70 Niger indigents lifted with Jaiz Foundation’s N5m zakat disbursement

The Sarkin Fadam Zazzau, Alhaji Musa Sulaiman Ijah (left), with the Chief Executive Officer, Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, Dr Abdullahi Shuaib, presenting a grinding machine to one of the beneficiaries, Asmau Abdulrahman, at the foundation’s zakat distribution ceremony last week in Suleja, Niger State.

THE Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation has disbursed N5 million to 70 beneficiaries in Suleja, Niger State.

Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Dr Abdullahi Shuaib, said at the event last week that the gesture was meant to cushion the effect of poverty in the area.

While thanking the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim, for allowing the foundation to use his palace for the disbursement, Shuaib lamented the increasing level of poverty in the country.

He said: “From the northern region to the southern region, poverty has become a major concern to us at Jaiz Foundation. It is disturbing and appalling to witness the agonies, pains and cries of the poorest-of-the-poor who are unable to put food on the table for their families.

“The deplorable level of deprivation, unfriendly-peoples’ economic policy with its concomitant adverse effects on the real purchasing power of the poor has continued to widen the inequality gap between those who are economically better-off and those who are worse-off.

“In view of this ugly situation, Jaiz Foundation is determined to make life meaningful for the underprivileged in our community. This is a responsibility that requires all hands to be on deck.

“We want to assure you that Jaiz Foundation is committed to lending a helping hand to our people in Suleja and beyond. We are not unaware of the level of deprivation raging our community.”

Shuaib said the beneficiaries went home with various items, including 10 deep freezers, 10 sewing machines and 10 grinding machines.

According to him, some indigent students got funds for their tuition fees and educational materials, while others received funds for health and humanitarian interventions.

He urged the beneficiaries not to take the gesture for granted.

“You should all strive to make the best use of the zakat funds and items so that in the coming days, you too will be in a position to help others in need.

“The foundation will continue to monitor your performances through the evaluation forms that will be administered on you at different times,” he said.

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