The Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has disbursed over N294 million to 3,624 beneficiaries across 27 states in the country.
The distribution, which was held at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Ikeja, Lagos, recorded a total of N207,807,592 distributed in zakat to 2,685 beneficiaries in Lagos State last Sunday.
The Lagos event, chaired by Dr. Abdul Adedotun Ibraheem, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), marked the conclusion of this year’s zakat distribution, with different categories of beneficiaries going home with empowerment materials such as tricycles, industrial leather sewing machines, washing machines, chest freezers, and welding equipment, as well as cash for health and education support.
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The Executive Director of the foundation, Sulayman Olagunju, stated that this year’s Zakat distribution commenced on June 23, 2023, to mark the United Nations’ International Widows’ Day, adding that most of the beneficiaries were widows and orphans.
“As we are formally rounding up this year’s zakat distribution ceremony today, it is my pleasure to inform you that we have disbursed zakat in 26 states of the federation in the last couple of months. We are indeed grateful to Allah, who has helped us this far. We are equally appreciative of our zakat payers, who repose their trust in us and have enabled us to serve Allah through their contributions. Your continuous payment of zakat and sadaqat for onward disbursement to the rightful beneficiaries has made the Foundation a household name across the country.
“With your support, we are disbursing a total of N207,807,592 to 2,685 beneficiaries in Lagos State alone today. This will bring our total zakat disbursement this year to N294,680,412 and to 3,624 beneficiaries across 27 states. It will also formally bring this year’s zakat distribution to a close.
“Sectoral analysis of disbursement in Lagos shows that the bulk of the money went into the empowerment of artisans, traders, and small-scale businesses. This figure amounts to over 100 million naira. Ninety-five (95) persons with one ailment or another were provided with funds to take care of themselves. We gave over N13 million in support for house rents, thereby preventing 83 families from being ejected from their homes or rendered homeless. The sum of N4,950,000 was disbursed to settle debts owned by 112 beneficiaries. We offset the school fees of 315 students to the tune of N28,355,650.
“It is heartwarming to let you know that your zakat and other charities donated have been used to restore hope to so many Nigerians by providing economic empowerment tools such as grinding machines, sewing machines, embroidering machines, refrigerators, laptops, printers, motor cycles, tricycles, and a whole lot of other equipment needed for their empowerment. We have equally helped many others regain their health, and they are now living happily without food. Many out-of-school children have returned to school. Their bills are being paid as they are due, without stress. Seven communities were provided with borehole water.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Prof. Tajudeen Olalekan Yusuf, earlier noted that in spite of the challenges of sourcing funds and meeting the requests of applicants while playing the role of intermediary, the foundation has remained committed to this trust consistently over the years.
“Our role as intermediaries between zakat donors and beneficiaries is a very sensitive one and one of trust. Some donors may suddenly shift their patronage away from us due to pressures from other channels, while applicants may not be happy with us for not acceding to all or none of their requests. But over the years, we have remained consistently committed to this trust.
“This accounts for why we have annually held this event to the glory of Allah and the happiness of our stakeholders. We have continuously met the needs of our stakeholders through transparency and accountability,” Prof. Yusuf said.
He thanked Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Abdul Mutallab, Chief Imam of Lagos state, Sheikh (Engr.) Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, including all the Zakat payers and charity donors that have chosen the Foundation as their preferred vehicle to discharge the religious responsibility of taking care of the needy and poor.
