Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation empowers 136 widows on International Widows’ Day

One of the leading Zakat agencies in Nigeria, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation on Monday, June 23, 2025, marked the International Widows’ Day by empowering 136 widows from across Nigeria with economic tools and startup capital worth over ₦23 million.

The agency made the presentation to the beneficiaries at an occasion held at Hajj Mabrur Hall, 9A, Fashakin Street, Anthony, Lagos, to create awareness about the challenges widows face, especially with regard to poverty in emerging markets and developing economies.

In his keynote address, Prince Sulaiman Olagunju, Executive Director of the foundation, expressed deep gratitude to Almighty Allah and appreciated all stakeholders for their presence at the event dedicated to honouring the strength and resilience of widows in the society.

“At Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, we understand the challenges that widows face, and we are committed to alleviating their burdens by offering practical, long-term support that promotes dignity and self-reliance,” Prince Olagunju said.

Putting smiles on their faces with economic tools

The Executive Director revealed that a total of 136 widows were initially selected for the programme and were empowered with tools such as sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers, hairdressing kits and business capital, with a total value of 23,405,000 (Twenty-Three Million, Four Hundred and Five Thousand Naira).

“This impactful intervention was fully funded by the zakat contributions received by our foundation this year from kind-hearted individuals and organizations who chose to fulfill their obligation through us,” he stated.

While offering heartfelt prayers for the donors, he said, “We sincerely pray that Allah (SWT) blesses you abundantly, increases your wealth, protects your families, and accepts your giving as an act of worship. Your support has directly touched the lives of 136 families today — and the reward for that lies only with Allah.”

Call for more Muslims to entrust their Zakat with Foundation

Prince Olagunju called on more Muslims to entrust their zakat and sadaqat to the Foundation to enable it continue its transparent, impactful, and sustainable humanitarian work.

“To our dear widows receiving support today, we say: this is not just a gift — it is an opportunity. Use these tools and funds wisely. Be productive, be determined, and know that you are never alone. We stand with you in solidarity and prayer.”

Alhaja Mulikat Abdul Rahman, Assistant Female Coordinator of ZSF for Lagos State, while speaking with Muslim News, shed light on the Foundation’s commitment to widows: “We normally celebrate International Widows’ Day on the 23rd of June. Since we have widows applying for assistance for empowerment, we decided to celebrate the day with them by empowering them.”

She explained that the beneficiaries received a range of items, including deep freezers, sewing machines, grinding machines and cash support.

Advising the beneficiaries

“I want to advise them that whatever they were given today, they should try and utilise them appropriately. They should not go and sell the equipment or lavish the money.”

She recounted past experiences where some beneficiaries sold their empowerment tools because they didn’t get their preferred items.

“I am appealing to those we gave items today that they should use it well, and Allah will bless it for them.”

Reflecting on the organization’s impact, she said: “They have been in existence for over 25 years. I am applauding them that they should continue the good things they are doing because they are really touching the lives of the underprivileged in the country.”

A testimony of hope: Wasiu Sefiyatu Ajoke

Among the beneficiaries was Hajia Wasiu Sefiyatu Ajoke, a visually impaired widow from Iwo, Osun State, who now resides in Mile 12, Lagos.

“I came here to seek financial assistance for my business so that I can feed and take care of my children. I don’t want to beg because it’s against Shariah,” she explained, in an interview with Muslim News.

Sefiyatu shared her life’s ordeal, stating that she woke up one day and discovered she had gone blind. Her condition worsened after her husband’s death in January 2016.

“Before he died, I had a business where I built four houses… I sold all of them because of the eyes. All the shops I rented were taken away since I couldn’t see again.”

Despite her challenges, she maintained a small charcoal business. When she heard about the Foundation’s programme from her community, she applied and was given a deep freezer — a tool she plans to use to sell cold drinks, pure water, and make ice blocks in her shop.

“They didn’t ask for any money. They gave it to me for free. May Allah continue to assist them. May the foundation not go down. May Allah open doors for them, too,” she said with gratitude.

Sefiyatu offered touching prayers for the donors: “May Allah reward them abundantly. I thank Allah, and I thank them. By God’s grace, they won’t lose their job. May their children be blessed. They will never beg to feed. More money, more health, more children for them. May Allah grant them peace of mind. Their secrets will never become open. Help me greet them. They will not lose their spouses.”

She also expressed hope that her daughter, Lateefah, who currently hawks pure water to support the family, will one day find relief from hardship.

“May Allah grant you health and assist your endeavours. The item you received would not cause evil for you. May Allah grant your heart desires and those of your children,” the interviewer prayed in closing.

The event reaffirmed the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation’s mission to lift vulnerable populations through strategic, faith-driven empowerment.

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