For the past 15 years, the BlackStone Islamic Foundation has been at the forefront of charitable efforts, supporting widows, the needy, the elderly, and the youth.
This year’s Ramadan disbursement, like previous ones, reached an overwhelming number of beneficiaries who needed health, education and economic supports.
The empowerment held on Friday, March 28 at Adeolu Adeosun, Akute, Ogun State during the grand finale of her special iftar highlighted both the impact and growing need for such initiatives in Nigeria’s struggling economy.
Muslim News gathered that the nonprofit organization was founded by Barr. Adam Adedimeji, Chairman of Lawyers in the Media (LIM) and his wife, Hajia Riskiah Adam-Adedimeji, who is a director at the Foundation and a retired Retail and Chartered Banker.
At the special iftar, the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme received cash and items such as grounding machine, hair-dressing equipments, while fasting Muslim faithful went home with a variety of gifts including foodstuff, beverages, and loaves of bread donated by the Eleven Sixteen Limited, apart being offered a sumptuous meal to break their fast.
Economic Challenges Worsen Poverty Despite Charitable Efforts
Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon, shed light on the persistent rise in poverty despite numerous charity programmes.
According to Okanlawon, who served as spokesperson to former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, Nigeria’s economic downturn is part of a global meltdown but is exacerbated by structural issues such as a mono-product economy overly dependent on oil revenue.
“The rate of poverty in the country has sharply increased, mainly due to the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 and its ripple effects on all aspects of the economy.
“Electricity costs, gas prices, transportation, and general goods have all skyrocketed, yet incomes remain stagnant. If a family earning N300,000 before now finds that its purchasing power has dwindled to the equivalent of N100,000, the effects are devastating,” he noted.
Okanlawon, who has been part of the initiative for years, emphasized that while charity programs help alleviate immediate suffering, they cannot eradicate poverty.
“These programs are mere palliatives. They provide temporary relief but do not solve the underlying economic problems. Nevertheless, we must commend those who selflessly give from their little to support the underprivileged.”
A Legacy of Giving
Muslim News’ investigation revealed that Adedimeji’s passion for philanthropy is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Having lived with the late Sheikh Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, the internationally recognised scholar and founder of Markaz Ta’alimul Arobiy Wali Islamiyya in Agege area of Lagos State, he was profoundly influenced by a culture of generosity and education..
“My father, Sheikh Ahmad Mahaly Bukhari Adedimeji Aroworeki was also a renowned scholar and an incredibly generous man. He was a bosom friend of Sheikh Adam. Like his friend, he also founded Markaz Shabaab il-Islam (Islamic Youth Center) in 1962.
“He was the pioneer in modern Arabic schools establishment in the defunct Osun Division of Western Region before the creation of Osun State. He was the Noib ul-Imam, Iwo Central Mosque as at the time of his passing in March 1999 at the age of 84.
“Growing up in such an environment instilled in me the desire to give back to the needy. That’s why, 15 years ago, I founded the BlackStone Foundation with my wife,” he shared.
Uncountable Beneficiaries, Unwavering Commitment
Over the years, the BlackStone Islamic Foundation has reached countless individuals.
“We have lost count of the beneficiaries. So many people have benefitted since we started. Today, we have eight individuals with different financial needs receiving support. We empower small-scale businesses, assist widows, and help those with health challenges. When we started, we had only two beneficiaries; now, the numbers grow each year,” Adedimeji noted.
Despite economic hardships, the foundation continues to expand its reach, supported by like-minded individuals who appreciate and contribute to the initiative. “Alhamdulillah, our efforts keep improving and growing every year. I deeply appreciate everyone who has supported us. May Allah reward them abundantly.”
A Growing Initiative with a Lasting Impact
Also speaking about the empowerment, his wife, Alhaja Riskiah, who is also a Director at the Foundation, expressed a deep fulfillment in seeing the initiative touch more lives annually as it also continuously expanded its reach.
“This year again, we are supporting another set of beneficiaries, especially during Ramadan. Seeing hundreds of people gathered to break their fast and receive support is truly heartwarming,” she said.
She explained the careful selection process used to identify beneficiaries. “We do not personally choose them. Instead, we collaborate with Mosques, Islamic Madrasa, Muslim organizations, and societies in various communities.
“In Lambe, for instance, we worked with the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque to identify and nominate those most in need. Organisations like:
• Rawsheild PR Media, publishers of Muslim News;
• CRYSTAL 4 Ventures, Publishers of Peace (As-Salaam) magazine;
• Zumratu Shuadaahi Alasalatu of Nigeria;
• Olambe Central Mosque;
• NASFAT Olambe branch; help us ensure that our support reaches the right people.
As Nigeria grapples with economic uncertainties, organisations like the BlackStone Foundation serve as a beacon of hope, proving that collective goodwill can create tangible impacts. While charity may not eliminate poverty, it remains a powerful tool for easing suffering and fostering unity in communities.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the economic empowerment and support fund expressed gratitude to BlackStone Foundation for the initiative.
With excitement written all over their faces, the beneficiaries who cut across different categories including the sick, the aged, less privileged persons, widows prayed that Allah will reward the founders abundantly.
They commended BlackStone Islamic Foundation for putting smiles on their faces and for raising their hope.
Presentation of cash and other items to beneficiaries
