* Z&S chief urges beneficiaries to make good use of funds
* Ex-NAHCON boss praises Foundation’s transparency
The Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has continued with her humanitarian assistance to the needy with the disbursement of N385,303,007 zakat proceeds to 2,897 beneficiaries across 27 states of Nigeria in 2024.
This was disclosed at the 20th zakat distribution ceremony of the Foundation held on Saturday, September 14, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja.
No less than 1,923 persons benefited from the zakat disbursement exercise in Lagos, where over N233 million was shared with over 50 per cent allocated for economic empowerment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Director of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Prince Sulaiman Olagunju, said their 2024 zakat disbursement exercise began in June with the distribution of N30 million to 300 widows and indigent students.
He also noted that there was 31 per cent increase in this year’s zakat disbursement over last year’s.
“To date, we have disbursed zakat across 27 states in the country to over 2,897 beneficiaries to the tune of N385,303,007 as against N294,680,412 disbursed last year to 3,624 beneficiaries respectively.
“Alhamdulilah, the figure increased by almost N100,000,000, which represents a 31 percent increment in zakat disbursement. The reduction in the number of beneficiaries was not unconnected with the adverse effect of inflation on the purchasing power of the naira,” he said.
Muslim News gathered that the sum of N224,853,483 was shared among 1,900 beneficiaries across the country in the economic empowerment category to enable them start new businesses or expand existing ones.
The medical category also took a chunk of N64,895,655 expended on 124 beneficiaries.
“Alhamdulillah, through this noble charitable deed, we were able to provide access to medical treatments for several less-privileged people who have regained good health while some are still in the process of receiving treatments. We pray Allah grants them speedy recovery,” the Executive Director said.
Prince Olagunju therefore charged the beneficiaries in the economic empowerment category to put the zakat funds to good use in order to be self-reliant in the coming years.
“It is pertinent to admonish the zakat beneficiaries to make the best use of the zakat allocated to them so that in the coming days, they will be self-reliant and financially independent during this harsh and difficult times and beyond.”
According to him, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has disbursed over N3 billion of zakat alongside other charitable funds within the span of 20 years it commenced operations.
This has been given to over 100,000 direct beneficiaries and over 1,000,000 indirect beneficiaries across 27 states of the federation, he added.
Zakat is an obligation upon well-to-do Muslims: Prof Yusuf
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, Board of Directors of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, described the disbursement ceremony as a day of fulfilment that encapsulates the essence of what they stand for as a foundation.
“It is a day when we come together as a community to ensure that the blessings of wealth are shared equitably among those who are less fortunate. The act of giving zakat is not merely a charitable act; it is an obligation upon those of us whom Allah (SWT) has blessed with wealth, to purify our earnings and to help uplift the lives of our brothers and sisters in need.
“The zakat we distribute today is not just a financial support; it is a symbol of hope, a source of relief, and a stepping stone towards a better and more dignified life for our beneficiaries.”
The BoD chairman thanked the donors and other stakeholders who have made the zakat disbursement exercise a success.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the tireless efforts of our Foundation’s staff, volunteers, and partners who have worked diligently to ensure that this distribution is carried out efficiently and fairly. Your dedication and hard work are invaluable to the success of our mission,” he added.
“To our esteemed beneficiaries, we want you to know that you are not alone. The Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation is here to support you, not just today, but in the long journey ahead. We are committed to providing you with the resources and opportunities needed to improve your lives and the lives of your families. We pray that this zakat brings you ease and helps you in your endeavours to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.”
Former NAHCON boss praises Foundation’s transparency, integrity
The Chairman of the occasion, former Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Barr. Zikrullah Hassan commended the Foundation for transparency and integrity in the disbursement of zakat to under-privileged Nigerians.
He said, “For the organisers, this is a very simple evidence of integrity because they are not just doing it but transparent about it. I believe that the organisers should be supported more and by the time we come here next year, they will be doing double of what they are doing to the benefit of the Muslims Ummah.
The former Hajj Boss believes that zakat, which is one of the pillars of Islam can extremely reduce the level of poverty among the the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria if channelled in the right way by administrators.
He described zakat collection and distribution as an amanah (trust), saying that the beneficiaries have a duty to make the best out of the proceeds.
“My main message for the beneficiaries is to remind them that it takes some people to do business and make money and from the proceed of their income, they are able to give zakat.
“They now have a duty to reposition their lives, particularly for those who are into business and when they do that, they will know that they are also meant to be contributing to the future of the zakat constitution.
“They should not see what they benefit today as freebies, which they can sell. This is not a national cake but rather, an amanah (trust). They should utilize appropriately so that they too can become zakat payers in the nearest future,” he added.
I am so happy, grateful to the Foundation: Junaid
Speaking with Muslim News, visually impaired beneficiary; Ahmad Adebowale Junaid expressed appreciation to the Foundation for giving him a deep freezer, which he said will assist his business to grow.
He said, “I sell ice-blocks and drinks. One of the challenges I regularly encountered is poor electricity supply. If they are not cold, nobody will want to buy them. That’s why I applied and after going through screening, I was shortlisted.
“I appreciate Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation. I appreciate them for the good work they are doing and I want to encourage them to continue to keep smile to the face of the needy just like they have been doing for years. May Allah grant them a peaceful part to Al-jannah.
“By this time next year, I should be expecting more profits on the business and also to be able to contribute my quota in order to assist other under-privileged Nigerians to grow their businesses,” he added.
Foundation didn’t discriminate against us: Christiana
Another beneficiary, Benson Christiana, a non-Muslim, thanked the Foundation for extending humanitarian supports to her despite being a Christian.
She said, “I did not know there’s something like this and that Muslims can be this generous, giving out support to a Christian. They did not say because we are not Muslim, they accepted us with lots of love. God’s kindness will always show in everything the organisation does. God will always support the organisation and God will bring helper that will move this Foundation to the best place God wants it to be.”
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