• We’re committed to bringing smiles to vulnerable people: Coordinator
The zakat arm of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) named Mission for Education, Social and Health (MESH), for the first time ever, took its intervention to southwest Nigeria, commencing with Ogun State.
Established in 2017, the organ was meant to be the implementing entity of the NSCIA for provision of relief services on education, healthcare, social security and economic empowerment to indigent Muslims and non-Muslims in Nigeria.
Muslim News gathered that no less than 45 indigent persons benefited from MESH’s N6.2m intervention which was also extended to non-Muslims in Ogun State as they smiled home with materials such as sewing machines, freezers, laptops, pepper grinding machines, among others.
The implementation was done in collaboration with the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) under the leadership of its President-General and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
At the disbursement ceremony held over the weekend in Abeokuta, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said education and economic empowerment, two thematic areas of MESH, are key for human capital development.
Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims to always demonstrate empathy to underprivileged
Represented by the former Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Jaiz Foundation and currently, a member of the Board of Trustees of MESH, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, the Sultan noted it was remarkably the first time the intervention is coming to the southwest, after impacting many other states of the country.
“MESH’s mission is to focus on education and social welfare of Nigerians and that’s why we limited this intervention to two thematic areas – economic empowerment and education. We believe that when you educate somebody, you have given them what will make them to navigate their way and when you provide them with necessary equipment, they will be able to manage their affairs better.
“This is the first time we are bringing this public good to our brethren in Ogun State. We have gone around different states across the country and now is our turn in the southwest, particularly Ogun State,” he said.
The Sultan, who also doubles as Chairman, MESH, called on individuals and organisations, including Muslim and non-Muslim, to come together during this difficult time to support the indigents, saying this will reduce security challenges being faced in the country.
“I urge all well-to-do Muslims to always demonstrate empathy to the underprivileged, especially during this hard times that Nigeria is currently going through.
“Organisations, Muslim and non-Muslim, we need to join hands during this hard times to see how we can make life meaningful to those who don’t have. Doing this will reduce insecurity and annihilate banditry. It will bring the secured Nigeria we used to have in the late 70s without fear.”
While appreciating zakat payers and donors of MESH, the Sultan assured them that the funds would be used to impact the lives of indigent persons in the country.
“We have included non-Muslims as part of the beneficiaries because Allah hasn’t forbidden us from extending hands of fellowship to those who haven’t waged war against us on account of our religion or chased us out from our homes. This is why we at MESH do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion and tribe.”
MESH is committed to bringing smiles to the faces of vulnerable people: Coordinator
Earlier in her presentation, Lead Programme Officer, MESH, Hajia Khadijah Oladipupo said 45 people benefited from the intervention with 25 students, 19 artisans and a female who received N1m cheque under WEP programme.
She noted that MESH has supported at least 711 persons in Nigeria since the begining of the year 2024 in key areas like education, health, legal aid to vulnerable inmates, equipment distribution, support for Muslim reverts, among others.
The Lead Programme Officer emphasised that MESH is committed to bringing smiles to the faces of vulnerable people, especially amid the hard times in the country.
“We welcome you all to the second edition of MESH zakat distribution at the State level, as the maiden edition was done in Dutse, Jigawa State. Today 45 people benefited. 25 students, 19 artisans and one person under Women Ease-Up Project (WEP) who benefitted N1m.
“At MESH, we are committed to wiping the tears of the less privileged in our society, especially vulnerable Muslims. We are inspired by the words of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden from the burdens of this world, Allah will relieve him of a burden from the burdens of the day of judgement.”
It’s good initiative undertaken by the apex Nigerian Muslim body: Oba Adetona
In his keynote address, the paramount ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, commended NSCIA for coming up with MESH, noting it is a good initiative undertaken by the apex Nigerian Muslim body.
“MESH and its likes, including Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Ar-Rahman Zakat Foundation and others too numerous to mention, are established towards improving the socio-economic conditions of people,” he said.
“I am aware that regional groups like Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) and Ja’amatul Nasirul Islam have equally taken bold initiatives with a magnificent approach in addressing poverty among the Muslims. All these efforts by individuals and groups go a long way in complementing government’s effort in their various programmes and projects to bring succour to the people.”
Oba Adetona urged wealthy Muslims to be regular in their payment of zakat, noting it’s a source of great blessing.
The monarch also thanked stakeholders who contributed to the success of the intervention in Ogun State, praying Allah to reward them abundantly.
“At this juncture, I implore individual Muslims, organisations and other well-to-do to be conscious of the regular payment and proper distribution of zakat in accordance with the Islamic injunction. Suffice it to note that it is a venerable avenue for seeking great divine blessings and gaining paradise in the Hereafter.
“I want to thank NSCIA, MUSWEN and all those who have contributed to the splendid occasion of today. The zakat payers whose adherents to Allah’s injunction have made the distribution possible deserve our praise and may Allah (SWT) uphold and bless them more.
“My kudos will be incomplete without specially commending Co-MESH; the committee set up for the exercise. The selection process was methodical, systematic and thorough. It explains the quality membership of the committee as they are experts in their respective fields of endeavour. May Allah reward you all. Ogun Co-MESH shall be prepared to give a leeway to other states having been “tested and trusted” by MESH.”
The Awujale was represented by the Vice President-General of OMC (Remo Zone), Prof. Habeeb Oladipo Oduye.
Zakat is fundamental pillar of Islam: Oba Dr. Ola Yusuf
Also speaking, another traditional leader, the Olu of Eleyele Town, Oba Dr. Sultan Ola Yusuf, urged Muslims not to evade zakat payment, noting it is a fundamental pillar of Islam.
The monarch said the entire Muslim community in Ogun State appreciates NSCIA for the intervention.
He also tasked beneficiaries of the economic empowerment to make good use to the zakat funds and items given to them.
“To the beneficiaries, I would like to implore you to make good use of the items provided to you so that you would also be able to give zakat within the next two years of today’s programme. Don’t let the NSCIA and OMC down.
“Let me also appreciate the role of Ogun State Muslim Council Sub-Committee at the state level that worked tirelessly to identify the beneficiaries. I also commend the leadership of Ogun State Muslim Council for the good job they are doing, especially for bringing all Muslims in Ogun State under one umbrella. You have been transparent, honest in the distribution of palliatives that passed through you. Keep it up,” the monarch said.
More beautiful faces at the Zakat disbursement
