ranked 8th with a total amount of N1.310 million naira.
“Further analysis and illustration in figure 4 depicts that economic empowerment got 39.14%, education was 31.93%, humanitarian support received 9.15%, and admin/logistics took 7.45%. Others include accommodation, which received 1.96%, support for da’awah institutions got 1.14% and debts-relief took 0.28%.
“The synthesis of the aforementioned data reveals that between 2016 and 2024, the three major thematic focuses of the organization are economic empowerment of the poor and needy, educational support for the indigent and orphaned children, and humanitarian intervention for the less privileged, vulnerable and deprived individuals and communities.”
* Senator Shuaib, Mutallab praise outgoing Jaiz Foundation CEO’s good work, meritorious service
In his remark, Senator Shuaib congratulated the outgoing CEO, an associate of over 40 years as a member of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) at university level, for his meritorious service with Jaiz Foundation.
Shuaib, who flew into Abuja from Lagos to attend the event, also praised the founder, Alhaji Mutallab for the foresight to establish the Foundation that provides succour to the poor and less privilege through the institution of Zakat.
According to him, this programme is important and that he had to make time out of his busy schedule at the Senate and other places to be part of the ceremony in Abuja.
He recalled the role played by the late former Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, late Chief Lateef Adegbite, an indigene of Abeokuta in the establishment of Jaiz Bank Plc.
“I used to follow him from one television station to another when Jaiz Bank was about to be established many years ago for the purpose of awareness and I was one of the first shareholders of the bank.
I am associated with any activity or event that is initiated to create relief to humanity, which is what Jaiz stands for. That’s why the Prophet of Allah (SAW) said the best of you are the kind, who brings benefit to others. So, both Jaiz Bank and Jaiz Foundation have brought to life the real essence of our deen,” he noted.
The immediate former President of UNILAG Muslim Alumni (UMA) described zakat as an almost forgotten pillar of Islam, adding that he would eagerly be ready to associate with any organisation that brings this into reality.
“Indeed, the renewed hope agenda cannot afford a better manifestation than the event that we are doing today, because we are touching people directly and therefore I’d like to congratulate Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation for what you are doing today”, he said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Abdul Mutallab hailed Dr Shuaib, who he headhunted, to head Jaiz foundation for his doggedness, emphasizing the positive impact it has on thousands of Nigerians.
He expressed happiness that the foundation has over the years put smile on the faces of the less privileged, urging the beneficiaries to make use of their zakat portion judiciously.
“I pray Allah bless their endeavours so that in the coming years they could be able to extend their support to others struggling at the lowest part of the economic ladder” he added.
Dr. Abdullah Shuaib has been a prominent leader in the Islamic finance industry. He has held several executive roles, including the immediate former CEO of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, before his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation in 2016. He is also reputed to be a multilingual Islamic scholar.
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