0
0
By Baba Mohammed
Wealthy individuals and stakeholders have been urged to support the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation in its efforts to bring relief to the less privileged in society.
Chief Imam of Sheikh Yusuf Mosque, Gerewu, Ilorin, Imam Khidiru Onagun, gave the admonition on Saturday during the symbolic presentation of the 2026 Zakat disbursement by the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Kwara State Chapter.
Describing Zakat as a serious commandment from Allah that should not be taken lightly, Imam Onagun said the adoption of Islamic principles in its distribution is a viable way to eradicate poverty in society.
The cleric, who spoke extensively on the benefits of paying Zakat, called on stakeholders and organisations to support the foundation’s efforts toward reducing, or achieving, zero poverty.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Engr. Bashir Olalekan, said over ₦20 million was raised as Zakat in 2026, with 84 applicants benefiting.
Engr. Olalekan listed the coverage areas as empowerment, education, health, widows’ support, orphans’ support, among others, and advised beneficiaries not to sell the items but to use them judiciously.
Speaking on building “a future of justice, dignity, and economic power for widows,” the Kwara State Female Coordinator, Hajia Bashirat Abdul-Raheem, noted that the death of a husband often alters a woman’s family structure and social standing.
Hajia Abdul-Raheem stressed the need for stronger enforcement of inheritance laws, accessible legal aid, and policy reforms to safeguard widows’ welfare.
In her remarks, Hajia Ayinke Saka commended the state executive members of the foundation for their work, and advised that gifted items should be engraved next year to prevent beneficiaries from reselling them.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, a graduate of the University of Ilorin, Khalid Odenike and an undergraduate of the institution, Ibrahim Olaosebikan, who received a 3-in-1 printer, CCTV camera, and laptop respectively, appreciated the foundation and promised to use the materials in good faith.
